Aug 1, 2005 12:00 PM

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC marks its 75th anniversary this year; German parent Knorr-Bremse AG celebrates its centennial as well. This timeline highlights accomplishments from both companies:

• 1905 — Georg Knorr founds Knorr-Bremse GmbH in Berlin, Germany.

• 1922 — Knorr-Bremse begins development of pneumatic brake system for commercial vehicles.

• 1923 — Knorr-Bremse begins production of air brake systems for commercial vehicles in Europe.

• 1930 — Bendix-Westinghouse Automotive Air Brake Company is established, with company headquarters in Wilmerding PA.

• 1934 — Bendix-Westinghouse takes its automotive air brake worldwide, establishing licensing agreements in France, Germany, Italy, and England.

• 1941 — Bendix-Westinghouse establishes new headquarters in Elyria OH.

• 1949 — Air brakes become standard on all heavy-duty trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, firetrucks, and off-highway vehicles in North America.

• 1953 — Knorr-Bremse moves company headquarters to Munich, Germany.

• 1972 — Knorr-Bremse launches antilock braking systems for commercial vehicles in Europe.

• 1975 — Bendix dual air brake system becomes standard for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121.

• 1992 — Knorr-Bremse begins production of air disc brakes in Europe.

• 2002 — Knorr-Bremse acquires 100% ownership of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems.

• 2004 — Bendix forms a foundation brake and wheel-end joint venture with Dana Corp called Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC.