• Bendix, parent celebrate key anniversaries

    Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC marks its 75th anniversary this year; German parent Knorr-Bremse AG celebrates its centennial as well. This timeline
    Aug. 1, 2005
    2 min read

    Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC marks its 75th anniversary this year; German parent Knorr-Bremse AG celebrates its centennial as well. This timeline highlights accomplishments from both companies:

    • 1905 — Georg Knorr founds Knorr-Bremse GmbH in Berlin, Germany.

    • 1922 — Knorr-Bremse begins development of pneumatic brake system for commercial vehicles.

    • 1923 — Knorr-Bremse begins production of air brake systems for commercial vehicles in Europe.

    • 1930 — Bendix-Westinghouse Automotive Air Brake Company is established, with company headquarters in Wilmerding PA.

    • 1934 — Bendix-Westinghouse takes its automotive air brake worldwide, establishing licensing agreements in France, Germany, Italy, and England.

    • 1941 — Bendix-Westinghouse establishes new headquarters in Elyria OH.

    • 1949 — Air brakes become standard on all heavy-duty trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, firetrucks, and off-highway vehicles in North America.

    • 1953 — Knorr-Bremse moves company headquarters to Munich, Germany.

    • 1972 — Knorr-Bremse launches antilock braking systems for commercial vehicles in Europe.

    • 1975 — Bendix dual air brake system becomes standard for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121.

    • 1992 — Knorr-Bremse begins production of air disc brakes in Europe.

    • 2002 — Knorr-Bremse acquires 100% ownership of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems.

    • 2004 — Bendix forms a foundation brake and wheel-end joint venture with Dana Corp called Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC.

    Sign up for our free eNewsletters

    Voice Your Opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!