
Clamped, not screwed: the BPW cast trailing arm axle has set standards
Just as robust as the previous version, but at the same time less complex and much lighter: the BPW cast trailing arm axle was introduced in 2012 and paved the way for the current generation of running gear with a new material and manufacturing concept. This was preceded by a development process that took several years.

Heavy transport through the desert
Extreme conditions such as intense heat and rough terrain place great demands on transport vehicles, and especially on their running gear: with the help of BPW axles, low-loader manufacturer Faymonville designs robust, stable trailers that safely transport loads such as this 150 tonne tank over unpaved roads to their destination. This article is part of a series on exceptional transport operations on BPW axles over the past 125 years. Episode 4: Desert transports!

Wind vane transport: “Everything but standard”
P. Schwandner Logistik + Transport GmbH specialises in the transport of vanes for wind turbines. In early 2023, the company brought nine of these extremely heavy and long loads to a wind farm in Thuringia. As with any form of transport of this kind, this was an exciting challenge with regard to people, technology and expertise. This article is part of a series on exceptional transport operations on BPW axles over the past 125 years. Episode 3: Wind turbine blades!

A new trailer for extra-large houseboats
When regulations for houseboats were relaxed in the Australian state of Victoria in 2014, this triggered a rapid increase in oversized models on Lake Eildon. It was clear to Phil Dixon and Jeff Thynne, owners of Lake Eildon Marina and Houseboat Hire, that they would need a whole new type of trailer with BPW axles to transport these hulls. This article is part of a series on exceptional transport operations on BPW axles over the past 125 years. Episode 2: Houseboats!
A quick glance for more safety
Brakes are vehicle components that are relevant to safety. Brake drums and brake pads must also be checked regularly on trailers. A development for which BPW applied for a patent back in 1992 provides greater clarity in terms of wear – in the truest sense of the word.
Space mission on BPW axles
Huge wind turbine blades, bridge sections weighing tons or entire space shuttles: over the past decades, many a spectacular load has been moved on BPW axles. Quality from Wiehl is always in particularly high demand when the objects to be transported are especially large, wide or heavy. We will show you some highlights from the last 125 years here. Episode 1: space missions!
Intelligent tracking adjustment
The seemingly simplest ideas often prove to be particularly effective and sustainable. BPW’s intelligent tracking adjustment was such an ingenious idea: it enables rapid fine adjustment, both during vehicle construction and in the event of repair.
Brake service for trailers like in motorsport
Innovations turn into sustainable success stories when they offer users real added value. The ECO principle from BPW Bergische Achsen is a good example of this: it offers especially time-saving and hence cost-saving assembly and disassembly of the axle hub, including the rim and tyre.
A joy through the bends for more than 35 years
The load-dependent self-steering axle from BPW makes it easier to manoeuvre HGV drawbar trailers and semitrailers and saves costs. Its patent application in 1986 was the starting signal for a real success story: it has become the standard for multi-axle trailers – thanks to an intelligent and simple idea.
Innovation in series
BPW has been setting inventions in motion for 125 years.
Endurance test in snow and ice: Electric trailer cooling under extreme conditions
The ePower generator axle from BPW generates energy while the trailer is moving. The first refrigeration companies are already using the solution to operate the diesel unit of the refrigeration machine in the trailer without emissions. Before going into real operation, ePower was subjected to the endurance test during test drives in Spain and Sweden under extreme temperature conditions. Celine Piepenbrink and Eike Goergen from the project team tell us what the axle had to withstand.
It’s all a matter of pressure
With BPW AirSave, tyre pressures can be automatically checked and controlled. This prevents downtimes, saves on costs and, in addition to greater safety, also offers ecological advantages. The Danish haulier, Leif Riget, uses the system.
How quiet is the BAX e-truck?
The “Quiet Logistics Manual” is intended to provide companies with decision-making aids when selecting vehicles for nighttime logistics. A consortium led by Fraunhofer IML is measuring the noise emitted by different models – from 7.5-tonne trucks to heavy goods vehicles.
Telematics as a super tool
The Schwarzmüller Group refers to the trailers that it manufactures as real super tools. The company, with its headquarters in Austria, stands for individual transport solutions that far surpass the established standard. The vehicles have exceptional system properties that are designed to bring noticeably more added value – this also includes a special telematics concept.
Bulk transport in XXL
16 axles, a proud 32 metres in total length and a gross combination mass of 116 tonnes: The Roadtrain from MGM Bulk and Bruce Rock Engineering, which is used in mining in Australia, sets special standards.
Digital learning from the start
The professional world is increasingly shaped by digitalisation – that’s why it makes sense to optimally prepare even trainees for precisely this world. At BPW, digital training of the next generation is a matter of course: in its own training centre, the company relies on networked machines and robotics, among other things.
Telematics for all
Telematics systems are becoming the new standard in transport: vehicle manufacturers are increasingly making the hardware standard equipment. And with the electrification of the drive system, telematics is likely to become even more important for inner-city transport.
The lightweight universal genius
Mit Airlight II hat BPW seine universelle Luftfederung für den Einsatz im Bereich von neun bis zwölf Tonnen weiterentwickelt. Der runde Achskörper, innovative Materialien und eine lasergestützte Produktion machen es zum leichtesten Fahrwerk auf dem Markt. Denis Wierwille, BPW Produktmanager Trailer Solutions & Mobility Services, erklärt die Technologie und das Know-how dahinter.
Schwarzmüller and idem telematics establish new standard: Telematics becomes trailer standard equipment
