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WABCO Introduces New High and Medium Power Compressors for Electronically Controlled Air Suspension Systems for Passenger Cars and Light Commercial Vehicles

Posted on: Tuesday, 2 December 2008, 06:00 CST

BRUSSELS, December 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- WABCO Holdings Inc. [http://www.wabco-auto.com] (NYSE: WBC), a global technology leader and tier-one supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, introduced its second generation compressor series for electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) [http://www.presseportal.de/link/ecas-engl] systems for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles at the Vehicle Dynamics Expo recently held in Novi, Michigan, USA.

Continuing the company's 20-year track record of innovative air suspension systems for cars and light vehicles, WABCO's new high and medium power compressors enable its ECAS technology to achieve constant vehicle ride height even when fully loaded and various vehicle heights at different speeds, thereby further increasing vehicle safety and enhancing passenger comfort. WABCO's second generation compressor series improves suspension performance, while reducing cost for original equipment manufacturers and making air suspension systems potentially more affordable for end users. The first application is the rear axle air suspension in the new BMW 7 series.

WABCO reports significant market adoption of air suspension systems in luxury cars and sport utility vehicles, while segments such as midsize station wagons, multipurpose vehicles and compact vans represent additional growth opportunities, particularly for rear axle applications on vehicles that carry heavy loads relative to their vehicle weight.

"From 2000 to 2008, the global demand for air suspension systems for passenger cars has nearly tripled and we expect continued growth in this market," said Daniel Samson, WABCO Vice President Car Systems and Products. "In addition, original equipment manufacturers seek to increase fuel efficiency further by introducing the air suspension function, which improves vehicle aerodynamics by appropriately lowering the vehicle body at high speeds."

WABCO has further developed its ECAS technology to integrate an electronic shock absorber control (ESAC) [http://www.presseportal.de/link/esac_engl] system. In this combination, ESAC determines the most effective damping level based on load, road surface, speed, vehicle body movement and lateral acceleration. It improves vehicle stability due to a diminished roll-rate, further increasing driver and load protection.

20 Years of Innovation in Air Suspension Systems

In 1986, WABCO introduced its first ECAS system for passenger cars and today offers a range of air supply modules and electronic control units for passenger car air suspension systems. WABCO's mechatronics enabled air supply module combines compressor, air dryer, air spring valves, relay and the electronic control unit, resulting in an innovative, cost effective and easy-to-install solution. WABCO systems and components are increasingly being installed on passenger cars and light commercial vehicles by major original equipment manufacturers worldwide.

About WABCO

WABCO Vehicle Control Systems is one of the world's leading providers of electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission automation systems for heavy duty commercial vehicles. Customers include the world's leading commercial truck, trailer, and bus manufacturers. Founded in the U.S. in 1869 as Westinghouse Air Brake Company, WABCO was acquired by American Standard in 1968 and spun off in 2007. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, WABCO employs more than 7,700 people in 31 countries worldwide. In 2007, WABCO's total sales were $2.4 billion. WABCO is a publicly traded company and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the stock symbol WBC. Website: http://www.wabco-auto.com

SOURCE WABCO Holdings Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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