Fontaine Modification now is a Bendix Authorized Upgrade Center (AUC).
The company said its new designation means Fontaine personnel at all 10 locations across the United States are trained to properly install and support Bendix safety systems to help fleets mitigate accidents and support driver coaching.
“Our selection as a Bendix Authorized Upgrade Center allows us to provide our customers with another important technology to help make their fleets safer out on the road,” said Jamil Young, president of Fontaine Modification heavy truck operations. “Bendix chose us as an upgrade center based on our technical capability and engineering know-how, and because their team is confident we will perform these retrofits quickly and correctly.
“Our network of nationwide locations allows fleets more options to have their in-service trucks retrofitted with select Bendix safety technologies.”
Bendix safety systems upgrades are only available from Bendix AUCs like Fontaine Modification. As an AUC, Fontaine can help fleets and owner-operators through the entire upgrade process, including availability, vehicle compatibility, timing, installation and follow-up support including training materials, VIN registration, and access to Bendix’s technical support resources and tools. Details about the Bendix Upgrade Program are available online at bendixcvsupgrade.com.
Fontaine Modification currently offers installation of six Bendix safety system technologies, including:
- Bendix Wingman Fusion driver assistance system. Retrofits include select features only.
- Bendix Wingman Advanced—a collision mitigation technology
- AutoVue 4G Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System by Bendix CVS
- Bendix BlindSpotter side object detection system
- SafetyDirect by Bendix CVS video and data event recording
- Bendix VORAD VS-500 collision warning system for trucks and tractors without the Bendix ESP full-stability program
“The Bendix Upgrade Program, initially launched in 2017, is a unique, first-of-its-kind program that enables professional installation of select Bendix advanced safety technologies to upgrade select vehicles that did not come factory-equipped,” said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions for controls. “Retrofitting safety systems is very technical work and care must be taken to do it properly.
“Along with our deliberate approach to partner with organizations who will serve as a Bendix Authorized Upgrade Center, we have in place a demanding training program specifically designed to certify technicians who already meet their company’s rigorous criteria. The professionals at Fontaine Modification check the boxes on all fronts and we’re pleased to welcome them to our inaugural group of AUCs.”