The first in a series of SEMA vehicle technology seminars drew over 50 members of the specialty-equipment industry and several key SEMA staff who came to learn and discuss electronic stability control systems.
The Technology Briefing Seminar (TBS), held September 6, next door to SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, featured representatives from Toyota, Bosch and Mechanical Simulation Corporation presenting the fundamentals, evolution and future of ESC systems. They also covered potential approaches for developing parts and accessories compatible with increasingly complex vehicle dynamics and active safety control systems.
Toyota also brought its latest high-performance Lexus IS F sport sedan to showcase its vision of future chassis stability and control technologies and a special-edition "Sport Version" of Toyota's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).
Attendees had the opportunity to ask the automaker, supplier and analyst experts questions and learn more about product interaction with ESC systems. They also requested that SEMA initiate collaborations to help obtain ESC information from OEMs, suppliers and other organizations and make this information available to member companies.
“Leaving the ESC technology seminar, it was evident that the suspension/alignment tech will have to be more educated and focus more on accuracy,” said Dean Pellegrino, Tru Align CEO and Wheel & Tire Council Select Committee member. “These are just the first three—ABS, TPMS, ESC—systems of a larger list coming at us. You must understand the foundation before you can build on it.”
"This is only the first step in identifying and prioritizing industry needs and determining the best actions to help our members understand the technology associated with ESC systems,” said SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak. “We are moving forward with several initiatives with the OEMs and leading ESC suppliers and technology providers to help our members analyze new technology and develop product that accommodates current and future vehicle systems.”
Four Vehicle Technology Briefing Seminars covering ESC, Mobile Electronics, Connected Vehicle and Performance Diesel applications are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, October 30–31, during the 2007 SEMA Show. Click here for more information.