100 million ABS systems

13 October 2003: Twenty-five years after series production began, ABS inventor Bosch has just delivered its 100 millionth brake control system with the ABS anti-locking function.

ABS prevents the wheels from locking under hard braking, leaving the driver in control to steer safely around obstacles. In 2003 alone, Bosch plans to manufacture 14 million brake control systems, and thus is the world's leading manufacturer.

Initially an optional extra for luxury cars, ABS is now fitted to two out of every three new vehicles worldwide. ACEA - the association of European automobile manufacturers - has committed to ensuring that, from the middle of 2004, all passenger cars sold in the European Union will be fitted with ABS as standard.

In the early days, ABS was the only function performed by the brake control system. Nowadays, ABS is often combined with Traction Control or ESP (Electronic Stability Program).

Bosch is using a modular construction for its generation 8 brake control system, allowing the separate elements of ABS, TCS and ESP to be available from one unit. Over the next few years, Bosch will add a number of extra functions to the brake control system, offering even greater driving safety, comfort and convenience.

©2003 irishcar.com