Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems purchases technologies from Iteris

Oct. 1, 2011
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, has finalized its purchase of select assets including SafetyDirect and the

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, has finalized its purchase of select assets — including SafetyDirect and the AutoVue lane departure warning system — from Iteris Inc.

The transaction immediately incorporates the technologies and associated research, development, sales, and service operations into the electronics business units at Bendix and Knorr-Bremse. The products join other safety technologies such as the Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program, Wingman Advanced — A Collision Mitigation Technology, and SmarTire tire pressure monitoring system.

In connection with the transaction, Bendix has initiated a short-term manufacturing and distribution agreement with Iteris to ensure uninterrupted product availability and service during the transition period.

AutoVue alerts truck drivers if they inadvertently drift out of their lane. The system contains a camera that tracks visible lane markings and continually detects when the vehicle begins to drift into an unintended lane change. When this occurs, the unit automatically emits a distinctive rumble strip or other audible warning sound, alerting the driver.

SafetyDirect is a web portal that lets fleet owners analyze safety information that is wirelessly transmitted — in real time — from their vehicles via fleet communication systems. The system can provide an immediate warning to fleet operators if their drivers are having difficulty staying in their lanes; often a first indicator of driver drowsiness or other problems.

Bendix will add information from the SmarTire tire pressure monitoring system, along with the Wingman Advanced and ESP systems.