The Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program full-stability system with Automatic Traction Control is now standard on the majority of Peterbilt's Class 8 trucks and tractors, including the newly announced 579.


The Bendix Wingman Advance collision mitigation system is now available as an option on Models 579, 587, 386, 384, 382, 389, 367 and 365.

Since Bendix ESP was introduced in early 2005, Bendix has sold more than 175,000 units. The system made standard by Peterbilt includes automatic traction control and enhances vehicle stability both by reducing engine throttle and applying vehicle braking, based on actual vehicle dynamics and driver input.

Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed making full-stability technology, known as electronic stability control, mandatory on heavy trucks and motorcoaches above 26,000 pounds.

While roll-only options function on dry surfaces, full-stability systems such as Bendix ESP recognize and mitigate conditions that could lead to rollover and loss-of-control situations sooner on dry surfaces, as well as in a wider range of driving and road conditions, such as snow and ice. Full-stability systems contain additional sensors, enabling the unit to recognize factors that could lead to truck rollovers and loss of control - often faster than a driver's capability.

Interventions are also different. Full-stability systems rely on automatic brake interventions involving the steer, drive, and trailer axles, whereas roll-only systems typically apply the brakes only on the drive and trailer axles.

Wingman Advanced

Bendix ESP is the foundation for Bendix advanced active safety technologies, such as Bendix Wingman Advanced, which combines both adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation to help drivers mitigate or reduce the intensity of potential rear-end collision situations.

Using a radar sensor mounted to the front of the vehicle, Bendix Wingman Advanced delivers both warnings and active interventions to help drivers potentially avoid rear-end collisions or, at least, help reduce their severity. The system provides following distance and stationary object alerts, which are always available above approximately 10 mph - whether or not cruise control is engaged. When drivers use their cruise control, the adaptive cruise control with braking feature will actively intervene to help them maintain a safe following distance behind a forward vehicle by reducing throttle; engaging the engine retarder; or, if necessary, applying the foundation brakes.

The collision mitigation feature of Bendix Wingman Advanced provides additional braking interventions, delivering up to two-thirds of the vehicle braking power through the steer, drive, and trailer brakes. This "always available" braking feature is ready to assist drivers above about 15 mph - whether or not cruise control is active - by alerting the driver and automatically applying the brakes to help decelerate the vehicle when the system senses a rear-end collision may be imminent. The driver, of course, still maintains control and can add additional braking or steering inputs to help avoid or minimize the collision situation.

A stationary object alert provides audible and visual alerts to the driver when the vehicle is approaching a stationary metallic object, such as a car, steel drum, or other metallic obstruction blocking the lane of travel. The alert gives the driver up to three seconds before a potential impact, helping him or her to respond to the impending threat. The warning is always available above about 10 mph.