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ePaper created 2012-06-20, 16:30:05 | version 1.23.6
BPW gave a convincing demonstration at the IAA Commercial Vehicles with its future-oriented new developments in automotive engineering.
Issue One 2009 25 W hereas the industry had enjoyed a fair wind during the past few years of the financial boom, the run-up to the world’s leading trade show for the transport sector was overshadowed by threatening clouds on the economic horizon. During the ten-day show itself, there was no longer much sign of any reticence on behalf of the clientele. Even if the transport com- panies are facing an uncertain future because of toll increases and transport price erosion: the big transport show in Hanover turned in a brilliant performance with new records set for visitor and ex- hibitor numbers. Sustainability and efficiency The transport industry, vehicle manufacturers and system suppliers presented their high-tech solu- tions promoted by the key topics of environmental protection with al- ternative drives and cost control in road haulage. The range of services spanned the whole gamut from details about saving fuel with new materials and optimised vehicle aerodynamics through to a veritable flood of hybrid prototypes and alternative drive concepts. All inno- vations share a clear objective: reducing running costs and emissions. The catchy slogan of “IQ is blue” reflected the campaign con- ducted in the futuristically designed BPW trade show pavilion in Hall 26. Directly on entering the stand, visitors could see the deep blue painted, intelligent technical solutions for the transport sector. Showing off the new ECO Tronic product range took on an impor- tant role in the IAA presentation. Here the start makes a complete brake system comprising the EBS, a trailer control module, a trailer monitor, corresponding cable kits and a complete pneumatic in- stallation. The introduction of electronically controlled and moni- tored running gear components such as brakes, suspension and pneumatic control has opened up totally new possibilities for ve- hicle operators and for service resources to enable the vehicle to be used intelligently and efficiently. Shorter downtimes because of optimised maintenance procedures and consumption savings for the tractor/trailer combination because of optimised rolling resis- tance values are some of the most important items on the ever more sparsely populated positive side of the balance sheet for transport companies. Improving road safety Safety in road haulage and efficiency in application – this combination is apparent in all trade show innova- tions from the BPW development centre. VDA President Matthias Wissmann came to look around the BPW exhibition area and find out in person about the current status of running gear technology. The former Minister of Transport was clearly impressed by the lat- est innovations in the running gear sector. The VDA Chairman was prompted to praise the ECO Disc brake above all, a product which has been specially developed with a view to the requirements of trailers. The ambitious goal of combining high-technology and ef- ficiency into a coherent running gear system is also something that is understood by the clientele – whether vehicle manufacturers or transport companies – and is being actively implemented in the ve- hicle concepts. (owi) In spite of the financial crisis and gloomy economic fore- casts, the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2008 developed into the leading show carrying the hopes of the transport industry. En route Issue One 2009 25 MEET THE EXPERTS