DRIVENTIC STRENGTHENS ITS LEADERSHIP IN SUPPLYING RETARDER BRAKES FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN SOUTH AMERICA
Company expands supply for heavy and extra-heavy trucks
Fleet operators are demanding the equipment due to benefits regarding efficiency, safety, and reduced operating costs
Driventic, a specialist in modern powertrain technologies for trucks, buses, and off-road vehicles, is expanding the supply of its retarder brake models for commercial vehicles. In addition to heavy and extra-heavy models from manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Volvo—which come factory-equipped with the system as a standard feature—Driventic retarders are now also being offered as an option for new truck families, such as the Mercedes-Benz Atego 3133 and 3433 produced in Brazil.
"Driventic is a leader in supplying retarders for commercial vehicles, including both trucks and buses. Our 115HV and 3250 models have been standard equipment on the Mercedes-Benz Actros and Axor, as well as the Volvo FH and FM truck families, for some time. This year, driven by operator demand for greater efficiency and safety, they are also being offered as an option on vocational models—such as the Atego 3133 and 3433 for mining, and the Volvo VMX Max 360 concrete mixer," explains Lucas Rolim, Commercial Director for Driventic in Brazil.
The Volvo VMX Max 360hp was the brand's first model with this configuration (concrete mixer) to be sold with a retarder in Brazil. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz Atego 3433 units have been in operation in the mining sector since the first half of this year. Transport operators aim to run increasingly safe operations—for both drivers and other road users—by utilizing advanced, efficient technologies that boost operational reliability and reinforce their commitment to sustainability. The retarder delivers these benefits by ensuring the braking system remains 100% available to bring the vehicle to a halt.
The 115HV is a powerful step-up retarder (featuring speed multiplication) equipped with its own lubrication system, independent of the transmission. This component integrates with the vehicle's management system via the VERA retarder control unit and offers features such as driving speed limiting and cruise control. Meanwhile, the 3250 is a powerful, energy-efficient step-up retarder that also features its own lubrication system.
The retarder is an auxiliary braking system integrated into a truck's transmission or powertrain, designed to reduce vehicle speed without relying on the service brakes. It helps minimize wear on braking components—such as linings and pads—and improves fuel efficiency, as the system consumes no fuel while helping maintain a higher average speed.
In conventional trucks, the retarder’s primary function is to reduce the workload on the service brakes. According to Lucas Rolim, retarders can handle approximately 90% of braking operations without causing wear to the service brakes. On a descent, for instance, the system allows the driver to control the vehicle's speed without constantly using the brake pedal. This enhances safety by preventing the truck from gaining uncontrolled speed on mountain passes and long downhill stretches. It helps optimize travel time by allowing for the programming of driving speeds, prevents overheating and brake fade, and reduces wear on the braking system—significantly lowering the need to replace brake linings, pads, and drums, as well as overall fleet maintenance costs.
About Driventic
Driventic specializes in efficient drive technologies for commercial vehicles. Whether for electric mobility or conventional powertrain systems, Driventic’s complete systems and digital services drive the mobility transition, enabling manufacturers and operators to run their trucks, buses, and off-highway vehicles sustainably.
Headquartered in Heidenheim, Germany, Driventic employs 1,400 people across 26 locations in 18 countries. In Latin America, it operates in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico.
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