Press Releases

SmartBoard data monitoring system nominated for European Road Transport Innovation Award

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – October 16 2007 – WABCO, one of the leading providers of electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission control systems for the commercial vehicle industry, will demonstrate its next generation electronic braking system for trailers (EBS E-Generation), SmartBoard, Expert Diagnostics and Electronic Air Processing Unit (E-APU) at the European Road Transport Show 2007 (Bedrijfsauto RAI) from 25 October – 3 November, 2007 (Stand 8.015, Hall 8).

The multi-functional SmartBoard data monitoring system from WABCO has been nominated for “The European Road Transport Innovation Award 2007”. The jury, which consists of experts from within the transport industry, selected five out of 27 products that were entered for this prestigious industry award. The winner will be announced during the opening ceremony of the tradeshow on October 25. Criteria are innovation, safety, cost saving, sustainability, environmental friendliness, noise reduction and ergonomics.

WABCO in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands WABCO has a production facility in Meppel and a sales office in Rotterdam. WABCO Meppel is specialized in the production of a variety of actuators (Tristop®-cylinders and spring brakes), which are worldwide delivered to commercial vehicle and axle manufacturers and the commercial vehicle aftermarket. The facility today employs 280 people. The WABCO sales office in Rotterdam is a techno-commercial company and serves manufacturing and aftermarket truck, trailer and bus customers in the Netherlands. WABCO Rotterdam offers continuous support through a service network. The company also organizes technical trainings on different levels. A training center with various demonstration models increases the didactical value of our trainings.

Technology highlights featured on the stand will include:

Electronic Braking System for Trailers, E-Generation – Trailer EBS-E offers a high level of integration and paves the way for simplified trailer braking. A new robust connector helps the system withstand the harsh demands of a trailer’s daily life, while fewer components allow for simpler and faster installation. Fleet operators also benefit from improved reliability, enhanced trailer management functions and reduced maintenance costs. Trailer EBS-E is available in two versions – standard and premium – each compatible with an optional Extension Module that provides an integrated overload protection valve and overflow valve.

The system also includes Roll Stability Support (RSS), an advanced Operating Data Recorder (ODR) and, in the premium version, Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS).

SmartBoard can be added to the Trailer EBS modulator to provide the fleet manager or driver with real-time status updates of the braking system and its components. All information on the operating condition of a trailer as recorded by the advanced ODR can be monitored per trip and over the vehicle lifetime. All data is stored with an exact time stamp. The icon-oriented display allows for easy and simple handling. SmartBoard offers nine different languages to display mileage, axle load, lining wear indication, and tire conditions. A warning lamp informs the driver of messages such as a lack of tire pressure or overload. Combined with ECAS, SmartBoard also serves as a control box for lifting and lowering the chassis and the lift axle.

Electronic Air Processing Unit – E-APU is an electronically controlled, multi-function air processing unit consisting of an air dryer, a 5-circuit protection valve with circuit air suspension and two solenoid valves which are controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The modular and compact design of the E-APU allows for easy installation and replacement of selected components. Fleet operators benefit from reduced fuel consumption as the system adapts the air pressure to driving conditions and utilizes vehicle overrun phases.

Expert Diagnostics – Expert Diagnostics is a comprehensive multi-purpose, multi-brand and multi-lingual diagnostic system for commercial vehicle workshops. Designed to create new business opportunities for all workshops, Expert Diagnostics is a generic, affordable, flexible, reliable, and easy-to-use modular solution applicable to multiple brands and systems. Depending on their specific needs, workshops can choose from three Expert Diagnostic model options – from a compact, handheld tester to a complete, premium, stand-alone diagnostics system. The system comes with “workshop-proofed” hardware, the latest software, and comprehensive after-sales services, including training, a multi-lingual WABCO hotline, and on-site assistance.

Please find more information on WABCO products and services on the website: http://www.wabco-auto.com 

About WABCO
WABCO is one of the world's leading providers of electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission control 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 7,000 people in 34 offices and production facilities worldwide. In 2006, WABCO's total sales were $2 billion. WABCO is a publicly traded company and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the stock symbol WBC.
Web site: www.wabco-auto.com.

Media contact:
Tobias Mueller, +49-69-719168-34, tobias.mueller@klenkhoursch.de