ABS, or Anti-lock Braking System, is a safety feature in vehicles designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking. By doing so, it maintains tractive contact with the road surface, allowing the driver to maintain better control over the vehicle. ABS achieves this by monitoring the speed of each wheel, and, if it detects a wheel is about to lock up, it momentarily reduces the braking force on that wheel.

Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer in the development and testing of ABS for trucks. The company began its research into ABS technology in the late 1960s and early 1970s, initially focusing on passenger cars. In 1978, Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with Bosch, introduced the first production ABS system for passenger cars. Recognizing the potential safety benefits, Mercedes extended its research to include commercial vehicles, including trucks.

Trucks, due to their size and weight, have longer stopping distances and are more prone to wheel lock-up during braking, especially on slippery surfaces. The primary reason for testing and implementing ABS on trucks was to enhance safety. By 1981, the first ABS systems were tested on Mercedes-Benz trucks to evaluate the effectiveness of preventing wheel lock-up, and to improve vehicle control under heavy braking conditions. Tests showed that ABS significantly improved the braking control on trucks: drivers maintained steering control, which reduced the likelihood of accidents caused by skidding or loss of control (common causes of truck accidents.) ABS contributed to overall vehicle stability in these emergency braking scenarios by preventing rollovers and jackknifing in articulated trucks. Although the primary benefit of ABS was the ability to steer during braking, especially on wet and icy roads, ABS also helped reduce stopping distances.
By 1984, after extensive field tests to ensure reliability and performance under various driving conditions, Mercedes-Benz became one of the first manufacturers to offer ABS as an option on its trucks. As safety standards and regulations evolved, ABS on trucks became increasingly important for compliance with new safety laws in various countries.

The successful testing and implementation of ABS on Mercedes-Benz trucks set a precedent, which led to widespread adoption of Anti-lock Braking Systems across the commercial vehicle industry. Other manufacturers followed suit, and ABS became a standard feature in modern trucks. The demonstrated benefits of ABS on trucks influenced regulatory bodies to mandate its use, and by the mid-1990s ABS became mandatory for all new heavy vehicles in Europe.

Mercedes-Benz's pioneering work in testing and implementing ABS on trucks significantly contributed to the advancement of vehicle safety technology, making roads safer for both truck drivers and other road users.

For availability and licensing inquiries, please contact:
[ Ссылка ]
Ref: S016

свернуть