SAF-HOLLAND INTRODUCES NEWAY® ADZ SERIES

THE NEXT GENERATION DRIVE AXLE AIR-RIDE SUSPENSION

Engineered for Heavy-Duty Vocational Trucks and Tractors
As compared to current AD Technology:
- 220 lbs/axle Weight Savings.
- 54% increase in Durability
- 27% improved Roll Resistance
Lower operational cost, fewer components and reduced maintenance.


Muskegon, Michigan, March 4, 2010 – SAF-HOLLAND has announced the release of the NEWAY® ADZ Series Drive Axle Air-Ride Suspension for vocational trucks and tractors. The new ADZ Series has been engineered for vocational applications including construction, mixers, logging, mining, oilfield, refuse, fire apparatus, and heavy-haul. The ADZ, which is approved for 100% off-road duty cycles, is a non-torque reactive suspension with a parallelogram trailing arm design. The suspension is offered in 23,000 and 26,000 lb. capacities and is engineered for independent single suspension mounting that allows for single, tandem or tridem axle truck or tractor applications.

The NEWAY ADZ introduces significant advancements in engineering and design to the industry, while maintaining NEWAY’s reputation for extreme durability and reliability in drive axle air-ride suspensions.

The new streamlined ADZ eliminates components to significantly lower weight, reduce maintenance and improve durability. The Integral Lower Module, for example, is the industry’s first one piece assembly that includes cast equalizing beams permanently assembled to the transverse beam with no fasteners. As compared to traditional torque rod and track bar arrangements that transmit forces to the center of the crossmember, the ADZ’s V-Rod Upper Control Arm directs lateral forces towards the crossmember and frame rail junction. This new high strength V-Rod design results in improved bushing life, uniform roll rate and allows for a lighter weight crossmember.

Other user-friendly ADZ features include: EZ-Align Non-Welded axle re-alignment, simplified pinion angle setting capability, Bolt-on or Weld-on axle adapters and multi-functional pivot bushings for improved ride comfort and handling. As a result, the lighter weight ADZ provides increased load capacity and reduced fuel consumption for improved operational efficiency.

The ADZ Series is designed to provide a linear roll rate through the permanent connection of the trailing arms and transverse beam. The suspension’s linear roll rate characteristics not only improve handling and steering characteristics, but also enhance driver comfort and confidence – all critical considerations in heavy-duty vocational applications including high center of gravity applications such as those encountered with front and rear discharge mixers.

The ADZ 23K series is currently available through select specialty vehicle manufacturers and is being introduced to the major truck OEMs for data book consideration. The ADZ 26K series is expected to be launched mid-to-late 2010. The ADZ will eventually replace the company’s long standing Neway AD 23K and 26K series suspensions.

“The creation of the NEWAY ADZ Series exemplifies SAF-HOLLAND’s commitment to managing and introducing new technology to the vocational vehicle marketplace,” said Sam Martin, Chief Operating Officer for SAF-HOLLAND. “The NEWAY ADZ Series delivers on our promise to leverage SAF-HOLLAND global technologies and create products that offer our customers the best balance of performance and value possible.”



SAF-HOLLAND COMPANY PROFILE

SAF-HOLLAND S.A. is one of the worldwide leading manufacturers and suppliers of premium product systems and components primarily for trailers as well as trucks, buses, and recreational vehicles. The product range encompasses axle and suspension systems, fifth wheels, couplers, kingpins, liftgates, and landing legs. SAF-HOLLAND customers include the majority of large truck and trailer producers all over the world. The products are sold to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Original Equipment Suppliers (OESs) by means of a global service and distribution network and via aftermarket channels directly to the end users and service garages. SAF-HOLLAND has established itself as one of the few manufacturers in its sector that is internationally positioned with an extensive product range and a broad service network. SAF-HOLLAND S.A. has achieved sales of US$461 million through the first three-quarters of 2009. The company has been listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since July 26, 2007.