The expectation for today’s modern van is that they drive and handle more like cars than commercial vehicles. Because drivers spend so much time behind the wheel of a typical van, and in many cases they have dual work/social use, comfort and convenience is becoming increasingly important and safety is an equally important ingredient. As well as installing disc brakes all round to the new Transit, Ford engineers have also utilised the Bosch Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) as a standard feature. The EBD function is particularly valuable in a light commercial vehicle application, as it allows for a greater variation in brake balance between front and rear axles dependent on the wider load variations experienced with this type of vehicle.As an additional safety feature, and also following the trend in passenger cars, Ford is fitting Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with rollover mitigation and Load Adaptive Control (LAC) as standard fitment. This technology takes account of load and weight in the vehicles and adapts the vehicle dynamics control to suit.
Many independent studies in Germany, Sweden and the USA, have shown the value of ESP as an additional element in potentially reducing the number and severity of accidents caused by vehicle skidding. This is particularly important in the case of vans, since their design and their use leave them with tighter safety margins. Depending on load, the centre of gravity shifts, and consequently the risk of rollover may increase. Bosch believes this evidence should encourage all purchasers of light commercial vehicles to specify their vehicle with these active safety features.
Bosch developed the electronic stability program, and has manufactured more than 20 million systems since series production began in 1995. ESP® controls vehicle dynamics by selectively braking individual wheels and reducing engine torque. Within the limits set by physical laws, this markedly increases driving safety. The proportion of vehicles fitted with ESP® has risen significantly over recent years. There is still, however, a need to catch up. About one in every four light commercial vehicles manufactured in Europe is currently fitted with this safety system – a proportion that is significantly lower than that for cars. Small vans, with designs based on cars, are even further behind. Only about two percent of these are fitted with an ESP® system. Almost every European manufacturer is opting for this Bosch load-adaptive ESP®. It can be found, for instance, in the Citroën Relay, Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, Iveco Daily, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Peugeot Boxer and the Volkswagen Crafter.
