Meritor Adds Durable, Higher Capacity Family Members - MTA25 and MTA30 - to Its Trailer Suspension Series

TROY, Mich., Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Meritor, Inc. (NYSE: MTOR) today unveiled the newest suspension family members – the MTA25 (25,000 lb. capacity) and MTA30 (30,000 lb. capacity) – to its product line of trailing-arm air ride trailer suspension systems. The Meritor Trailing-Arm Air (MTA) Suspension is designed to meet the needs of North America truck and trailer operators in various vocational markets, including platform, tanker, bottom dump, grain, logging, transfer, side-dump and end-dump trailers.

Both suspensions, plus the previously offered MTA23, are available with the company's new optional lift kit. The kit is a durable and reliable quick-response system that allows users of the MTA suspension system to efficiently raise select axles which improves maneuverability and extends tire life. Available in painted or galvanized finishes, the lift kit attaches easily and can be installed as original equipment (OE) or field retrofit.

Introduced in 2010, the MTA23 was the first member of the new suspension systems family. Based on customer feedback, it has demonstrated improved durability and superior ride quality performance.

"Our customers are delighted with the first model, the MTA23, and have been asking for the next family members to have a viable and reliable choice for all of their new vocational trailer specifications," said Craig Frohock, general manager, Trailer Products, Meritor.

The two new models join the MTA23 to complete the company's lineup of top-mount air ride suspension systems. They will be joined by new low-mount models in summer 2012. The entire family of suspensions is manufactured at the company's production facility in Frankfort, Ky.

Distinct Benefits of MTA25 and MTA30

The new suspension systems feature six technology advancements with distinct operational benefits:

• Durability – the MTA design outperforms leading competitive products two-to-one in laboratory and track testing.*
• Lightweight – one of the lightest weight suspensions in its market segment.
• Unique, patent-pending axle wrap design – foundation for a secure and durable axle connection.  
• Larger, more robust shock absorbers – specifically tuned to the MTA suspension with three times the damping power of its competitors. The larger bore design provides greater suspension control and more consistent tire contact with the ground, reducing tread wear, improving braking and enhancing handling.
• Patented pivot bushing – absorbs road inputs resulting in a softer ride, more cargo protection and reduced stress on the trailer's structure. Patented steel interleaf shims in the bushing provide superior fore-aft stiffness aiding in improved axle alignment, better tire wear and reduced roll steer.
• Lift kits – quick-lifting response, light weight, durable, easy to install and maintain. Designed to mount under the frame brackets to prevent interference with tires.

"The newest suspensions are based on an exhaustive study and analysis of competitors' offerings matched against OE and fleet customers' insistence on key attributes that will extend component life and contribute to the end users' increased productivity," said Bob Brazeau, director of engineering, Trailer Products, Meritor.

The MTA trailer suspension system is integrated with Meritor trailer axles and Q Plus Cam Brakes. All are covered by the company's five-year, 500,000-mile warranty on structural components. Optional components include air disc brakes, automatic slack adjusters, the SteelLite X30™ drum and lightweight hub and the Meritor® Tire Inflation System (MTIS) by P.S.I.

The company also produces the RideSentry™ Trailer Air Suspension Meritor Parallelogram Air (MPA) 20, 38 and 40 for line haul van trailer applications.

With more than 50 highly regarded, experienced sales-service professionals located across the United States and Canada, Meritor will continue to assist OEMs, fleets and dealers with specifications, technical support, and training and service of the entire family of trailer suspension series.

For after-the-sale support, the company's Aftermarket specialists – with support from the key distribution centers in Florence, Ky. and Brampton, Ontario, are prepared to supply customers with MTA service parts.  

About Meritor, Inc.

Meritor, Inc. is a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets. With more than a 100-year legacy of providing innovative products that offer superior performance, efficiency and reliability, the company serves commercial truck, trailer, off-highway, defense, specialty and aftermarket customers in more than 70 countries. Meritor is based in Troy, Mich., United States, and is made up of more than 11,000 diverse employees who apply their knowledge and skills in manufacturing facilities, engineering centers, joint ventures, distribution centers and global offices in 19 countries. Common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MTOR. For important information, visit the company's web site at meritor.com.

*The testing information contained herein is for comparison purposes only. The source for all product information is published product literature from the respective companies mentioned. The performance information presented is the result of testing conducted by Meritor, Inc. All tests were conducted using commercially available products. Products tested were of the latest revision level available commercially as of the date of testing. Tests were conducted using industry standard methods and protocols. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, all information is subject to change without notice.

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SOURCE Meritor, Inc.