Electronic brakes struggle to get traction; Systems improve; cost a downside.(News)

Automotive News, March, 2008 by Mayer, Bettina

Byline: Bettina Mayer

Engineers have long itched to replace the crude and cumbersome linkages that form auto braking systems with neat wires, compact actuators and all-knowing electronic controls.

But progress toward fully electronic brakes - also known as electromechanical brakes - has been held back, mostly by cost but also because laws in some countries preclude such systems.

Because of those obstacles, auto suppliers are focusing on electrohydraulic braking systems. These systems offer some of the advantages of fully electronic brakes - better packaging and performance, especially on icy and wet surfaces - at lower prices.

The pace of introduction for electrohydraulic braking systems is forecast to speed up in coming years....

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