Brake-by-Wire Mkt. and Tech. Report - Excerpt

Executive Summary

Chapter 2 highlights the contents of Brake-by-Wire (BBW), reviews the technology segments, presents the first vehicles with BBW, examines different approaches to BBW, and summarizes BBW programs among automakers and suppliers.

BBW Market Highlights

BBW Market in N. Am.

Figure 1. BBW installation rate by vehicle type in North America.

Beginning in 2003 on light trucks and 2005 on cars, BBW will rapidly penetrate North American light vehicle production. By 2010, BBW will be on 19% of light trucks and 12% of cars.

o Sport Utilities and Pickups will use BBW to improve handling and reduce rollover.

o Luxury and Executive vehicles will use BBW as the next technology step beyond Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) as a system with increased functionality.

o Hybrid vehicles will use BBW systems for their regenerative braking capabilities and will be a significant portion of the market by 2010.

BBW Forecast 1999 vs. 2001

Figure 2. Comparison of 1999 and 2001 forecast.

Two reviewers of the 1999 report were uneasy with the timing of BBW in the TIER ONE database due to long design-in times for braking systems. Therefore, an alternate delayed-growth scenario that reflected their position was presented, shown above.

o	The reviewers were correct. Even the revised forecast was too aggressive. BBW and chassis designers have encountered daunting software problems. Only a few companies claim to have solved BBW, while some have failed. The problem is how to describe, predict and control the interaction among all the new chassis systems that are being adopted. Each chassis and all its derivatives take much longer to analyze and test than previously anticipated.
o	After the previous report, the definition of BBW was reviewed and better defined. The new delineation excludes some of the Active Braking and Boost Assist systems that were included in the previous forecast.
o	Surprisingly, first installations will occur sooner than previously forecast, 2003 in trucks instead of 2005 in cars. Ford is especially anxious to counteract negative publicity surrounding the safety of the Ford Explorer.
o	Suppliers have been working hard to reduce the cost of BBW. In comparison to a full function VDC system, BBW currently costs $60 more per system, with increased functions and the possibility of lower costs as volumes increase.
o	Dual 42V / 14V electrical systems greatly reduce the cost and difficulty of implementing advanced BBW systems that reside entirely on each wheel. To a major extent, therefore, BBW is tied to 42V.

 

TOC | Abstract | Press Release | Inquire | TOP