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Freightliner LLC has
notified its bus and fire/emergency vehicle customers who have vehicles
manufactured between March 1998 - August 2000, equipped with air brakes
and with Bendix Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) EC 17-1030R electronic
control units (ECU), of a defect in that system. The company's customers
and dealers, which include Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Trucks and
Sterling Trucks dealers, have been notified of the problem and the
proper inspection procedures for the vehicles included in the recall.
According to Bendix advisories, this braking system defect involves
300,000 vehicles industry wide. Of that number, about 46,000 are buses
and coaches. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
determined that school buses and fire and emergency service vehicles are
the first priorities for recall.
On August 29-31, Freightliner/Thomas distributed notifications for
approximately 6,000 of its bus chassis and fire/emergency vehicles that
are included in the recall.
"In addition to being available around the clock to inspect any of
our buses and trucks that are affected, Freightliner has diverted all
the new Bendix ECUs we have in production to repair the recalled
vehicles," said Debi Nicholson, Freightliner LLC corporate
communications general manager. "We are encouraging Bendix to do
the same so this situation with school buses and fire/emergency vehicles
can be remedied as soon as possible."
Nicholson said the repair of the defective braking system involves both
inspection of the existing system and then replacing the Bendix ABS
electronic control units with a new ECU. New ECUs will become available
in limited quantities beginning in mid-September. Additional details
about the defect, inspection process and repair should be obtained from
the Bendix Communications Center at 800-478-1793.
Freightliner has advised its customers to call their local Freightliner,
Thomas Built Buses or Sterling dealers with any questions or to schedule
inspections. Also, Freightliner's toll-free customer assistance center
-- 800-FTL-HELP (800-385-4357) -- is staffed around the clock to answer
questions and direct customers to the appropriate resources for help.
"We advise parents and concerned citizens to contact their school
districts if they have any concerns or questions about their school
buses," Nicholson said. "They will have the best and latest
information on whether they have buses affected and the inspections or
repair steps they've taken. Districts and others who operate fleets
should remember that not just Freightliner and Thomas products are
included in the recall," she added. "Other manufacturers'
products are included and we expect they will notify their customers as
well."
Freightliner LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, produces and
markets Class 3-8 vehicles under the Freightliner, Sterling, American
LaFrance and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Freightliner is a
DaimlerChrysler Company, the world's leading commercial vehicle
manufacturer.
Company Press Release
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