GM Vans to Get Vehicle Stability Enhancement Systems

General Motors has announced that it will begin installing vehicle stability enhancement systems (VSES) in GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express 15-passenger vans during the 2004 model year. The StabiliTrak system will be standard on 15-passenger vans.

Vehicle stability enhancement systems aid a driver's control of a vehicle when driving on dangerous surfaces like ice, snow, gravel, and wet and uneven pavement. The system also helps keep the vehicle under control when a driver makes sudden lane changes or is involved in other emergency maneuvers.

VSES sensors work by recognizing wheel skid. When you skid, sensors monitor the difference between the steering wheel angle and the direction a driver is actually turning, the vehicle speed, and other factors. After analyzing what's taking place, the system automatically reduces engine torque and applies pressure to the front right or left brakes to help keep the vehicle along its intended path.

GM was the first automaker to install VSES in full-size SUVs, adding it to Cadillac Escalade in 2002 and to the Escalade EXT, GMC Yukon, Yukon Denali, Chevy Suburban and a few others in 2003.

Other standard safety features on these vans include:

four-wheel anti-lock brakes

daytime running lamps

driver and front passenger air bags; safety belts

front and rear crush zones; side-door beams


Source: GM Media