“Technology is the primary productive force” is a golden rule that prevails in all industries, and the same is true for RVs, which are emerging industries. At major auto shows every year, “new technology” is the core project for each manufacturer to show its strength to the public, while at domestic RV shows, few companies will focus on “new technology”. Compared with other mature industries, “technical update” is probably the weakest link in the RV industry.
At the recent Beijing International RV Show, various RV companies brought many new models and hot-selling models. As a veteran exhibitor of the exhibition, Aiwei RV Company also brought a Hobby 495 WFB trailer-type RV tailored according to the living habits of Asian users this year. This caravan has a simple and elegant appearance, and an elegant and warm interior. What arouses the author’s interest is not the exquisite appearance of this caravan, but because it uses the latest chassis technology of the German Knott company, which has significantly improved safety. .
neglected security
The Knott company was founded in 1937 by Valentin Knott. The company has been focusing on trailer brake safety technology, axle and chassis technology innovation, and its spare parts and safety technology are widely used in various trailers in Germany and even Europe. Since 1997, it has provided axle supply and related safety technical guarantees for Hobby’s towed caravan. The two new technologies ETS PLUS and Knott-ANS automatic calibration brake system applied to Hobby 495 WFB caravan this time are the latest research and development results of the company. .
ETS PLUS (Elektronische Trailer Stabilisierungssystem) electronic stability system for towed RV continuously collects various real-time data generated during the movement of the RV through sensors installed on the chassis of the RV, and intelligently evaluates these data. ETS PLUS will provide effective intervention to make the whole braking process safer and more stable when the tow-trailer lineup composed of trailers and tractors slams in the direction or brakes in an emergency. The product is manufactured using ultra-light and anti-corrosion high-performance materials. This material not only reduces the weight of the car body, but also makes the cost of using the car cheaper because of its durability and reliability.
Another function of this system is to effectively control and reduce the snake-like wagging motion of the trailer-type RV. Due to the light weight and large size of the trailer type caravan, if it encounters sudden gusts of wind, bumpy roads or overtaking from the side of the truck during driving, it will appear uncontrolled snake-like wagging motion. If this movement is not effectively controlled, there is a high possibility that the RV will overturn. ETS PLUS will always monitor the driving state of the vehicle, and intervene in time to restore the vehicle to a stable driving state to ensure the safety of the RV.
The Knott-ANS Automatic Brake Calibration System (Selbstnachstellende Bremse) is an accessory installed in European style caravans under the impact braking system. The system obtains the best braking time by adjusting the lever and spring in the brake, which makes the conventional braking of the towed caravan more comfortable and gentle, while the emergency braking distance is effectively shortened. However, the system does not activate when the vehicle is in reverse. Knott-ANS is not only licensed by the German Technical Inspectorate (TUEV), but also awarded the German Camping Club (DCC) Safety Design Award.
survival of the fittest
New technologies make RVs safer while driving, and also make RV models using these new technologies more competitive in the market. From the simple shape of the RV on the initial T-shaped chassis to the RV family with many subdivided models, the RV industry has promoted the healthy development and improvement of the RV industry through continuous technological innovation and structural reform.
After applying the new technology of Knott’s chassis, the new models of the Hobby brand will definitely stimulate the research and investment of competing products in new technologies, and this kind of competition mechanism is exactly what we, as end product users, are happy to see. This kind of competition mechanism is also one of the reasons for maintaining the vitality of RV companies. Continuous reform and innovation will not be abandoned by the market. The company’s continuous technological update is undoubtedly an effective means of advertising while accumulating product knowledge. It can not only attract users’ lasting attention, but also establish a good brand image of the company “technology first, people-oriented”.
Use the wrong force
Compared with the persistent pursuit of innovation in European and American RVs, the relatively weak domestic RV industry is much slower. Looking at the many domestic RVs, usually more energy is spent on decoration and layout than on improving the performance of RVs. Many models have colorful exteriors and shining interior lights. If you look closely at their configurations, you will find that these RVs are generally similar and lack technological innovation. Such core competitiveness. There are three reasons for this:
First of all, the domestic RV market is small. It is difficult to get high returns from high investment, and manufacturers are less enthusiastic about technology research and development. On the contrary, working hard on the appearance and decoration of the vehicle can quickly attract eyeballs and reap the rewards. Secondly, domestic RV manufacturers generally have poor foundations. Many RV manufacturers were originally special vehicle refitting factories or even refitting workshops. After seeing the new world of RVs, they began to start RV projects one after another. Due to insufficient knowledge of the RV itself and insufficient market research, vehicle design is often based on feeling and imagination, and the final products are often weird. Again, the industrial division of labor is not clear. In recent years, many chassis manufacturers such as SAIC MAXUS, Zhengzhou Yutong, and Jiangling Motors have also launched RV projects. These chassis manufacturers, which were originally in the upper reaches of the RV industry chain, directly participate in the competition for the terminal market, which will inevitably disperse their original chassis product development energy, thereby affecting the innovation and development speed of the entire RV industry.
epilogue
Compared with the behemoths in the passenger car market, the potential of the domestic RV market is far from fully developed, which is both an opportunity and a challenge for us. The beginning of the establishment of any industry is also the most chaotic time in the industry. The reason for the chaos is that various gold diggers are rushing in and the industry has become a mixed bag. In the chaotic period, enterprises need to quickly complete their own technology accumulation, and rely on technology as a “sharp sword” to break out of the encirclement and occupy their own market. Only when all enterprises work together to improve the industrial chain, clarify the division of labor in the industrial chain, and perform their own functions, avoid vicious competition; only in this way can we ride the wind and waves in the ocean of the RV industry with technological innovation as the sail and policies and regulations as the steering wheel.
