"We're honoured that our competitive design and commercial package encouraged MAN to select our new generation air disc brakes across their entire heavy truck range beginning in early 2008," said Jacques Esculier, president, WABCO.

"Our breakthrough technology combines lighter components and more compact design to make this new generation air disc brake easier for manufacturers to install.

"Fleet owners and owner-operators will also benefit from improved payload potential and vehicle service life, as well as reduced operating costs," said Harald Kaess, vice president, OE Sales at WABCO.

The new generation WABCO air disc brakes are currently the lightest brakes designed for heavy trucks - only 37 kg/82 lbs, weighing approximately 7 kg/15 lbs less than comparable brakes for truck and bus applications.

When applied to a 40-ton truck-trailer combination, the technology can reduce overall vehicle weight by more than 50 kg/110 lbs, creating increased payload capacity and cost efficiency.

The key differentiating feature of WABCO's latest generation of air disc brakes is the new brake caliper with pad offset in combination with the unique single piston clamping unit and anti-taper wear mechanism.

The braking action on the caliper allows the brake pad on the rim side to be retained and supported by the caliper.

The rim side brake carrier can therefore be eliminated, resulting in a distinct weight reduction as well as improved pressure distribution of the rim-side pad. In addition, disc heat cracking resistance is optimised.

WABCO's new generation disc brakes were selected by MAN following more than 18 months of joint development activities including laboratory and vehicle testing.