ORLANDO, FL – Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems’ OnGuard technology is currently installed on nearly 200 vehicles and is targeted for third quarter 2008 availability as a factory-installed option at several OEM brands, according to www.foxbusiness.com. OnGuard is a forward-looking, radar-based adaptive cruise control system with active braking for commercial vehicles in North America.

New to the North American industry, active braking improves vehicle safety by automatically using the vehicle foundation brakes to alert the driver and decelerate the vehicle when a pre-set vehicle following distance is compromised.

With this new product on the truck, if the pre-determined “safe” distance is compromised, OnGuard will provide visual and audible warning to the driver, vehicle deceleration through engine control, retarder control, and foundation braking. Foundation brake deceleration can be as great as one-third of a full brake application for the vehicle but within safe limits for the driver to take control.

OnGuard also fully integrates with the joint venture’s anti-lock braking and stability control systems.

OnGuard’s forward-looking, mono-pulse radar sensor is capable of detecting multiple moving and fixed objects at distances up to 500 feet away. It coordinates responses from the engine, transmission, and anti-lock braking systems through communications across the SAE J1939 data network. It provides feedback to the driver through the in-cab dash display, which includes a progressive audible alert.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet