For Immediate Release – March 7, 2006
Toronto—Brake problems on big trucks and buses—the number one safety and maintenance concern with operators and regulators—could be spotted and fixed sooner with a radio frequency identification (RFID) inspection system being developed by Spectra Inc. and Zonar Systems®, the companies announced today.
Spectra Inc. said it is partnering with Zonar Systems of Seattle to co-develop an RFID-enabled brake diagnostics system. Based on Spectra’s proven brake sensor technology, the new product leverages the company’s extensive experience with heavy-duty brakes and Zonar’s patented RFID verified visual inspection system. Both companies said the system would be low cost, easily utilized and highly effective.
Spectra Chairman Andrew J. Malion said, “We are thrilled to be a part of what will be a quantum leap forward in how big trucks and buses are inspected and maintained. I predict that electronic vehicle inspection will be welcomed with open arms by the commercial trucking industry because it will impact safety and revenues dramatically.”
Mike McQuade, Director of Research and Development at Seattle-based Zonar Systems said, “Brake problems on trucks and buses are a safety concern, plus a huge maintenance and cost issue for operators. Our existing inspection product is proven on fleets, and adding this new sensor technology will revolutionize the way brakes are checked. Soon, drivers will be able to check the brakes daily with a simple push button test.”
Malion explained that the Zonar/Spectra inspection system will work on all air brake equipped trucks, buses, trailers and container chassis and is simple for drivers to use during federally required pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections. “It will save time, money, and aggravation for both drivers and large fleet operators alike.”
According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), Operation Air Brake 2005, 72% of vehicles put out of service had brake defects.
Brake and other maintenance problems also are safety concerns at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
NTSB includes on its “Most Wanted” list “improving the safety of motor carrier operations.” Similarly, the strategic objectives of the FMCSA include, “Improve safety of commercial motor vehicles through vehicle-based safety technologies.”
McQuade predicted that the new Zonar/Spectra brake inspection product would help commercial operators meet federal safety improvement goals. "Another expected benefit is that it puts drivers into a safety mindset when they start their day."
“In the Transportation Industry, ‘America Moves By Truck,’ is more than a slogan,” McQuade said. “It symbolizes the importance of trucks to our economy, millions of trucks and trailers move 6.7 billion tons of freight and travel more than 118 billion miles annually. Out-of-service time for mechanical and safety issues is an industry challenge that is expensive in lost productivity, decreased income for drivers and increased cost of consumer goods.”
The Zonar inspection system uses electronic sensors mounted at key locations on each truck or bus. The driver uses a hand-held electronic monitor to “check in” and inspect each sensor position, entering into the system any safety or maintenance concerns. Information then is electronically transferred instantly to a central database to provide immediate problem alerts and a permanent record that the checks were performed.
Malion explained, “We will offer the trucking and bus industries—and federal and state regulators who monitor the safety of these vehicles—a better way to ensure safety compliance during the more than 2 million commercial vehicle inspections that are conducted annually.”
Spectra Products Inc. is the Toronto-based North American designer, manufacturer and distributor of Brake SafeÒ, the visual brake stroke indicating system and Brake InspectorÒ, the company’s electronic in-cab air brake diagnostic system. During the recent Operation Air Brake roadside inspections conducted in Canada and the United States brake defects were found to be the leading cause of vehicles being put out of service, accounting for 72 percent of major defects (source: Operation Air Brake Statistics - May 2005). Spectra’s products are gaining increasing recognition and acceptance as demands for enhanced brake safety increase among regulatory authorities and the motoring public.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including the impact of competitive products and pricing and general economic conditions as they affect the Corporation’s customers. Actual results and developments may therefore differ materially from those described in this release.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Andrew J. Malion, Chairman, Spectra Inc. www.spectra-ssa.com
Investor Relations: 1-800-308-5255 E-Mail: ssa@spectra-ssa.com
The TSX VENTURE Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein |
