electronically controlled air suspension systems (ECAS)

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM AND LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, Mar 20, 2013 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- WABCO Holdings Inc. /quotes/zigman/476020/delayed/quotes/nls/wbc WBC +0.78% , (www.wabco-auto.com) a global technology leader and tier-one supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, will feature its breakthrough electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) technology at the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky. WABCO's ECAS is an enabler technology that supports fleets to transition from 6x4 to 6x2 configurations by significantly improving the traction performance of 6x2 trucks on low friction surfaces and by reducing tire wear through its "intelligent load transfer" functionality. An independent report published by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) in November 2010 confirmed that a 6x2 truck configuration increases fuel economy up to 6 percent and achieves weight savings up to 400 pounds (181 kilograms). WABCO's latest ECAS technology also delivers optimal ride performance together with additional innovative features such as lift axle control, speed-activated driveline protection and weight transfer overload protection. In North America, WABCO's ECAS technology is distributed and supported for both original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket retro-fit through the company's joint venture, Meritor WABCO. Recently, Meritor WABCO and Meritor won two prestigious North American industry awards that recognize the benefits of WABCO ECAS technology integrated with Meritor's FUELite(TM) tandem axle. Heavy Duty Trucking magazine included these innovative technologies in its list of "Top 20 Products of 2013" recognizing their significant benefits for fleets seeking increased payload and fuel efficiency. Additionally, the Truck Writers of North America Association, a trade body of commercial vehicle journalists, granted their Technical Achievement Award for ECAS in combination with FUELite in recognition of the weight savings, increased fuel efficiency and improved traction control for rear axle applications that these combined technologies bring to 6x2 configurations. "We are proud to showcase this latest generation of award-winning ECAS technology at MATS 2013, adding to WABCO's record of more than 25 years of technology leadership in ECAS systems," said Bodo Klein, WABCO Vice President, Vehicle Dynamics and Control Systems. "WABCO remains committed to meeting the increasing requirements of truck and bus makers in North America, and internationally, as we pioneer technologies that improve vehicle safety and driver effectiveness, while boosting fuel efficiency." Since WABCO introduced the industry's first ECAS technology in 1986, the company has sold more than 3.5 million systems worldwide. To date, customers have driven collectively more than 3 billion miles (4.8 billion km) on vehicles equipped with WABCO's ECAS technology. WABCO and Meritor WABCO at MATS 2013 in Booth 34455 in the South Wing Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Kentucky, March 21 to 23, 2013 WABCO and Meritor WABCO will host the following events at MATS 2013