BRUSSELS, Belgium, April 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- WABCO Holdings Inc.
(NYSE: WBC), a global technology leader and tier-one supplier to the
commercial vehicle industry, today introduced OptiDrive(TM) as the brand name
for the company's new modular automated manual transmission system,
continuing the company's 20-year track record of technology leadership in
transmission automation.
As previously disclosed, this new system's high degree of modularity
significantly reduces the development time required for application to
transmission and vehicle platforms, enabling faster time to market for
manufacturers of trucks, buses and transmissions. WABCO's new OptiDrive
system can also be easily adapted to an existing manual transmission without
changing it, further accelerating market introduction.
Depending on the driver's preference, WABCO's new OptiDrive system can
change gears in full automatic mode or as initiated by the driver. By
optimizing the gear shifting process, this new system improves vehicle
control and enhances comfort. It also significantly contributes to lower
average fuel consumption by shifting at the most effective speed, a major
cost saving over the vehicle's lifetime.
As previously reported, China National Heavy Truck Corporation (CNHTC)
began equipping their new flagship truck series with WABCO's OptiDrive system
in December 2008. The largest producer of heavy duty trucks in China, CNHTC
is the world's first original equipment manufacturer to adopt WABCO's
OptiDrive system in volume production.
"WABCO's new OptiDrive system is one of the most creatively engineered
products in our global portfolio, providing more efficient vehicle
performance, further vehicle safety and increased driver comfort," said
Hans-Jurgen Sander, WABCO Vice President, Driveline Control. "With its high
degree of modularity, our new OptiDrive system means faster time to market
not only for truck and bus makers but also for transmission manufacturers.
Our OptiDrive system will help expand demand for automated manual
transmissions worldwide, especially in markets such as Brazil, Russia, India
and China, where adoption of such systems is expected to grow rapidly."
In 1986, WABCO introduced the first electronic transmission automation
system for commercial vehicles, an industry breakthrough, and today the
company is a leader in transmission automation technology based on more than
20 years of continuous innovation in driveline controls.
About WABCO
WABCO Vehicle Control Systems (NYSE: WBC) is a leading supplier of safety
and control systems for commercial vehicles. For over 140 years, WABCO has
pioneered breakthrough electronic, mechanical and mechatronic technologies
for braking, stability, and transmission automation systems supplied to the
world's leading commercial truck, trailer, and bus manufacturers. With sales
of $2.6 billion in 2008, WABCO is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. For
more information, visit http://www.wabco-auto.com
Media contact
Tobias Mueller, +49-69-7191-6834, tobias.mueller@klenkhoursch.de
Investors and financial analysts contact
Mike Thompson, +32-2-663-9854, mike.thompson@wabco-auto.com
Jason Campbell, +1-732-369-7477, jason.campbell@wabco-auto.com
SOURCE WABCO Holdings Inc.
