DURA SmartPark™ System Overview

DURA's SmartPark™ electronic parking brake system technology is the next evolution of the traditional parking brake.  A small switch replaces traditional hand levers and foot pedals that occupy significant space within the vehicle cabin.

DURA's modular system approach works with proven foundation braking systems to enhance vehicle reliability and safety.  The system consists of a remotely mounted DURA SmartPark™ actuator (often mounted on the rear axle), DURA World Class Cable™ system, remotely mounted electronic control unit (often located in the vehicle trunk for protection), and a custom designed user interface switch located in the vehicle's cabin.

The system is networked into a vehicle's communication system, allowing the electronic parking brake to assist in dynamic stop and emergency braking conditions.  Additionally, DURA SmartPark™ engages automatically when the key is removed from the ignition, eliminating rollback and making the vehicle less susceptible to theft.  When the vehicle is shifted out of park, DURA SmartPark™ disengages ensuring that the vehicle is not driven with an active parking brake.

SmartPark™ Commercial Applications

DURA has the most extensive technical and manufacturing experience in electronic parking brake design in the automobile industry.  Since the first electric parking brake patent granted to DURA in 1989, the product has developed into today's leading SmartPark™ electronic parking brake technology.  DURA's first commercial application of the system was introduced in the 2003 Jaguar S-Type and received rave reviews by notable automobile journalists from AutoWeek, Car and Driver and Automobile Magazine, to name a few.  The DURA SmartPark™ system allowed Jaguar engineers additional freedom to redefine the performance and styling of the vehicle.

The DURA SmartPark™  equipped 2003 Lincoln LS, unveiled during the U.S. Open Tournament in August of 2002, is the first U.S. production vehicle to feature an electronic parking brake.  The redesigned vehicle offers improved performance and interior stowage that is two-and-one-half times greater, thanks in part to the redesigned center console and electronic parking brake.

The new 2003 Jaguar XJ was announced by Jaguar Cars North America in September of 2002.  The XJ utilizes DURA's electronic parking brake system to enhance the vehicle's performance and luxury objectives.  Additional applications include a line of specialty postage vehicles for the Australian market and DURA SmartPark™ contracts slated for launch in 2003, 2004, and 2005 calendar years for non-disclosed applications.   Contact your DURA representative today to learn more about what DURA SmartPark™ can do for your next generation of vehicle design.