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During the past few years, economy of commercial vehicles has increased considerably due to higher engine outputs a+ lower engine speeds together with enhanced fuel economy. However, the average speed of commercial vehicles is not only determined by the speed attainable on level ground and on uphill gradients, but also to a large extent by the speed attainable on downhill gradients, with the latter depending on the available constant braking power. Since the displacement of commercial vehicle engines has not been increased or has even become smaller, their braking power has increased only slightly ot not at all. In order to enhance the overall economy of commercial vehicles, it was therefore necessary to increase the engine braking performance as well since the wheel brakes cannot be used for constant braking and additional systems for continuous operation are very complex.

The development of electronic intelligence and the continually increasing intensive knowledge of driving dynamics make it possible nowadays to conceive intelligent vehicle systems and to make such systems available for series production, which are capable of substantially enhancing the active safety of commercial vehicles. Through the implementation of advanced subsystems, which can be integrated as software packages into the basic electronic braking system, it will be possible to expand the possibilities of introducing assistance systems, which are capable of both, helping and relieving the driver from stress in critical situations. The driver will be relieved of all duties which could divert his attention or cause severe stress. As a consequence, the active safety of commercial vehicles will be considerably increased.