A driving stability system, known as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), developed by engineers at Continental Teves, is on constant standby to assist drivers as critical situations arise in the twists and turns of driving. The technology, developed in Europe, offers automakers and car buyers a way to improve stability quickly and cheaply. ESP uses a set of sensors to keep a vehicle from spinning out and is gaining popularity here.

It is an interactive safety system said to significantly improve vehicle stability, with in physical limits, in all three areas of vehicle performance: accelerating, cornering and braking. It can help avoid potential accidents and helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles even in critical situations.

ESP, through electrical sensors strategically placed throughout the vehicle, analyzes steering wheel activity, wheel speeds, acceleration and the vehicle’s rotation about it vertical axis (in technical jargon this is called yaw) and continually compares this data to determine whether the actual course of the vehicle corresponds to the desired direction.

If this is not the case, ESP jumps into action. By braking individual wheels, ESP corrects understeer and oversteer, and helps keep the vehicle on the road. The system is based on familiar components such as anti-lock brakes and traction control.

For example, before a car starts to skid (the rear wheels start to swing out) ESP activates the front wheel brake on the outside of the curve to prevent the rear-end of the vehicle from breaking away. Where necessary, ESP intervenes in engine management as well.

"ESP was not designed for luxury or high performance cars alone," states Mark Sowka, Vice President, Electronic Brake Systems for Continental Teves, N.A. "It’s meant to enhance driveability and safety, which makes it ideal for all vehicles, including vans and SUVs".

Continental supplied nearly 400,000 ESP units in 1999. In 2000, that figure soared to 1.4 million. For 2003, the company already has orders for 3.4 million units worldwide.

Customers include Ford, Audi, BMW, Toyota, VW, Volvo, Jaguar and Mercedes Benz. In 2003, Continental Teves will supply one million units in North America alone. By 2004, in Europe, one of every three cars will be equipped with ESP.

To educate consumers on automotive safety technologies, Continental Teves developed the national safe driving initiative, Drive Safer America!, which has educated thousands on how to properly use ABS. For more information about Drive Safer America!, visit www.drivesaferamerica.org or call 1-800-694-5200 for a FREE video about ESP. You can visit Continental Teves North America online at www.contitevesna.com.   By Tony Leopardo © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco

Byline:  Syndicated content provided by Tony Leopardo © AutoWire.Net
Column Name:  New Technology Helps Keep Vehicles On The Road
Topic:  ESP, Anti-Lock Brakes & Traction Control Work Together
Word Count:   515
Photo Caption:  ESP in Action
Photo Credits:  Continental Teves, N.A.
Series #:   2001 - 40

Download the Microsoft Word version here:   ESP, Anti-Lock Brakes

Download the original image file here:  ESP, Anti-Lock Brakes 23k