News

TURN ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL CHALLENGES INTO SOLUTIONS

SEMA’s upcoming Technical Briefing Seminar on Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems will provide members with an overview of the impact of ESC implementation on the specialty-equipment industry. Representatives from Toyota, Bosch and Mechanical Simulation Corporation will be on hand to offer attendees a basic technical understanding of ESC, as well as practical approaches for determining compatibility and system integration of a given aftermarket product with ESC.

Methodologies and ways to assess the interaction between ESC and specific specialty-equipment product lines will be discussed and demonstrated with typical chassis and vehicle modification examples. This seminar, as well as all of the vehicle technology briefing seminars, will be highly interactive and responsive to immediate questions, concerns and priorities.

Key Topics will include:

  • Why should the aftermarket be aware of ESC?
  • What are the basics of ESC?
  • Which aftermarket products could affect ESC performance?
  • What methods are available to assess how your product might affect ESC?
  • What are the options for changing the product interactions with ESC?
  • What are the positive and growth aspects of ESC for the aftermarket?
  • What advanced and emerging technologies will soon be introduced?

Toyota will present an overview of its current chassis control technologies, as well as new trends in stability control in Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles. Toyota has been a leading OEM in embracing specialty-equipment suppliers and using their capabilities to provide customization and accessorization of their products. As an industry leader, Toyota's actions have a profound impact on all OEMs.

Similarly, Bosch is a preeminent Tier 1 supplier, well known for their expertise in a wide variety of automotive products. Bosch was developing ESC with Mercedes from the very beginning of its introduction to the market. They produce ESC systems that are used on vehicles that range from the BMW 750 to the Chevrolet Silverado (The hybrid Silverado was a 2006 SEMA Design Award Vehicle). Bosch's approach to the aftermarket will also have a strong influence on the aftermarket supplier base.

Mechanical Simulations provides the de facto industry standard tools for vehicle dynamics simulation. Dr. Tom Gillespie is the co-founder of the company and a renowned expert on vehicle dynamics. He has authored one of the leading textbooks on vehicle dynamics that is widely used at universities and companies throughout the automotive industry.

The laptop computer-based tools that Mechanical Simulations provide will aid specialty-equipment companies in assessing the effect of their product on key ESC parameters. Basic capabilities and applications will be presented and discussed during the presentation. Depending on member interest and feedback, SEMA would help provide access to these capabilities on an as-needed basis.   

In addition to these interactive presentations, there will be further panel discussions and the opportunity to review the latest vehicle technology offerings from Toyota and hands-on use of Mechanical Simulations programs.

Toyota will be bringing its latest advanced technology platform vehicle, the Lexus IS-F, to showcase the future of chassis stability and control technologies and a special edition "Sport Version" of Toyota's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).

The content of this Technical Briefing Seminar on ESC is aimed at company owners, technical directors, engineers, and product planners. SEMA's goal is to provide the latest vehicle technology understanding and information on ESC to help address the challenges of compliance with NHTSA's rule on ESC, and turn these challenges into solutions and opportunities for member companies.

Presenters:

  • John Waraniak, VP Vehicle Technology, SEMA
  • Ed Browalski, SEMA ESC Advisor and Founder ACEC
  • Paul Williamsen, National Manager, Lexus College, Toyota Motor Sales
  • Scott Dahl, Marketing Director, Chassis Control Systems, Robert Bosch Corp.
  • Tom Gillespie, Director, Product Planning, Mechanical Simulation Corporation

Technology Briefing Seminar
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Systems
Thurs., Sept. 6, 2007
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location:
SEMA Headquarters - AAA Building
1575 S. Valley Vista Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765