Opel Introduces Trailer Stability Program

Press Release

Innovative safety technology eliminates trailer yaw

After two years of development and extensive testing, Opel introduces an innovative safety technology for towing trailers. The Trailer Stability Program finally puts an end to trailer yaw, significantly increasing safety. When a dangerous yawing movement begins, the system reacts within milliseconds and immediately stabilizes car and trailer. The new safety system debuts in the Astra and Astra station wagon, where the Trailer Stability Program is standard equipment in combination with the detachable trailer hitch. Together, both cost only 635 Euro* in Germany, less than the trailer hitch alone from some competitors. Astra owners can complement this with the trailer package, consisting of the practical Hill Start Assist and Tire Pressure Monitoring System for just an additional 65 Euro. The Trailer Stability Program is activated as soon as the trailer hitch's 13-pole connector is attached and the ESPPlus system detects a towing car yaw movement caused by the trailer. Data is constantly processed and compared to the predetermined limits set in the system parameters. If a yawing movement begins and exceeds a certain limit, it is decelerated within milliseconds by throttle closure and brake application until stability is restored. After the third excessive yawing movement, a defined brake pressure is applied to steady the car and trailer. This safety measure, which is pivotal in every training for car-and-trailer drivers, is automatically taken care of by the Astra. The Trailer Stability Program does not, however, intervene in drivers' actions, for instance during extreme or sudden steering when an avoidance maneuver is necessary. During the two-year period of balance and calibration-test driving, tens of thousands of kilometers were covered and Opel's specialists tested the car-and-trailer combination handling performance with vastly differing trailer loads and speeds. After thousands of data figures were set, the limits were defined in the system parameters. These enable the Trailer Stability Program to react appropriately according to speed, yawing movement and frequency, so that light swerving on the highway, for example, does not lead to sudden, unnecessary brake application. When the brakes are released is also exactly defined depending on the individual driving situation. The new Astra has high trailer load capacities of up to 1500 kg. For purpose-built trailers such as boat, horse and goods trailers, special permits for loads up to 1600 kg are procurable. The limits generally apply to 12 percent gradients. For a number of engine types, for example the 1.7 CDTI, 10% values are noted on the vehicle registration papers. In this case, the trailer load increases from 1300 kg (12% gradient) to 1500 kg (10% gradient) - a big advantage for trailer owners.

New Astra (sedan) towing capacity:

Gasoline engines	1.4 TWINPORT ECOTEC	1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC	1.8 ECOTEC	2.0 Turbo ECOTEC	2.0 Turbo ECOTEC
Output (kW/hp)	66 / 90	77 / 105	92 / 125	125 / 170	147 / 200
Trailer load braked at  12% / 10% gradient	1000/1200	1200/1350	1300/1500	1500/-/1600*	1500/-/1600*

Diesel engines	1.7 CDTI ECOTEC	1.7 CDTI ECOTEC	1.9 CDTI ECOTEC	1.9 CDTI ECOTEC
Output (kW/hp)	59 / 80	74 / 100	88 / 120	110 / 150
Trailer load braked at  12% / 10% gradient	1300/1500	1400/1500	1500/-/1600*	1500/-/1600*

* With special permit for trailers with low aerodynamic drag such as horse and boat trailers. 2.0 Turbo at 12% gradient, 1.9 CDTI at 10% gradient.