Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC marks its 75th anniversary this year; German parent Knorr-Bremse AG celebrates its centennial as well. This timeline highlights accomplishments from both companies:
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1905 — Georg Knorr founds Knorr-Bremse GmbH in Berlin, Germany.
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1922 — Knorr-Bremse begins development of pneumatic brake system for commercial vehicles.
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1923 — Knorr-Bremse begins production of air brake systems for commercial vehicles in Europe.
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1930 — Bendix-Westinghouse Automotive Air Brake Company is established, with company headquarters in Wilmerding PA.
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1934 — Bendix-Westinghouse takes its automotive air brake worldwide, establishing licensing agreements in France, Germany, Italy, and England.
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1941 — Bendix-Westinghouse establishes new headquarters in Elyria OH.
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1949 — Air brakes become standard on all heavy-duty trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, firetrucks, and off-highway vehicles in North America.
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1953 — Knorr-Bremse moves company headquarters to Munich, Germany.
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1972 — Knorr-Bremse launches antilock braking systems for commercial vehicles in Europe.
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1975 — Bendix dual air brake system becomes standard for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121.
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1992 — Knorr-Bremse begins production of air disc brakes in Europe.
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2002 — Knorr-Bremse acquires 100% ownership of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems.
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2004 — Bendix forms a foundation brake and wheel-end joint venture with Dana Corp called Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC.
