Knorr-Bremse AG, Munich, Germany, has assumed operational control of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC from Honeywell International Inc.
As part of the transaction, Knorr-Bremse acquired Honeywell's minority interest in Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH of Munich and Knorr-Bremse Sistemas Para Ve culos Comerciasis Brasil Ltda of Sâo Paulo, Brazil.
The deal has passed review by United States regulatory authorities. The board of directors of Honeywell and the supervisory board of Knorr-Bremse gave their approval late in 2001.
Knorr-Bremse, a privately owned German firm, is a market leader in braking systems for both railways and commercial vehicles. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC had been operating as a joint venture between Honeywell and Knorr-Bremse AG since 1993. The Bendix brand name will remain intact.
The move completes the Knorr-Bremse international network. Four Bendix development and manufacturing facilities — three in the United States and one in Mexico — now join Knorr's 12 existing commercial vehicle development and production sites along with sales companies in Europe and the Asia Pacific region. As a result, the Knorr-Bremse Group worldwide workforce will total more than 11,000 people, dedicated to the development, production, and sales of its brake systems.
The company plans to offer advanced technology braking systems aimed at enhancing customer productivity and performance. They also report that Bendix XVision, the first visual-based, collision avoidance system for commercial vehicles developed through a partnership between Bendix and Raytheon Commercial Infrared, will continue as a part of the company's product line. XVision, once reserved only for the military, is an infrared night-vision system that helps drivers see farther, react sooner, and drive smarter.
The company converted its legal form from a general partnership — known as Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Co — to a limited liability company Jan 10, 2002, and as a result, changed its business name to Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC.
