trailer world issue One 2010

Issue One 2010 21 member the introduction of EBS brakes, the transition from the pure pneumatic braking system to an electronically controlled com- pressed air brake meant a revolutionary leap. We will certainly experience that in the future, the difficulty is to predict when. Often it is in new materials, new technolo- gies, or electronics. Completely new ap- proaches make strong progress possible. Of course, we also discuss large steps for the future, and the consequences that these will have for our company. At the same time, I would like to hold up a flag for the trailer manufacturers who have motivated us into taking many large and small steps. Rossenbach: We would wish for a clos- er future collaboration between the trailer and the truck industries. Issues, topics and the need for optimisation are present in abundance. For instance, how will the fu- ture EuroCombi look, how can the differ- ent modes of transport be combined more efficiently. Improved solidarity within the industry could get things done much more quickly, which brings us back to the sub- ject. (wt) so that they remain usable for a specified lifespan. Because our customers have a right to high quality, and we would like to provide the customer with a well-engineered product. Each component must be adapted optimal- ly to the particular use. This guarantees the customer an economical and powerful prod- uct that satisfies his requirements fully. It is about designing the components as exactly as possible for the application they are meant for. In doing this, we run into the problem of the gigantic variety of variants that makes it difficult for us to limit our development to concrete applications. Our goal is to have a box of bricks that allows us to bring all cus- tomer requirements and cost considerations under one umbrella. To achieve this, we use mathematical analysis, and also field trials to achieve results as precise as possible. How could an interested market observer en- visage the commercial vehicle technology of tomorrow? Rossenbach: The aim is to have more op- timised products. We currently achieve a high standard. Our ECO Plus guarantee is valid for 5 years for on-road operation, that means, for instance, our wheel bearing is maintenance- free for 5 years and unlimited kilometres. Up until now, the area of validity for this guar- antee was tied to the national boundaries. From the middle of this year onward, these constraints are being waived, and the ECO Plus guarantee is valid from the Atlantic to the Urals as long as it concerns on-road op- eration. In addition, our products will be in- tegrated much more tightly into the overall logistics. As is already the case, for instance, with our EBS system in which we can store the entire axle documentation. When read- ing the trailer operating data, it is possible to revert to the Internet, and spare parts can be ordered quickly and easily via our platform. In addition, we shall expand this base further so that the customer can operate his trailer more easily, will require less maintenance, and save operating costs in the process. Evolution instead of revolution, would you agree with that in this case? Sager: There will always be revolution- ary steps, as we have seen in the past. Re- InterviewPhotos:Fünf6 »Our EBS sys- tems can be used to store the entire axle docu- mentation« Bernhard Rossenbach

trailer world issue One 2010

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