Order a telematics system for the new trailer? And if so, which one? These questions no longer arise for customers of Wilhelm Schwarzmüller GmbH. Since June 2021, the vehicle manufacturer based in Freinberg, Austria, has been equipping its trailers with networked technology as standard ex works. Without additional costs for the customers, but with tangible added value.
When every kilo counts
With silo vehicles, every kilogram of empty weight that can be saved is important: The supposedly small advantage adds up to tangible economic and ecological effects with numerous tours per day, for example in construction site logistics. Among other things, the silo vehicle manufacturer Feldbinder relies on lightweight components from BPW to successfully slim down its trailers.
upBox: the digital and automated spare parts warehouse
The upBox from the BPW Aftermarket Group could revolutionise the procurement of spare parts for commercial vehicle workshops. The spectacular idea behind the digital solution is the intelligent spare parts warehouse, in which all processes run fully automatically. Does the system work in practice? The commercial vehicle specialist Beilharz has tried it out.
BPW Active Reverse Control: The axle thinks and steers
Manoeuvring on narrow farms and their even narrower access roads is an art in itself. With these special requirements in mind, trailer specialist Finkl has developed a new generation of vehicles for animal transport and uses the BPW Active Reverse Control auxiliary steering system. Customers from all over Europe are enthusiastic about the advantages.
Virtual truck racing: racing drivers also work from home
Pushing the throttle as far as it will go on the straight. Braking at the last moment, turning the steering wheel and heaving the 5,300-kilo truck through the chicane: It almost feels like being on the real track – but it is a virtual race. This is how the European truck racing scene shortens the waiting time until the season starts.
From the idea to real innovation
As a running gear system manufacturer for truck trailers and semi-trailers, BPW has always stood for merging tradition with modernity. With the iGurt, an intelligent system for securing loads, BPW in Wiehl has presented a real innovation: The smart product was developed to production readiness within 2.5 years. How exactly does such a process work?
“The E-axle is a real powerhouse”
eTransport – the e-drive system from BPW – proved its strength in a special test: Paul Nutzfahrzeuge drove a converted Mercedes-Benz Vario with almost two tonnes of beer emission-free to the Großer Arber in the Bavarian Forest.
“We are fully convinced”
Telematics, roof height adjustment system, self-steering trailer axle: modern technologies are conquering the fleet. But what do they really achieve? That is exactly what the Italian haulier Bennato Ulisse & Figli wanted to know: As part of the BPW Movin’ Stars campaign, they extensively tested the innovative products of the BPW Group in their day-to-day business for four weeks.
Shop telematics solutions online
Purchasing telematics hardware and software from different manufacturers on one portal: This is now possible with the new online marketplace telematics24.de. One of the leading tech partners is the IT service provider tiramizoo. Its transport management system for urban logistics enables highly efficient inner-city logistics processes.
Quality in the face of a crisis – a Turkish success story
The Turkish commercial vehicle industry is struggling with declining sales, but quality remains in demand, particularly in difficult economic times – more than 20,000 BPW axles and air suspension systems were assembled in BPW Otomotiv’s plant near Istanbul in 2018, and the company’s production output has tripled in the past five years.
Mini black box: a small box with huge impact
Why make it complicated if it can be simple? To trace the forces that impact a running gear during a field test, Reiner Moog used to have to unpack all his measuring equipment. Now, with the mini black box, the head of field testing at running gear specialists BPW Bergische Achsen is breaking new ground: the new device fits inside a case and can be ready to use in two hours. This might not sound spectacular, but it could be the Holy Grail of measurement technology.
Upturn in the economic wonderland
India’s economy is flourishing with remarkable growth rates. The requirements for transport and logistics are also growing in line with this. Kamal, one of India’s largest manufacturers of tipper vehicles, has now installed BPW air suspension in its first tipper. The technology offers many advantages, in particular given the harsh conditions on the country’s roads.
Experience transport innovations, and try out trailers for free
BPW’s Movin’ Stars campaign is proving once again how the cost-effectiveness of transport can be optimised. Four test trailers have been fully kitted out with innovative solutions from the BPW Group. Hauliers can drive them for free for real-life practical experience.
The smart spare parts store
Finnish commercial spares dealer Trailcon – a BPW Group subsidiary – has developed a container that functions as a mobile spares store, giving workshops round-the-clock access to parts.
Revolution at a click: digitisation of semi-trailer running gear
Thanks to the unique ‘digital DNA’ of all components, BPW is revolutionising how semi-trailer running gear is configured, ordered, produced, assembled and maintained. The digitalisation of all components and processes is making it much easier to find spare parts.
Full Control
To ensure that sensitive goods such as medication or fresh foodstuffs stay cool during transport, you need the best technology and the highest degree of reliability throughout the supply chain. That’s why the Hesse-based haulier B & M Logistics-Service and the sushi producer Natsu Foods from Neuss rely on telematics solutions from idem telematics.
Electronic assistants
BPW is launching a plug-and-play auxiliary steering system with innovative sensor technology.
Rugged axle, powerful drive: the hydraulic drive axle AGRO Drive
Rolling on where others fear to tread – BPW’s hydraulic drive axle AGRO Drive digs deep when the going gets tough. The hydrostatic drive system keeps trailers and agricultural machinery on the move.
Industry 4.0: Translating aspiration into practice
A digitally interconnected wheel and axle assembly shop was completed in a major project at the BPW facility in Wiehl. The challenge of implementation was taken up by the IT production & internal logistics department.
Successful field tests
The BPW Movin’ Stars campaign enables customers to test the diverse system components produced by BPW Group in fully equipped trailers. The first hauliers to take up the offer report on their findings.