WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Freightliner Group showcased the latest developments in heavy-duty truck safety technology at the DaimlerChrysler Innovations Symposium in Washington, D.C. The Freightliner Group, a unit of DaimlerChrysler and the largest manufacturer of heavy-duty (Class 8) trucks in North America, demonstrated advanced systems, including electronic stability control (ESC), electronically-controlled braking systems, radar collision warning with adaptive cruise control, Lane Guidance lane departure warning, and a side visibility camera. Installed on a Freightliner Class 8 demonstration truck, these active safety technologies are designed to help truck drivers safely operate the vehicle and to help avoid heavy-duty truck accidents. “The Freightliner Group has pioneered the implementation of safety technology into North American heavy-duty trucks, and we continue to evaluate advanced systems that demonstrate potential for enhancing commercial vehicle safety,” said Michael von Mayenburg, Freightliner Group senior vice president of Engineering & Technology. “Following DaimlerChrysler’s vision of accident-free driving, the systems and technologies featured at the DaimlerChrysler Innovations Symposium are active safety technologies designed to prevent accidents from happening in the first place.” According to von Mayenburg, technologies showcased at the Innovations Symposium include:
Electronic stability control
Lane guidance
Radar collision warning with adaptive cruise control
Sidetracker video system
In addition, the Freightliner demonstration truck at the Innovations Symposium featured air-disc brakes, anti-lock braking system, driver’s airbag, daytime running lights for better conspicuity in daylight conditions, and anti-spray devices to protect traffic from spray. In addition to enhancing commercial vehicle safety, The Freightliner Group is also committed to reducing the environmental impact of commercial vehicles. The Freightliner demonstration vehicle at the Innovations Symposium featured a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for reducing diesel engine emissions. EGR works by circulating cooled exhaust gas back into the engine air intake. This lowers combustion temperature and reduces the formation of NOx. Heavy-duty vehicles manufactured by The Freightliner Group will feature engines with advanced EGR systems to meet upcoming 2007 EPA requirements.
