BPW and KNORR-BREMSE in Strategic Partnership Agreement

BPW, Europes leading manufacturer of trailer axle systems, and KNORR-BREMSE, the leading manufacturer of brake systems for commercial vehicles, have reached agreement on a strategic partnership.

As technology leader in the sector, BPW first introduced its vision of disc brakes for heavy trailers - the electromechanical ECO Dicc Tronic system - to the market at the IAA 2000 Commercial Vehicle Exhibition. This concept of a robust, space and weight-saving brake system is based on the fixed caliper principle and includes the service-friendly ECO principle for disc-braked running gear. In addition, the ECO Disc Tronic system embraces a conceptually new approach for the brake activation system, with an electric motor and electronic motor control unit providing reduced response times and braking distances, as well as computer-assisted brake-pad wear control.

This vision is seen as trendsetting in terms of the integration of disc brakes into future vehicle control and safety concepts in the commercial vehicle sector.
KNORR’s market-leading competence and comprehensive expertise is the sphere of disc brake systems - including the associated electronics - for trucks and trailers complement the wealth of know-how BPW has gathered with its ECO Disc Tronic and wheel-hub systems. The resultant synergy advantages mean that the two companies are on the best possible path towards achieving their common goals.

Combining their competencies to pursue joint development, manufacturing and marketing activities, these two family-run companies aim to offer running gear with integrated disc brake and wheel end systems that are capable of meeting future requirements in international markets.

The two companies have already enjoyed a mutually successful customer-supplier relationship for many years, and this will not only be consolidated and intensified, but now strategically aligned as well. There can be no doubt that the strategic partnership agreement between BPW and KNORR will enhance this reciprocal, long-term association to the benefit of the commercial vehicle industry.