15th March 2005 - ArvinMeritor Progresses on Ideal Braking Solutions

Progress In Anticipation of Forthcoming Stopping Regulation Changes

ArvinMeritor, Inc. announced on 14 March 2005, in conjunction with meeting the anticipated federal government-mandated, shortened stopping distance requirements, the company continues to participate in field test studies to develop the best solutions for a variety of vocations.

Per recent communication from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA, Advanced Notification of the regulation change is due out in early Summer 2005.  ArvinMeritor projects the changes will be implemented on a staged basis beginning in 2008.  However, the company feels that it is imperative to assist motor carriers today to prepare them for the imminent changes.

“We believe there are various existing braking product alternatives to meet these projected new requirements set forth by NHTSA,” said Paul Johnston, senior director, North American Foundation Brake Business, ArvinMeritor.  “While some in the industry believe air disc brakes to be the only solution, we have a range of product offerings designed to best meet a motor carrier’s needs.”

The company offers an array of foundation brake packages to meet the expected regulation change and various application requirements.  These packages include:  all-wheel air disc brakes; front air disc brakes combined with rear drum brakes; all-wheel high-performance drum brakes; and all-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.

Beyond the company’s own track and road tests, ArvinMeritor began field testing with various fleets and transportation entities over 18 months ago.  These ongoing tests have included:

The company developed the first internal expanding air actuated foundation brake in 1919.  Additional product developments such as the Q Quick Change™ drum brake in 1977, the Meritor® automatic slack adjuster in 1985, and the ADB1560 air disc brake product in 1981.

Building on a Strong Background

Meritor air drum brakes are the most widely specified and OEM standard foundation brakes in the commercial vehicle industry.  In 2002, the company launched its high-performance     Q Plus™ air drum brake to provide a cost-effective alternative in achieving shorter stopping distances.  It has received positive feedback from fleets currently running the system.  The results are showing improved performance and extended life with no reports of adverse effects such as brake pull or noise.

ArvinMeritor has continued to develop air disc brakes for the global commercial vehicle market.  The DX195 and DX225 disc brakes were introduced in 1994 as a very flexible “installation friendly” package that utilized the state-of-the-art caliper and slide pin systems.  In 1999, the company acquired Lucas Varity Heavy Vehicle Braking Systems.  The combined capabilities have resulted in the introduction of the global EX / ELSA2 air disc brake platform in 2000.  For North America, the EX225 air disc brake has gained wide acceptance at major specialty vehicle OEMs, including a number of fire truck, bus, and coach manufacturers and is currently under evaluation at the major truck and trailer OEMs.

“Our drum brakes and automatic slack adjusters have established themselves as market leaders in a wide variety of applications, and we’ve been committed to provide the commercial vehicle industry with an air disc brake product for 20-plus years,” said Johnston.  “With fleets and OEMs looking for the most viable alternatives to meet the anticipated new stopping requirements, we’re prepared with time-proven products, whichever choices they make.”

ArvinMeritor offers a complete line of foundation braking products, including:  air disc brakes; automatic slack adjusters; standard and high-performance drum brakes; hubs, rotors and drums; and hydraulic disc brakes.

Together with Meritor WABCO, ArvinMeritor was the first supplier to offer a comprehensive package - its Complete Braking System.  This complete offering includes foundation braking components, air compressors, air dryers, hydraulic and pneumatic anti-lock braking systems, brake control valves, electronic braking systems, and stability control systems.

ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier $8 billion global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry.  The company serves light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and related after-markets.  Headquartered in Troy, Mich., ArvinMeritor employs approximately 31,000 people at more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 25 countries.  ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM.  For more information, visit the company’s Web site at: www.arvinmeritor.com

Source: ArvinMeritor Press Release