Fontaine Modification Approved as a Bendix Authorized Upgrade Center
Charlotte, N.C. (February 8, 2021) — Fontaine Modification has been named a Bendix Authorized Upgrade Center (AUC). This designation means Fontaine personnel at all 10 of its locations across the United States have been 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,” says Jamil Young, president, 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.”
“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,” says TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions – 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 (AUC), 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.”
Bendix® safety systems upgrades are only available from Bendix Authorized Upgrade Centers (AUC) 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® FusionTM 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
BendixTM 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
Bendix notes that safety technologies – including all those within the Bendix Retrofit Upgrade Program – complement safe driving practices and are not intended to enable or encourage aggressive driving. No commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver training. Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times.