ZF-developed variable damper systems in commercial vehicles lead to increased safety and preservation of freight

Europe is the hotbed of commercial vehicle activity. Other than a desti-nation for probably the most advanced commercial vehicle technologies, Europe is also a big market for sophisticated commercial vehicles. Big names from Europe include Mercedes, DAF, Volvo, Scania, MAN, Iveco and many others. Consider Germany alone and trucks are booming. Currently, three quarters of all freight is transported on the road. Not only have the motorists started to notice this but also the forwarders, logistics suppliers, and truckers. German supplier ZF has come up with variable dampers to make life safe and easy for truckers as well as those who come in contact with the behemoths on the highways of Europe.

ZF Sachs, the Powertrain and Suspension division of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, has come up with CDC and PDC variable damping systems. On board, they make truckers' daily work easier, safer and minimise the risks for the entrepreneurs. The variable dampers, CDC (Continuous Damping Control) and PDC (Pneumatic Damping Control), reduce body and rolling motion of the prime mover and trailer, thus preserving freight and suspension components. This is valued by the forwarders in particular. "CDC and PDC help prevent situations which bear risks", explains Wolfgang Thoma, CEO of the Ansorge GmbH & Co. KG logistics & forwarding company. In trucks equipped with ZF systems, rolling and snaking movements are avoided to a large extent, even in the case of fast braking maneuvers or when changing lanes. "This feature is particularly popular with our drivers. According to Thoma, it "makes their workplace safer, more comfortable, and more attractive". The difference in road behavior with and without CDC and PDC is enormous and obvious - even when observing it from the outside.

From a technical point of view, this is possible because CDC and PDC precisely adjust the dampers to the respective weight and driving situation within milliseconds. In the case of the CDC, the information required is provided by sensors at the axles, which permanently collect data on the driver's and vehicle's behavior and pass it on to control electronics. PDC has no control electronics and is therefore especially suitable for trailers and semi-trailers.

Meanwhile, auto manufacturers, insurers, and leasing companies have recognised the benefits of these damper systems. Insurers and leasing companies are already considering them today when analysing their customers' risks. "Equipping trucks with CDC and PDC can actually lead to savings in terms of insurance", says Thoma. "However, what is more important for us is that we can better fulfill our duty of care as employers. In our company, the damper systems are part of an entire safety package, which significantly improves safety in the commercial vehicle as a workplace as well as road safety."