SAE updates trailer towing standard
SAE International has updated its trailer towing standard, J2807 - "Performance Requirements for Determining Tow-Vehicle Gross Combination Weight Rating and Trailer Weight Rating." The guidelines require vehicles to be tested under consistent conditions and parameters, giving consumers accurate information when comparing the trailer-towing capacities of similar models. Updates include revision of standard trailer weight range descriptions and clarification of test setup, ballast procedures, and test requirements in several areas. The standard can be applied to passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 13,000 lb. "We have a great committee with representatives from all over the auto and trailer industries who have put a lot of time and effort into developing standards for trailer weight ratings," said Robert J. Krouse, General Motors North America Trailering Engineer, BFO – Trailering, and SAE Tow Vehicle Trailer Rating Committee Chairman. "I think trailering customers will really benefit from this effort." The standard is available here.
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EU adopts two regulations on truck safety
The European Union in April adopted two regulations designed to enhance the safety of trucks with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3500 kg and buses with more than eight passenger seats, according to InterRegs, an online resource for global vehicle safety and emissions regulations. One specifies the technical requirements and test procedures for advanced emergency braking systems (AEBS) that detect the possibility of a collision with a preceding vehicle; warn the driver by a combination of optical, acoustic, or haptic signals; and if the driver takes no action, automatically apply the vehicle’s brakes. The regulation also specifies two levels of performance to be achieved by AEBS. Fitment of AEBS meeting the "level 1" performance requirements becomes mandatory from Nov. 1, 2013 for new types of vehicles and from Nov. 1, 2015 for all new vehicles. The compliance dates for "level 2" are Nov. 1, 2016 for new types of vehicles and Nov. 1, 2018 for all new vehicles. The other regulation specifies the technical requirements and test procedures for lane departure warning systems (LDWS) that detect unintentional drift of the vehicle out of its travel lane and warn the driver by a combination of optical, acoustic, or haptic signals. Fitment LDWS becomes mandatory from Nov. 15, 2013 for new types of vehicles and from Nov. 1, 2015 for all new vehicles. Both regulations contain a list of specific vehicle types, such as urban buses and off-road vehicles, that are exempt. "New types of vehicles" are models being launched for the first time, and "new vehicles" are new vehicles being registered for the first time.
NHTSA proposes ESC for trucks and buses
NHTSA (U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) on May 16 proposed a rule to require that new large commercial truck tractors and buses be equipped with an electronic stability control (ESC) system. If and when the proposed rule is adopted, the mandate would take effect two years later for all new typical 6 x 4 truck tractors and four years for severe-service tractors and tractors with four or more axles. In justifying the lead times, NHTSA noted that there are only two suppliers of ESC systems for truck tractors and large buses: Bendix and WABCO. It said the current rate of ESC installation on new truck tractors is 18%.
Europe toughens truck cab safety test
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) on Jan. 4 published the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 29 on commercial vehicle cab safety which introduces some significant amendments to the pendulum impact test procedures, according to InterRegs, an online resource for global vehicle safety and emissions regulations. The changes increase the impact energy level for the existing front pendulum impact test from 44 kJ to 55 kJ, specify an additional front pendulum impact test designed to test the cab’s A-pillars, and require that the cab roof be subjected to a lateral pendulum impact prior to the roof crush test being conducted. Compliance with these new requirements becomes mandatory for new types of truck from Jan. 30, 2017.
Takata to purchase defense safety businesses
Takata Corp. recently entered an agreement for the purchase of the BAE Systems Safety Products Inc. and Schroth Safety Products GmbH businesses from BAE Systems for cash consideration of approximately $32 million. The businesses include operations in Pompano Beach, FL, and Arnsberg, Germany, and employ about 150 people who design and manufacture occupant restraints and safety products used across commercial and defense ground and aerospace platforms. The purchase of the Safety Products and Schroth businesses is expected to close during the first quarter of 2012. Takata’s technology portfolio focuses on safety restraint systems, airbags, safety electronics, interior trim, and special fabrics and textile materials.
Military, motorsports industries collaborate to boost military vehicle performance
The Military Vehicle High Performance Capabilities (MVHPC) project, developed by U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) to help bring motorsports industry technologies and capabilities to the military’s wheeled vehicle fleets, is managed by the Institute for Defense and Business and IMSolutions LLC, with help from the Marine Corps Systems Command. The North Carolina Department of Commerce and North Carolina Military Foundation are also part of the collaborative effort. “This project provides a valuable link between two of North Carolina’s biggest industries,” Hagan said in a statement. “The motorsports industry is developing cutting-edge technology that can significantly improve the mobility and safety of our military vehicles.” MVHPC partners will evaluate lessons learned and technological solutions developed by the commercial motorsports industry that are potentially beneficial to the U.S. military for possible integration into military vehicles. Several capability demonstrations have already been held, with more to come, linking military commands with motorsports companies. One goal of these demos is to facilitate interest in the motorsports sector to diversify their business to include military vehicle systems and contracting opportunities.
EU proposes lower vehicle noise limits
The European Commission have recently published a new draft regulation on motor vehicle sound levels, according to InterRegs, an online resource for global vehicle safety and emissions regulations. In addition to limiting noise levels, the proposal would establish a new procedure for measuring noise emissions and new requirements on the minimum sound generated by electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. The reduced noise limits would be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, applicable two years after the publication of the regulation, the noise limits applicable to heavy trucks would be reduced by 1 dB (A) to between 77 and 82 dB (A), dependent on engine power and drive configuration. The noise limits applicable to other types of vehicles would be reduced by 2 dB (A) to between 70 and 79 dB (A), dependent on vehicle type, GVWR, engine power, and drive configuration. In the second phase, applicable five years after the publication, the noise limits would be reduced by a further 2 dB (A) for all vehicle types.
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