Troy’s Meritor Wabco Aims to Improve Truck Fuel Economy

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Meritor Wabco, a Troy-based company that develops safety technology and components, today introduced new technology aimed at improving vehicle efficiency and fuel savings by up to 1 percent for the Northern American truck market.

The new system, shown today at the 2014 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., combines air dryer technology with electronic fuel-saving software stored in Meritor Wabco’s anti-lock braking system. By replacing the standard mechanical air processing systems used by commercial vehicles, the system delivers higher fuel economy.

“The proprietary’s superbly engineered single electronic control unit integrates Meritor Wabco ’s fuel-saving software with braking, air compression, and air cartridge regeneration,” says Patrick Kealy, director of compression of breaking.

Specifically engineered to the needs of North American vehicle makers and fleets, the System Saver 1200 Plus is already available on four major commercial vehicle brands, and is standard equipment for select models at three OEMs, Kealy says.

The introduction comes on the heels of Meritor Wabco ’s partnership with San Diego-based SmartDrive Systems to create a performance management system that uses video-based analysis to help fleets improve safety and operational efficiency.

The system includes a forward-looking and in-cab camera, which fleet managers have access through either a web-based platform or their smartphones, company officials said.

“By offering video and data analytics, and delivering critical event video content fast, fleets can identify, and significantly reduce potentially dangerous situations,” says Jon Morrison, president and general manager for Meritor Wabco.