SAF-HOLLAND Launches 11-Tonne Fusion Axle, Series Production to Begin in Q2 2028

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 17, Germany-based SAF-HOLLAND unveiled the SAF Fusion trailer axle series during IAA Transportation 2026, targeting 11-tonne medium-load applications. The new series fills the load range gap between its existing 9-tonne SAF Intra and its Modul products rated up to 14 tonnes, with series production for the first applications scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2028.

The SAF Fusion uses the Group's existing Assali Stefen suspension concept as its technical foundation and has been redeveloped in combination with SAF-HOLLAND's existing axle technology. The new series features SAF axle tubes, brake, wheel and hub bearing components, while the suspension brackets, air springs and interfaces connecting to the vehicle frame have been re-matched. SAF-HOLLAND has further standardized the frame interface dimensions and geometry between the Fusion and Modul series, making it easier for trailer manufacturers to adopt more uniform chassis interfaces across products of different load ratings.

The new series has a rated load capacity of 11 tonnes. Previously, SAF-HOLLAND had no dedicated standalone product for the load range above 9 tonnes and below 14 tonnes, and some applications required the use of the structurally heavier Modul axle. With the launch of Fusion, a single axle can be more than 40 kilograms lighter compared with previous solutions used for similar operating conditions; for a tri-axle trailer, calculated on a per-axle weight reduction basis, the complete axle system can reduce its own weight by more than 120 kilograms.

The product development scope covers both rigid axles and steering axles, and is compatible with both single-tire and dual-tire configurations. SAF-HOLLAND identifies low-bed trailers, timber transport vehicles, tank vehicles, heavy-duty tipper trailers and central axle trailers as the primary application scenarios, focusing on vehicles that exceed the traditional 9-tonne class but do not require 14-tonne heavy-duty axles.

SAF-HOLLAND had previously also developed the SAF SBS2224H0 disc brake for 11-tonne axle loads. This brake uses a 430-millimeter-diameter, 45-millimeter-thick brake disc, has a maximum axle load of 11 tonnes, a type-approval test load of 12 tonnes, and a maximum braking torque of 25 kNm, and is scheduled to enter series supply from the fourth quarter of 2026. The company has already configured multiple 11-tonne axle versions for this braking system, providing a braking system foundation for subsequent 11-tonne trailer chassis products.

The series production plan for the SAF Fusion will begin in the second quarter of 2028, with gradual introduction thereafter depending on different axle types, tire configurations and trailer types.