WABCO Holdings Inc. (NYSE: WBC) (www.wabco-auto.com (http://www.wabco-auto.com) ), a global technology leader and tier-one supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, today announced that it will supply advanced air disc braking technology to VALX, a Europe-wide provider of heavy duty trailer axles, through WABCO's joint venture in China with Fuwa, the world's largest manufacturer of commercial trailer axles. It also marks another milestone in WABCO's global expansion.
Dutch company VALX has recently introduced its new range of trailer axles in 19.5- and 22.5-inch wheel sizes for the European market, focusing on high reliability and durability and low cost of ownership for commercial trailer manufacturers and fleet owners.
As of the fourth quarter of 2010, WABCO's majority-owned joint venture with Fuwa is expected to furnish VALX with trailer axles equipped with WABCO's advanced air disc brakes manufactured in Taishan, China. VALX has chosen WABCO's single piston air disc brake technology, featuring the industry's most effective weight-to-performance ratio for heavy duty vehicles. WABCO will also supply its proven range of brake actuators.
"Driven by our uncompromising design approach, our new range of trailer axles is one of the most innovative in the industry," said Mark Engelen, VALX Managing Director. "We have selected world class partners to furnish components that meet the highest quality standards in Europe for both weight and safety, and we value our strategic partnership with Fuwa, which also gives us access to WABCO air disc brakes manufactured in China."
"This major development involving Fuwa in China and VALX in Europe demonstrates further success in WABCO's global expansion as we leverage our supply chain and manufacturing capabilities in China to increase our market share of advanced braking products in Europe," said Jacques Esculier, WABCO Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are proud to serve VALX and support their commitment to innovation and technology leadership while strongly contributing to their growth in all commercial trailer segments across Europe."
About WABCO
WABCO Vehicle Control Systems (NYSE: WBC) is a leading supplier of safety and control systems for commercial vehicles. For over 140 years, WABCO has pioneered breakthrough electronic, mechanical and mechatronic technologies for braking, stability, and transmission automation systems supplied to the world's leading commercial truck, trailer, and bus manufacturers. With sales of $1.5 billion in 2009, WABCO is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. For more information, visit www.wabco-auto.com (http://www.wabco-auto.com/)
