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Representative vehicle inertial characteristics are important parameters for the development of motor vehicles and the proper operation of on-board systems. The Vehicle Inertia Measurement Facility (VIMF) measures vehicle center of gravity location, principal moments of inertia, and the roll/yaw product of inertia. It is important to understand the VIMF’s accuracy and repeatability, as well as the underlying methodology and assumptions, when performing tests or using the results of the test. This study reports on a repeatability analysis performed at the lower and upper limits of the VIMF. Each test performed is a complete drive-on/drive-off test. The test sequence involves the repeatability evaluation of several different machine configurations. Ten complete tests are performed for each vehicle. To better address the possibility of measurement bias, the design and verification of a calibration fixture for inertial characteristics is presented.

The documented availability of electronic stability control (ESC) systems on passenger vehicles is useful in understanding the integration of ESC technology into the North American automobile market. Unfortunately, the sources that document ESC system availability are not always consistent with each other and many show discrepancies with information from the manufacturers. In this study, the history of the implementation of ESC systems in passenger vehicles is reported based on information combined from several different organizations including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Ward's Auto World, and Consumers Reports. Where discrepancies exist between these different sources of data, clarification was gained through further research of information available from the manufacturer, including corporate press releases, owner manuals, and vehicle brochures.