Bosch’s New Safety Technology Helps Prevent Skidding, Rollovers and Trailer Sway

Bosch ESP8T Makes World Debut on the 2009 Ford F-150 2009 Ford F-150 Earns 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year and North American Truck of the Year
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Robert Bosch LLC announced it is launching its innovative brake control system, ESP8T, which helps detect and prevent skidding, rollovers and trailer sway in many types of road conditions. The system debuts as standard equipment across the 2009 Ford F-150 lineup, which just earned the prestigious 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year and 2009 North American Truck of the Year. The 2009 Ford F-150 offers the most towing capability and segment-exclusive technologies in its class.

The ESP8T system – the “T” stands for truck – is the basis for Ford’s exclusive AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control), a logical extension of Bosch’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The system helps ensure vehicle stability in large vehicles and is offered standard on most of Ford’s pick-ups, crossovers and sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

“Bosch is committed to providing products that contribute to the overall safety and comfort of drivers of all types of vehicles,” explained Dr. Kay Stepper, director of marketing and product planning, Chassis Systems Controls Division, Robert Bosch LLC. “We are excited to be a part of the launch of the ground breaking Ford F-Series pickup.”

AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle during extreme steering maneuvers by helping to keep the vehicle headed in the driver’s intended direction, even when the vehicle nears or exceeds the limits of road traction. The system combines information from several sensors, including the steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration and yaw rate, to determine when the vehicle begins to lose directional control. When the system senses wheel slip or the loss of traction, it applies braking where needed to keep the truck tracking safely on its intended path.

The Ford-exclusive RSC system uses a second gyroscopic roll rate sensor to accurately measure the vehicle’s roll rate. Using the roll rate sensor, RSC can adapt the level of control to the loading conditions of the vehicle. If an unstable condition is anticipated, the system selectively applies individual brakes and modifies engine power to enhance vehicle roll resistance. Additionally, RSC uses the information from the roll-rate sensor to provide not only roll control, but enhanced side-slip control without a roll-rate sensor.

The system also includes Trailer Sway Control, a system that can help determine if the trailer is swaying and take measures – such as applying precise braking or reduced engine torque – to bring both the vehicle and trailer under control.

In 2007, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) passed legislation making electronic stability control mandatory standard equipment for all vehicles up to 4.5 metric tons beginning with model year 2012 vehicles.

“Industry requirements for safety are becoming more stringent,” said Stepper. “Bosch continues to be an industry leader in bringing innovative safety products to market. We look forward to the future and partnering with automakers to support these standards.”

Bosch also is a supplier of powertrain components for the Ford F-150, including the engine control unit, fuel injectors and oxygen sensors, as well as the internal transmission electronic control module and D26 variable force solenoid for the electronic six-speed automatic with overdrive transmissions.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros (over $63 billion) in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in roughly 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.”

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 70 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $9.5 billion in fiscal 2007. For more information on the company, visit www.boschusa.com.

Ford F-150 NA Truck of the Year 2009 - January 2009