21st March 2007 - Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake Introduces Lightweight Package of its Air Disc Brake Product

Peterbilt First to Add As Option on New Truck Builds

Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC, a wheel-end joint venture between Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Dana Corporation, announced today the launch of a lightweight package of its Bendix ® ADB22X ™ air disc brake product.

Peterbilt Motors Company has added the technology as an option on new on-highway truck builds, effective April 2. This lightweight air disc brake package features an aluminum hub and splined disc assembly that reduces total wheel-end weight, greatly reduces rotor dynamic stresses, provides improved thermal balance, and offers longer brake life.

The aluminum splined disc can save as much as 240 pounds (total) compared with drum brake configurations on a typical 6x4 tractor and offers savings of 209 pounds (total) compared with other air disc brakes, which use an iron hub and conventional rotor, on the same  typical tractor configuration.

In addition to weight savings, the lightweight Bendix ADB22X air disc brake package, manufactured using proven Bendix rotor metallurgy and friction formulations, adds longevity to the brake components while maintaining the performance and peace of mind that comes with using Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes.

“This product enhancement demonstrates a significant breakthrough in air disc brake technology,” said Alf Siebke, Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake product line director – air disc brakes. “It also signifies our growth as a company and our continued efforts to be a leader in foundation brake innovation and technology.”

The Bendix ® ADB22X ™ model is built on proven, high-volume technology from the Knorr-Bremse Group, European affiliate for Bendix. Knorr-Bremse, the world’s leader in rail and commercial vehicle braking, has been serving the needs of global customers since the early 1990s. Extensive air disc brake product testing has proven it to provide stopping distances comfortably within the range of NHTSA’s proposed 20-30 percent reduction; virtually eliminate brake fade with no degradation of stopping power; enable a passenger car-like feel; and permit straight, stable stops due to high brake efficiency and low hysteresis. Bendix ® brand air disc brakes are compatible in a variety of combinations with North American tractor and trailer air drum foundation brakes.

About Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC

Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC combines and expands the complementary wheel-end foundation brake technologies of two global leaders – Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Dana Corporation. The joint venture, formed in July 2004, is a single, complete source for OEM brake system design, manufacturing, hardware, and support for all pneumatic foundation brake components and actuation systems, as well as all-makes coverage of nearly 50,000 medium- and heavy-duty hydraulic brake aftermarket parts. Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, with engineering operations in both Elyria and Kalamazoo, Mich. For more information, call 1-866-610-9709 or visit www.foundationbrakes.com.

Source: Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake Press Release