AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens VDO Automotive's new
electronic parking brake allows original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
customers to break with the past at the push of a button by eliminating the
conventional vehicle handbrake lever or footpedal. A vehicle's parking brake
now can be engaged or released electronically with a brief push of a button
located on the dashboard or multifunction steering wheel.
"Siemens VDO Automotive has improved the functionality, flexibility and
ease-of-use of the traditional parking brake through intelligent electronics,"
said Director of Chassis Systems Frank Scarchilli. "Our solution utilizes a
compact electric motor to add or release brake cable tension on command or a
rear-wheel mounted electric servomotor can press the brake caliper directly
onto the brake disc."
By creating an intelligent parking brake, Siemens Automotive's electronic
design enables expanded safety and convenience features, such as:
* Automatically activating the brake when the ignition key is removed or
the trunk or hood is opened.
* Preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards when being started on an
incline.
* While in stop-and-go traffic, the car only moves forward when the
driver actually accelerates, eliminating tedious repeated pressing of the
brake pedal.
* In the event of conventional brake system failure, the vehicle can be
brought to a safe, ABS-style stop. In addition, shorter stopping distances
can be achieved, compared to other emergency braking systems.
* Accident injury risk is reduced through the elimination of the
handbrake lever protruding from the transmission tunnel or the parking brake
pedal projecting into the foot compartment.
"The Siemens Automotive electronic parking brake also offers a savings in
maintenance and service costs," said Scarchilli. "The system holds the
parking brake force exerted on the rear brake drum at a constant level,
despite possible loss of brake cable tension, minimizing unnecessary wear."
In addition to safety, convenience, maintenance and service benefits, the
electronic parking brake opens up vehicle interior design possibilities for
the OEM customer.
New space is created on the transmission tunnel and in minivans and sport
utility vehicles, future seats arrangements can be more varied with the
elimination of the handbrake lever.
Siemens VDO Automotive electronic park brake can be seen on the new
generation of BMW 7 Series. By 2005, the company will be supplying this
innovative electronic solution on approximately 10 additional vehicle
applications. Currently, the market volume for electric parking brakes is
expected to reach roughly four million units by 2005.
On Jan. 1, 2002, Siemens Automotive Corp. and VDO North America merged to
form Siemens VDO Automotive in the United States.
Siemens VDO Automotive is one of the world's leading suppliers of
electronics, electrical and mechatronic technologies to the automotive
industry. As a development partner in the automotive industry, the company
manufactures products for powertrain, engine control electronics and fuel
injection technology which improve engine performance and reduce emissions.
The company is a market leader in information and car communication systems
with instrumentation, audio and navigation systems, telematics and multimedia
applications, through to complete cockpits.
Siemens VDO Automotive products for chassis and carbody contribute to
greater vehicle safety and security. These products include ABS and fuel tank
systems and access control systems. A separate Trading/Aftermarket division
markets products for retrofitting in cars and commercial vehicles. The
company was created in April 2001 as a result of the merger between Siemens
Automotive and Mannesmann VDO. Additional information can be found on the
company's web site at http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com .
The company's parent organization, Siemens AG, is headquartered in Berlin
and Munich and is a leading global electronics and engineering company,
employing over 447,000 people in 193 countries, with worldwide sales in excess
of $74 billion in fiscal 2000 (10/1/99 - 9/30/00). The United States is
Siemens' largest market, where it employs over 73,000 and recorded sales of
more than $17 billion in fiscal 2000.
SOURCE Siemens VDO Automotive
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com
CONTACT:
Brad Warner of Siemens VDO Automotive,
+1-248-209-5826, or brad.warner@at.siemens.com
|
