FRANKFORT, Ky. — Determined to push any lingering thoughts of “recession” behind, ArvinMeritor has unveiled an all-new series of durable, trailing-arm air-ride trailer suspensions: the Meritor Trailing-Arm Air (MTA) suspension series.

Coming on the heels of its Meritor 14X tandem drive axle launch at the Mid-America Trucking Show in March, the manufacturer invited both trade media and customers back to Kentucky to get a close-up look at the MTA series, designed for North American truck-trailer operators in vocational markets – including platform, tank, grain, dump, chassis, bulk, specialty, lowboy, livestock and specialty vans. 

The series was revealed in Frankfort, Ky., at the heart of the company’s US trailer products operations, and though the struggles the economic downturn created were discussed by ArvinMeritor executives, the overwhelming sentiment conveyed was one of rejuvenation, renewal and a sense of moving forward.

“We’re standing here because we survived,” said Joe Mejaly, president of aftermarket and trailer for ArvinMeritor, while also mentioning the strides forward the manufacturer has made in other markets such as India, China and South America, post-recession.

And with those strides forward, the MTA series of top-mount and low-mount models completes the company’s line-up of air suspension solutions, according to officials.

The first model of the group to be launched, the MTA23, will have any kinks with customer integration and manufacturing readiness ironed out this summer, with its production launch slated for the fall.

“We are focused on and committed to providing only the highest quality suspensions,” said Craig Frohock, general manager of trailer products for ArvinMeritor. “Over the coming months, we’ll work closely with our customers, our supply chain, and our manufacturing and quality teams to ensure flawless delivery and product performance for our customers.”

The five subsequent models will be unveiled in the last quarter of the year and through summer 2011. 

Officials say the suspension series features three technology advancements with distinct operational benefits.

The first is a patented pivot bushing which is designed to absorb road input resulting in a softer ride, more cargo protection, and reduced torsional stress on the vehicle’s structure. Patented steel interleaf shims in the bushing are designed to provide improved fore-aft stiffness aiding in dynamic axle alignment, better tire wear, and controlled roll steer. 

The second advancement is larger, more robust shock absorbers which have been specifically tuned to Meritor suspensions with three times the damping power over competitors, according to the company. Larger bore design for greater suspension control, and more consistent tire contact with the ground also assist in reducing tire tread wear, improved braking and enhanced handling, ArvinMeritor claims.

Lastly, the series’ products feature a unique, patent-pending axle wrap design for secure and durable axle connection. It also contributes to superior suspension durability, according to company engineers.

The integrated design includes Meritor trailer axles and brakes, and is available with Q Plus cam or air disc brakes, automatic slack adjusters, the SteelLite X30 drum and lightweight hub, and the MTIS (Meritor Tire Inflation System) by PSI.

“This new suspension series provides customers an engineering-proven solution in our suspensions portfolio. Our track record of serving OE and fleet customers with specifications – quality manufacturing – and ‘after the sale’ support is unsurpassed,” said Frohock.  “It’s another way we can help provide our customers with superior suspension technology and reliability.”  

The suspension offers a five-year, 500,000-mile warranty.

“We’ve listened closely to our customers,” said Frohock. “The time is right, the technology is honed and proven, and as our customers consider purchasing and specifying trailers, they must closely consider the Meritor MTA series suspension.”

“The Meritor brand stands for strength and dependability that transcends to the company’s commercial vehicle axles, brakes and suspensions, products which carry some of the toughest loads imaginable on roadways all across North America,” Frohock added.

The company says its district managers located across the Canada and the US will assist fleets and dealers with specifications, technical support, and training and service of the new trailer suspension series. 

For after-the-sale support, officials say the company’s aftermarket business, complete with parts inventory and service specialists in Florence, Ky. and Brampton, Ont., is prepared to supply the aftermarket channels with comprehensive service parts to support the new suspension for minimal downtime and maximum operating time.