WABCO Expands Global Testing Capabilities

Sept. 29, 2008
WABCO Holdings Inc. yesterday opened the vehicle dynamics extension of its existing test track located in Jeversen, Germany

WABCO Holdings Inc. yesterday opened the vehicle dynamics extension of its existing test track located in Jeversen, Germany.

An investment of approximately $4.6 million, WABCO’s test track extension provides safe and efficient capabilities for dynamic and stability testing on trucks, truck/trailer combinations and buses at high speeds, offering optimum development conditions for the company’s stability control systems such as electronic braking systems (EBS), roll stability support (RSS) and electronic stability control (ESC).

The European Union will mandate ESC technology for new heavy class commercial vehicles starting in 2012, resulting in a sharp increase in the number of tests to be conducted at WABCO’s proving ground in Germany, as ESC systems need to be adapted and certified for different ranges of commercial vehicle models.

“Our test track extension in Germany enables a significantly accelerated process for development and certification of new stability control systems in partnership with our customers ahead of market introduction,” said Kurt Lehmann, WABCO Vice President, Product Development. “Inaugurating this new facility further marks our technology leadership and strongly supports our growth as we continue to outpace the commercial vehicle industry.”

“Ongoing vehicle testing throughout the product development process, from the first prototype to the start of series production, is indispensable for achieving excellent system quality,” said Christian Wiehen, WABCO Chief Technology Officer. “In anticipation of regulatory requirements, our extended test facilities in Germany allow faster certification of new systems, as part of our worldwide partnership with customers to validate their leading-edge products while shortening their time to market.”

WABCO is the only commercial vehicle industry supplier that operates three exclusive test tracks. Besides its facilities in Jeversen, Germany, WABCO has test tracks in Rovaniemi, Finland, at the Arctic Circle, since 1988, and in Chennai, India, opened in 2001. Consistent with WABCO’s global approach to further improve road safety, the company’s three proving grounds allow testing on a variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions, from subfreezing arctic temperatures to extreme heat.

View more Aftermarket Parts news from Trailer/Body Builders.