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The consequent means towards improved enhancement of the safety of commercial vehicles will in future times require more and more electronic intelligence, in case a distinct optimization of the systems will not be possible with conventional means. In forefront, endeavours are aimed at the improvements of the functions of the system in regard to driving safety, as well as driver stress relief at lowest possible costs, in order to increase the total cost effectiveness of commercial vehicles. Starting with currently implemented electronic systems up to systems now under development, a continuous development of standalone electronics up to integrated electronic compounding is the current trend. This trend shows advantages of reduced wiring and the number of sensors while it increases the function at the same time.

The simulation of the driving performance of motor vehicles offers the possibility of analyzing the behavior of new commercial vehicles or new systems to be integrated into the vehicle, already before the stage of the first prototypes. Thus, simulation technology may contribute to shorten the time and costs needed for the development of new vehicles and new vehicle systems. As an example, this contribution describes the simulation of a commercial vehicle with adaptive suspension elements. The simulations were used to coarse-tune the suspension elements before installation and fine-tuning them in a prototype vehicle, and to define and optimize the control strategies of electronically controlled suspension systems. A comparison between the costs of the simulation and estimated costs of corresponding field tests substantiates the economical benefits of the simulation.

During the most recent past, contributions to anti-lock systems have been continuously published reflecting on the multi-functional significance of these systems only in a limited way. It seems essential therefore, to compare the primary criteria of functionality to the costs precisely. The technical solutions carried into effect during the past and the present orientated towards variously different criteria of optimization. The paper illustrates the particularities of the different control systems, like 2-, 4-and 6-channel systems with Individual Control, Select-Low Control or Modified Individual Control. The impact of the various ABS-philosophies on the directional control of heavy commercial vehicles will be analyzed, using driving maneuvers like “straight-ahead braking” or “braking in a turn” on homogeneous and split adhesion road surfaces.