Bendix Advises Fleet/Dealer Collaboration to Ensure Optimized Vehicle Spec for the Job
ELYRIA, Ohio – Oct. 30, 2019 – The most advanced generation of Bendix® Wingman® Fusion™, Bendix’s flagship camera- and radar-based collision mitigation technology, will be widely available from most major North American commercial vehicle manufacturers, offering a range of advanced driver assistance capabilities in both standard and optional positions. With differing enhanced feature sets and rollout schedules elected by each of the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Bendix recommends fleets confirm availability with their dealers to ensure the correct vehicle is spec’d for the job.
Bendix launched North America’s first deeply integrated radar-and-camera advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) in 2015 and introduced the newly expanded feature set – including enhanced collision mitigation and new braking capabilities – in September 2018.
“Because of Fusion’s design and software flexibility, in addition to its newest substantial feature set, you’ll find OEMs offering it with a variety of feature combinations that can differ by make and model,” said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions – Controls Group. “Fusion’s capabilities across vehicle applications and in meeting various fleet needs mean it’s well-suited both for helping improve roadway safety today and continuing to build a stronger foundation for tomorrow’s technologies.”
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is the North American leader in the development and manufacture of advanced driver assistance technologies, air management, and effective integrated braking solutions for commercial vehicles.
Leading-Edge Features
Bendix® Wingman® Fusion™ gathers input through radar, video, and the vehicle’s braking system, using sensors that are working together and not just in parallel, then combining and cross-checking the information to create a detailed and accurate data picture. This enables Fusion to deliver enhanced rear-end collision mitigation and stationary vehicle braking, along with multilane automatic emergency braking, highway departure braking, ACB (Active Cruise with Braking) Stop & Driver Go™, and ACB Auto-Resume™.
Additionally, Fusion can provide full braking power on the tractor when needed, which – combined with earlier object detection – can help reduce a vehicle’s speed by as much as 50 miles per hour when detecting stationary or slower-moving vehicles.
With Fusion’s multilane automatic emergency braking feature, the system will continue applying the brakes if the driver changes lanes and if the new lane is also blocked on a highway. Its highway departure braking capability builds on the system’s existing lane departure warning technology to alert the driver and, if necessary, apply the brakes to slow and further alert the driver if the system determines the vehicle has left the roadway unintentionally. Additionally, all the new Wingman Fusion system features include data capture capability.
Fusion can also reengage cruise control after braking the vehicle above a certain speed threshold, so a driver won’t have to resume cruise if the system brakes and certain parameters are met. In addition, the system includes a low-speed approach to adaptive cruise control for traffic situations. Offering additional convenience, it allows the driver to resume cruise control after braking to a stop without the need to push the resume switch: If the driver presses throttle, the vehicle will resume the vehicle set speed while maintaining a gap with the forward vehicle.
Thomas noted that the current generation of Fusion will also soon support Lane Keeping Assist technology, providing steering assist – upon detection of the vehicle drifting from its lane – to pull the vehicle back into line, plus simultaneously providing haptic driver alerts. Through the integration of Bendix steering technology and advanced lane keeping algorithms, Bendix can assist OEMs in achieving Level 2 automated driving. He advised that more information about this upcoming highly capable, flexible steering functionality is forthcoming.
Other Fusion capabilities include stationary object alerts, overspeed alerts and intervention, and lane departure warning – all while prioritizing alerts to help reduce driver distraction. And because it is built on the Bendix® ESP® Electronic Stability Program full-stability system, Bendix® Wingman® Fusion™ also helps drivers avoid additional crash situations, including rollovers and loss-of-control. Event-based data – including video – can be wirelessly transmitted for driver coaching and analysis by fleet safety personnel.
The forward-facing camera of Bendix Wingman Fusion is powered by the Mobileye® System-on-Chip EyeQ® processor with state-of-the-art vision algorithms.
Integrate Fusion with SafetyDirect® for More Actionable Information
SafetyDirect® by Bendix CVS provides an end-to-end safety enhancement solution. The user-friendly web portal – a valuable option for fleets – wirelessly transmits real-time driver performance data, videos, and event-based information for back office analysis. It’s an essential, customizable tool that delivers actionable information that can help further improve fleet and driver safety, and accelerate return on investment.
Data from Fusion’s brake sensors, camera, and radar provides real-time knowledge and insight about fleet vehicles and surroundings while on the road. The SafetyDirect web portal captures that data. Then, using a fleet’s telematics system, it automatically transmits driver performance and event-based information – including video – to the back office.
The Right Specs for the Right Job
“Since launching the original Wingman more than 10 years ago, we’ve consistently developed and pushed its capabilities into new territories in pursuit of safer vehicles and highways,” Thomas said. “Components and features that were once revolutionary are now standard, proven, and serve as the foundation for more highly automated driving.
“As we continue to expand Wingman Fusion’s capabilities, it’s increasingly important for fleets and owner-operators to work closely with dealers and manufacturers to determine the specific features available on individual makes and models and their capabilities, with the goal of spec’ing the right vehicle for the job. Along with our valued industry partners, Bendix continues shaping tomorrow’s transportation, together.”
No matter the truck or application, Bendix emphasizes that commercially available technologies, like Wingman Fusion, are meant to complement safe driving practices by skilled, alert drivers, and are not intended to encourage or enable aggressive driving. Responsibility for the safe operation of a vehicle equipped with a driver assistance system remains with the driver at all times, and there is no substitute for comprehensive, proactive driver training programs.
Through its ever-growing portfolio of safety technologies, Bendix delivers on areas crucial to the success of fleets and owner-operators: safety, reliability, lower total cost of ownership, and vehicle performance and efficiency. Bendix backs its systems and components with unparalleled post-sales support, aiming to strengthen return on investment in equipment that improves commercial vehicle safety and makes North America’s roads safer for all who share them.
About Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, develops and supplies leading-edge active safety technologies, energy management solutions, and air brake charging and control systems and components under the Bendix® brand name for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles throughout North America. An industry pioneer, employing more than 3,200 people, Bendix is driven to deliver solutions for improved vehicle safety, performance, and overall operating cost. Contact us at
1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) or visit bendix.com. Stay connected and informed through Bendix expert podcasts, blog posts, videos, and other resources at knowledge-dock.com. Follow Bendix on Twitter at twitter.com/Bendix_CVS. Log on and learn from the Bendix experts at brake-school.com. And to learn more about career opportunities at Bendix, visit bendix.com/careers.