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Meritor WABCO to Offer SafeTraK, Takata’s Lane Departure Warning System in North America
TROY, Mich., (Feb. 16, 2012) – Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems will market and distribute SafeTraK, Takata’s vehicle sensor system which offers Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Driver Alertness Warning features to the North American commercial vehicle industry. The agreement is a result of a newly forged alliance between Meritor WABCO and Takata Corporation’s U.S. subsidiary, TK Holdings Inc.
This vision-based system monitors the road ahead and audibly warns drivers if they unintentionally depart from a lane or the road. The SafeTraK LDW system alerts drivers of weaving, lane drifts or lane changes that occur without a turn-signal application by detecting and classifying lane markers on the road through a fully integrated, compact unit.
The unit is composed of a camera, optics, processor and a power supply that assist in tracking and projecting the lane ahead. Installation and setup is simple. The system automatically calibrates itself using the unit’s integrated diagnostics and can be installed directly on the vehicle’s windshield in less than an hour.
“With more than 800 million miles of proven performance on commercial vehicles, SafeTraK LDW continues to assist in driver safety and awareness across North America,” said Kurt Hall, senior director of Vehicle Dynamics and Controls, Meritor WABCO. “While it is ultimately the driver’s responsibility to make sure that they are alert and engaged, a significant reduction in the number and severity of roadway departure crashes involving commercial vehicles could be achieved simply by alerting distracted or fatigued drivers of unintended lane drifts and changes. As a leader in safety and performance, our company continuously strives to engineer and market the highest-quality, most reliable safety systems. Our alliance with Takata further supports this effort and we’re honored to provide fleets with SafeTraK to deliver advanced driver safety.”
SafeTraK features lane and obstacle detection and warning, drowsy-driver warning, 12- or 24- volt operation and integrated diagnostics. SafeTraK complements Takata’s portfolio of electronic products, including collision sensors, occupant protection systems and other safety-related electronics.
About Takata
Takata Corporation is a global leader in passive and active safety systems. Its customers include nearly every automotive manufacturer and several Tier One suppliers. Its technology features a strong emphasis on safety restraint systems, air bags, safety electronics, interior trim, and special fabrics and textile materials. Takata’s worldwide sales is over $5 billion annually, with the company operating 46 manufacturing locations in 17 countries, and 11 research and development locations on three continents. Takata employs over 35,000 people globally, with more than 18,500 in North America.
About Meritor WABCO
Meritor WABCO is a North American joint venture focused on the development and delivery of proven, integrated safety technology and efficiency components. These include braking systems and controls, active safety systems, and suspension and control systems for commercial vehicles in North America. Two leading global suppliers back Meritor WABCO, each with more than 100-year legacies. Meritor, Inc. (NYSE:MTOR), a supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets, provides the JV the industry’s most extensive service and support network; while WABCO Automotive Control Systems, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of WABCO Holdings, Inc. provides breakthrough technologies and control systems for the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicles. For more information, visit meritorwabco.com.
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