International Trucks makes Bendix ABS, valves, air dryers and compressors standard on trucks, tractor and buses

In a long-term agreement with Bendix, Navistar, Inc. has made a range of Bendix products standard on the entire lineup of International Class 5-8 air-braked tractor, truck and bus platforms.

Standard as of June are the Bendix ABS-8 Advanced antilock braking system; Bendix valves; Bendix air dryers; and, on Navistar-branded engines, Bendix air compressors. International Trucks also selected the Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program full-stability system as standard, starting when the first phase of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) new stability mandate takes effect in August 2017.

International Trucks is a subsidiary of Navistar, a strong supporter of Bendix technologies. International Trucks also recently made Bendix’s complete wheel-end package available as an option or standard on a range of its medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Last year, Navistar became the first truck manufacturer to offer Bendix WingmanFusion, Bendix’s flagship driver assistance system. In addition, the Bendix BlindSpotterSide Object Detection System is available, and Bendix control modules are standard.

“When we select technologies for International Trucks, our focus never wavers from our customers and meeting their wide variety of needs," said Jeff Sass, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, International Trucks. "We partner with Bendix because they are equally dedicated to the customer. Bendix is an industry leader for good reason – their products meet the highest standards for performance, safety, and value. Our customers can trust in them, and so can we.”

“Our deep, proven product portfolio and long success in responding to customer needs has positioned us to be a trusted partner to Navistar,” said Scott Burkhart, Bendix vice president – sales, marketing, and business development. “We are honored to serve that role. And we are committed to ensuring that our technologies – from advanced safety to air treatment to charging – continue living up to the trust that customers have been placing in them for decades.”

The Bendix components that are part of the latest long-term agreement with Navistar cover a range of technologies.

The ABS and Stability Solution

Bendix introduced the market’s first antilock braking system (ABS) in the 1970s. The Bendix ABS-8Advanced system provides core antilock braking. It supports ABS-based driver assistance systems such as the Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program full-stability system.

Bendix ESP fully meets the new stability mandate of NHTSA, which in June 2015 published its final rule requiring ESC (Electronic Stability Control) technology – known as full stability – on Class 7 and Class 8 truck tractors and motorcoaches with a gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 26,000 pounds (11,793 kilograms). NHTSA will implement the mandate in three phases starting Aug. 1, 2017, for Class 7 and 8 6x4 tractors – a majority of today’s tractors. International will equip its vehicles with Bendix ESP as standard, timed with the first phase of the mandate.

Bendix ESP serves as the brake system foundation for Bendix advanced driver assistance technologies, including Bendix Wingman Advanced – radar-based collision mitigation technology, and Bendix WingmanFusion.

Introduced in 2005, Bendix ESP topped the 450,000 sales milestone in May, continuing Bendix’s leadership in full-stability technology.

Burkhart emphasized that Bendix safety technologies, such as Bendix ESP, complement safe driving practices. No commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver training. Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times.

Standard Position for Valves, Air Dryers, and Compressors

For valves, Navistar also turned to Bendix, whose cutting-edge valve system is chosen by leading OE manufacturers throughout North America.

Navistar made Bendix air dryers standard as well. Bendix pioneered commercial air dryers more than 40 years ago. As commercial vehicle air braking systems improve and the use of air for non-braking functions grows, Bendix continues to provide industry-leading technology for protecting air systems from contamination, ensuring longevity and performance. The Bendix PuraGuard oil-coalescing cartridge is available for all dryers. Recognizing the importance of oil-coalescing technology in maintaining air systems, Bendix engineered key features into its spin-on PuraGuard cartridge design, placing the oil-coalescing media before the moisture-removing desiccant, and including a patented check valve.

Bendix has led the way in air charging system experience and expertise since its first compressor was installed on a commercial vehicle in 1924. On Navistar-branded engines, Navistar chose Bendix air compressors as standard – the BendixBA-921 for 13-liter engines, and Bendix Tu-Flo for 9- and 10-liter models.

Lighter and more compact to address OE fit constraints, the single cylinder Bendix BA-921 compressor utilizes reed valve technology for improved operating efficiency. It is available for a wide range of build platforms, including specialty vocational applications. It features turbo boost capability of 43.5 psig, high thru-drive capacity of up to 125 foot-pounds, and improved air quality along with faster system recovery. The Bendix Tu-Flo is designed for improved leak elimination, oil-carryover performance, boost capability, and efficiency.

Bendix’s complete lineup of products delivers on safety, reliability, and other areas critical to fleets’ success. By improving vehicle performance and efficiency and providing unparalleled post-sales support, Bendix aims to strengthen returns on investment in equipment and technology, helping fleets and drivers lower their total costs of vehicle ownership, and enhancing roadway safety.