WABCO Holdings Inc., a global supplier of technologies that improve the safety, efficiency and connectivity of commercial vehicles, announced the world premiere of OptiFlow AutoTail as part of its showcase of industry-leading aerodynamics technologies at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 from Sept. 22 to 29, 2016, in Hanover, Germany.
OptiFlow AutoTail represents the next generation of WABCO’s OptiFlow Tail, the best performing tail in Europe as validated by fleets. WABCO will also feature its OptiFlow TrailerSkirt for the first time in Europe, following WABCO’s acquisition of Canada-based aerodynamic systems company Laydon Composites Ltd. in April 2016.
WABCO’s OptiFlow AutoTail now features automatic deployment and retraction of aerodynamic tail panels based on driving speed. OptiFlow AutoTail automatically deploys at 75 km/h and closes at 15 km/h, ensuring that the device is consistently used at speeds that maximize aerodynamic fuel savings. Validated by test track performance and fleets, OptiFlow AutoTail delivers fuel savings up to 1.1 liters per 100 km at European highway speeds (85 km/h) and reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 2.8 t per trailer per year.
OptiFlow TrailerSkirt provides a lightweight aerodynamic system available to commercial vehicle fleets in the North American market. OptiFlow TrailerSkirt has demonstrated fuel savings of more than 1.8 liters per 100 km at U.S. highway speeds of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h). Complementing OptiFlow SideWings for the European market, OptiFlow TrailerSkirt features a unique, patented one-bolt mono clamp technology for fast installation as well as material that is lighter and more rigid than most comparable aerodynamic solutions currently available in the North American market.
“By launching OptiFlow AutoTail and introducing OptiFlow TrailerSkirt in Europe, WABCO continues to demonstrate its technology leadership and commitment to improving the efficiency of trailers for manufacturers, fleet operators and transport companies worldwide,” said Christiaan Verschueren, WABCO vice president, Trailer Systems. “We are especially pleased to showcase a Laydon Composites Ltd. product in Europe for the first time since it joined the WABCO family earlier this year, demonstrating at IAA 2016 the global reach of WABCO’s aerodynamic solutions.”
Following WABCO’s acquisition of Laydon Composites Ltd., WABCO’s OptiFlow aerodynamic product portfolio now provides a full range of aerodynamic solutions for commercial vehicles worldwide. Aerodynamic products reduce air drag of heavy-duty trucks and trailers traveling long distances at highway speeds. Thereby, aerodynamic solutions lower vehicle fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. In addition, they help to empower tomorrow’s fleets by improving their operational efficiency and environmental performance.
