Irish anti-skid gets big boost
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DUBLIN-BASED Anti-Skid Controls, which recently introduced a new micro-computer-based anti-wheel-lock system for commercial vehicles, has received a major boost with the issue of a 1R£250,000 (£190,000) venture capital investment by three major Irish banking institutions.
The three banks who now hold 40 per cent of the company's equity are the Investment Bank of Ireland, the Industrial Credit Company and Allied Irish Venture Capital.
The anti-lock system, which was developed with the assistance of an Industrial Development Authority research and development grant, has provoked a lot of interest in Europe.
It uses microprocessor technology to pinpoint accurately the friction avoilable between tyre and road surface. It is said to be between 20 and 30 per cent more efficient than electromechanical systems.
The system has been evaluated at the Transport and Road Research Laboratory in Berkshire, where it demonstrated its ability to stop a vehicle in a shorter distance with abso lute safety and no fear of jackknifing, deviation or trailer swing.
Anti-Skid has sold over 100 units on the Irish market (where it sells at 1R£1,170) since its launch a few months ago. However, its major potential lies in the export market. There are currently only three existing manufacturers of anti-lock systems in Europe (Dunlop/( ling, Maxaret and Mercedr Wabco) and it feels that it is wi positioned to take advantage a market which is estimated be worth £10m in Britain alonE
Plans to apply the microcol puter to trailers and buses E also well advanced. The col pany is currently negotiatii with York Trailer and is piaci' much Of its faith in introductil of Type Approval Regulatio from April 1, 1983, covering t use of anti-lock systems trailers in the UK.