Technology: Firestone floats air-spring at China CV show

Beijing, China – Firestone Industrial Products Co. LLC (FSIP) introduced a new robust, light-weight air-spring at the China Commercial Vehicles Show.

At the event, held from 1-4 Nov in Wuhan, China, the company showed how the design could reduce weight by 20% compared to previous conventional models.

Developed in collaboration with a major truck OEM, the product is equipped with a full reservoir metal piston for increased safety under harsh road conditions, said FSIP.

The design is also claimed to enhance driver comfort and provide “extreme robustness” against stone and other road debris impact. 

Another feature is “very high pull resistance, which is one of the crucial features in truck trailing arm suspension applications, a company release added.

China’s commercial vehicle industry faces challenges from road conditions and overloaded truck & trailers, making air suspension a top priority, according to FSIP. 

The Chinese market will continue to be a strong focus for FSIP, as Chinese OEMs are being mandated to adopt wide-spread use of air suspensions in commercial vehicles. 

By 2020, air suspension will be required on many semi-trailers, as well the rear axles on commercial vehicles carrying dangerous goods with the total weight greater than or equal to 12,000kg.

The new air-spring will “help solve some of the pressing challenges for Chinese OEMs,” said Susan Xu, general manager, FSIP, Asia-Pacific.