Kenworth adds Bendix Wingman on two Class 8 models

March 15, 2016

Driver assistance system available on T680 and T880 models

Bendix Wingman Fusion is now available as a factory-installed option on Kenworth Truck Company T680 and T880 Class 8 trucks.Launched in 2015, the Bendix Wingman Fusion system integrates a suite of Bendix safety technologies – radar, camera, the vehicle’s brake system, and SafetyDirect by Bendix CVS – into a comprehensive driver assistance system, the company said.“We know how strongly Kenworth is committed to equipping fleets and owner-operators with the safest vehicles available, and we are proud to support their efforts with today’s most advanced technologies,” said Scott Burkhart, Bendix vice president – sales, marketing, and business development. “Systems like our Wingman Fusion help the men and women behind the wheel to be safer and contribute to safer highways for everyone.”Built on the Bendix ESP full-stability program, Wingman Fusion offers collision mitigation, lane departure warning, stationary vehicle braking, and overspeed alert and action. According to the company, by gathering input through radar, video, and the vehicle’s brakes, the Bendix Wingman Fusion driver assistance system creates a detailed and accurate data picture using deep, multisystem integration. The system’s camera is powered by the Mobileye System-on-Chip EyeQ processor. “This system is designed to help drivers keep their trips safe and uneventful, and do it with minimal interference,” said Jason Skoog, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “Bendix Wingman Fusion can help drivers maintain safe distances, mitigate collisions with other motorists who change lanes suddenly, and safely operate in rapidly changing and difficult-to-see conditions like snow, rain, fog, dust, or smoke.”Kenworth has offered Bendix Wingman Advanced – A Collision Mitigation Technology as an option on several Class 8 models since 2012.“Bendix safety technologies complement safe driving practices and are not intended to enable or encourage aggressive driving,” the company explained. “No commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver training. Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times.”