Aussie invention claims to revolutionise safety for heavy trucks
Australian company Base Air has launched a management system for the air suspension in heavy vehicles that they’re calling a ground breaker, predicting it will revolutionise the trucking world by making roads safer.
Following 15 years of research and development, along with significant backing - to the tune of more than $12 million – from Australian investors, Base Air’s air management system will result in any heavy-duty vehicle so equipped experiencing what’s claimed to be best-in-class ride and load stability, in turn reducing tyre wear and freight damage. More importantly, the air-management technology from Base Air claims to increase safety for all road users – not just those in heavy vehicles.
Founder and Director of Base Air, Matthew Vaughan, initiated the business in 2008 after conversations with truck driving friends highlighted the need for low-cost safety technology in heavy-duty vehicles.
“For decades, the trucking industry has faced criticism and challenges around driver and load safety,” said Vaughan.
“2019 saw the most truck driver fatalities in Australia in the last decade*. Couple this with the fact there are more and more truck driver registrations each year**, so there’s an urgent need to work together to ensure the industry is better equipped.”
Base Air’s management system is currently fitted to more than 120 trucks in some of the country’s biggest fleets, including Toll, Martin’s Stock Haulage, Wickham Freight Lines and Blenners Transport.
Distribution partner, PACCAR Parts, supplies Base Air components to PACCAR dealerships throughout NSW, Victoria and Queensland, with aims to expand across the nation in the very near future, according to Vaughan.
While Vaughan spent many years patenting and testing variations of Base Air in the United States – the largest market for heavy, medium and light-duty vehicles in the world - the decision to launch Base Air in Australia was an easy one.
“As a country boy, I’ve grown up around many who work in and for the industry and have heard stories about driver fatigue and safety first-hand,” he said.
“Australia relies on its transport and logistics. It is a no-brainer for me that Base Air shows its impact here locally first. Soon after, we will emerge in overseas markets.”
To see Base Air’s system in action or hear industry testimonials, go to: www.baseair.com
*NTI
**Motor Vehicle Census Australia 31/1/20