LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Trucks, it seems, just keep getting safer. There was more evidence of that at this year’s Mid-America Trucking Show, where Bendix unveiled a new generation of its Bendix Wingman collision mitigation system and announced further penetration of its Bendix ESP full-stability system.

Bendix Wingman Advanced combines adaptive cruise control with braking intervention when required to avoid or lessen the severity of an impending accident. The technology is built upon Bendix’s ESP full-stability system. Perhaps the biggest enhancement to the system is the braking intervention capabilities are “always on.” The first version of Bendix Wingman only offered braking intervention when the vehicle was in cruise control.

“Bendix Wingman Advanced represents another step forward in commercial vehicle safety,” said Fred Andersky, Bendix director of marketing, controls. “Bendix continues to build on its commitment to deliver cost-effective, active safety solutions that can positively impact ROI for fleets. Utilizing Bendix Wingman Advanced may help fleets and their drivers in the new CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability)-driven environment to maintain a strong safety performance and better scores, which, in turn, may help drive revenue, lower costs, and increase profitability.”

Bendix Wingman Advanced features stationary object detection, preventing collisions with metal objects such as stalled cars, appliances or other road hazards. It does not detect wildlife or other non-metallic objects.

The stationary object detection capability issues only a warning – it does not take control of the vehicle.

“Fleets and their drivers tell us this alert is especially helpful,” Andersky said. “We’ve all heard about situations involving trucks and stalled vehicles on the road and the resulting consequences. Stationary object alerts may give the driver a head’s up, enabling him or her to slow, change lanes, steer to avoid – or at least lessen the severity of – a potential collision.”

Bendix also announced its Trailer Remote Diagnostic Unit (TRDU) is now compatible with most trailer ABS systems, including those from competitors. The new capability will help technicians troubleshoot problems on virtually all their equipment.

“The Bendix TRDU has always been a helpful diagnostic tool that allowed technicians to quickly diagnose Bendix trailer ABS problems,” said Andersky. “By expanding the Bendix TRDU to non-Bendix trailer ABS systems, we’re helping increase technician efficiency and on-the-job ease. And we’re helping fleets and owner/operators keep trailers on the road delivering revenue.”

Bendix also announced its full-stability ESP system has seen continued growth. Andersky said the Bendix ESP stability system has reached a market penetration of 13% in Classes 6-8 vehicles in 2010. More than 100,000 units have now been delivered as the stability has burst onto the mainstream.

“2010 was a record-setting year for Bendix ESP in North America,” Andersky said. “Not only did penetration increase, but we had our highest year of unit sales and met a major milestone – exceeding 100,000 Bendix ESP units delivered since its introduction in early 2005.”