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Jacobs Vehicle Systems has been leading the development of engine braking technology for more than 50 years. In order to meet the need for significantly increased vehicle retarding capability, the company focused on the development of a High Power Density (HPD) braking system. Overall vehicle retarding requirements are continuously increasing due to vehicle changes that improve fuel economy, such as increases in aerodynamic efficiency and decreases in rolling resistance, which in turn, reduce the vehicle's natural retarding. This increase in overall vehicle retarding needs comes at a time when the trend is to operate at lower engine RPM's combined with downsizing of engine displacement to improve fuel economy and reduce CO₂ emissions. The smaller displacement engine will clearly produce less retarding power than the larger engine it is replacing with standard engine braking technology.

The medium and heavy duty commercial vehicle industry continues to evolve globally. In India, market dynamics for commercial vehicle manufacturers are changing quickly. New market entrants as well as a focus on safety, total cost of ownership, and new regulations are forcing the rapid adoption of technologies that have proven important in other global markets. The engine brake is one of these technologies. The engine brake has become a standard in many worldwide markets because of its ability to provide highly safe, efficient and cost effective supplemental retarding in downhill conditions without time or temperature limitations. It addresses the common concern of exceeding the thermal limitations of a loaded vehicle's foundation brakes on a downhill grade, which may significantly reduce the stopping capability of the vehicle and put the driver, truck, load, and other people on the road in significant risk.