Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems, the joint venture between ArvinMeritor and WABCO, has expanded its commercial vehicle brake products portfolio, adding air disc brakes from both partner companies.

The joint venture now offers WABCO's new generation, lightweight single piston air disc brake. This brake's technology offers end-users increased payload potential, easier maintenance and reduced operating costs for a broad range of heavy-duty vehicles.
In addition, Meritor WABCO will offer the Meritor brand EX225 air disc brake family, designed for severe service conditions. Effective immediately, the expanded product portfolio enables customers to select from a complete braking system, incorporating ABS, stability control systems, air dryers, compressors, and now air disc brakes.
"Customers will now have access to a comprehensive selection of the latest technology in braking systems for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and bus applications," said Jon Morrison, general manager of Meritor WABCO.
This first step bolsters the joint venture's ability to lead the market's transition to disc brakes in preparation for the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) shorter stopping distance regulations. Recently, air disc brakes have been gaining strength in specialty applications like bus and coach, fire truck, as well as initial usage in refuse and bulk-hazardous haulers. Both WABCO and ArvinMeritor expect air disc brakes to grow gradually in linehaul and trailer applications and reach a significant share of the market by 2010.