Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems announced that sales of the Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program full-stability system have surpassed 200,000 units, reflecting continued growing support for full-stability technology in the commercial vehicle market.
Bendix introduced its Bendix ESP in early 2005 and said it took six full years to reach 100,000 units sold, and less than two years to double that figure.
“The record sales growth of Bendix ESP demonstrates that fleets, in increasing numbers, recognize the unequaled benefits of full-stability solutions,” said Scott Burkhart, Bendix vice president and general manager, Controls group. “The industry continues to turn to this technology to help mitigate accidents, improve highway safety and deliver maximum return on investment.”
In May, Peterbilt Motors Co. made the Bendix ESP system standard on the majority of its Class 8 trucks and tractors, joining Mack and Volvo in making full stability standard on their highway tractors. Other manufacturers offering Bendix ESP include International, Kenworth and Prevost.
The increasing adoption of Bendix ESP supports the company’s position on the recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notice of proposed rulemaking regarding stability technology on commercial vehicles. If enacted, new NHTSA rules would require full-stability technology, known as electronic stability control (ESC), on truck tractors and certain buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 26,000 pounds.
“Bendix has stated its preference for letting the market decide technology choices,” said Fred Andersky, Bendix director of government and industry affairs. “The pace of Bendix ESP sales reinforces our position that, if a regulation is forthcoming, ESC is the best technology choice. More than any other technology, ESC helps mitigate both rollover and loss-of-control situations.”
