TROY, Mich. — Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems has been awarded the prestigious 2009 North American Industry Innovation & Advancement of the Year Award in Class 6-8 truck safety systems by Frost & Sullivan.

The joint venture was recognized for its superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance in developing and marketing the OnGuard collision safety system.

According to Frost & Sullivan, the new product represents a significant safety upgrade over competing systems, continuing their tradition of truck safety innovations and industry achievements.

"We are obviously proud of this new safety advancement, the OnGuard collision safety system, and quite gratified to learn that distinguished observers in our commercial vehicle industry feel the same way," stated Jon Morrison, president of Meritor WABCO.

The system — which uses forward-looking radar sensor technology, featuring advanced algorithms, to detect multiple moving and fixed objects at distances up to 500 feet away — is in use today in over 1,400 heavy-duty trucks across North America.

The North American Industry Innovation & Advancement of the Year Award is based on many criteria, including: Technology innovation contrasted against competitors; new product/process introduction; adoption of the technology/process by leading market participants; advancement of the industry through research; ability to conceptualize industry activities while successfully addressing customer needs.