Knorr-Bremse Sells SafetyDirect to Rand McNally

Knorr-Bremse announced the divestiture of its SafetyDirect product line, portal, and operations to Rand McNally, Inc., a notable player in the realm of innovative fleet management and transportation solutions. This transaction, which took place on March 7, marks a significant step in Knorr-Bremse’s ongoing efforts to hone its focus on core competencies and enhance performance across its divisions.

Key Highlights:

• Knorr-Bremse sells SafetyDirect to Rand McNally, Inc.
• Sale part of Knorr-Bremse’s strategy to focus on core competencies.
• Rand McNally to expand SafetyDirect’s capabilities and market reach.
• Transaction supports Knorr-Bremse’s “BOOST 2026” strategy for sustainable growth.
• Bendix to continue collaboration, offering integrated data support.

Bernd Spies, a key figure within Knorr-Bremse’s executive team, highlighted the strategic nature of the sale, stating, “With the sale of the SafetyDirect product line, we are successfully continuing our portfolio optimization in the Truck division.” He further emphasized the future direction of Bendix, Knorr-Bremse’s North American subsidiary, which will now intensify its focus on its core areas such as braking systems, steering systems, and advanced driver assistance systems.

SafetyDirect stands out as a critical tool for fleet operators, offering in-depth feedback on fleet and driver performance, including video documentation of crucial incidents. The integration of data from Bendix’s advanced driver assistance systems into SafetyDirect equips fleets with valuable insights into driving behaviors and operational trends. Under the new ownership of Rand McNally, SafetyDirect is set to benefit from expanded sales opportunities and capabilities, leveraging the synergy between Rand McNally’s fleet management expertise and Bendix’s technological prowess.

This divestiture aligns with Knorr-Bremse’s broader “BOOST 2026” initiative, a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving sustainable and profitable growth through strategic initiatives and measures. Bendix will maintain an influential role in the partnership, securing a seat on Rand McNally’s board of directors. This arrangement ensures ongoing support in marketing, data, and product integration, facilitating a unified approach towards delivering optimized customer solutions.

Knorr-Bremse, with its rich heritage and innovation in mobility and transport technologies, continues to lead in the development of safety and efficiency-enhancing solutions for rail and commercial vehicles worldwide. With a global workforce of 33,000 and operations spanning over 100 locations in about 30 countries, Knorr-Bremse’s commitment to advancing mobility and transport technologies remains unwavering, underpinned by a successful track record that spans nearly 120 years.