WABCO unveils its new modular automated manual transmission (AMT) system

BRUSSELS, Belgium, September 16, 2008 - WABCO Holdings Inc. , one of the world's leading providers of electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission automation systems for heavy duty commercial vehicles, will unveil its new modular automated manual transmission (AMT) system at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2008 in Hanover, Germany, continuing the company's 20-year track record of technology leadership in transmission automation.

The 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 vehicle and transmission manufacturers. In addition, WABCO's new Modular AMT system can be easily adapted to an existing manual transmission without changing it, further accelerating market introduction due to less development time and effort.

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 experience in driveline controls. Covering nearly all applications in medium and heavy duty trucks as well as buses, WABCO's innovative modular concept for its new AMT system consists of three core components: a cabin mounted shift lever unit, including the system's electronic control unit; a shift actuator mounted on the gearbox, and a clutch actuator.

"We are passionate about extending our leadership in driveline control technology and extending our broad experience in integrating these complex systems into transmission and vehicle platforms," said Hans-Jurgen Sander, WABCO Vice President, Driveline Control. "With our new Modular AMT system, we shorten product development time for customers while speeding up their time to market for almost any platform. This innovation will help drive market demand for AMTs, especially in countries like China, India and Russia where AMT market penetration is expected to grow rapidly."

Depending on the driver's preference, WABCO's new Modular AMT system can change gears in full automatic mode or as initiated by the driver. By optimizing the gear shifting process, WABCO's new Modular AMT 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.

In addition, WABCO's new Modular AMT system will significantly reduce the total cost of ownership of a vehicle as more accurately controlled shifting operations result in less wear among components. Compared with a manual transmission, WABCO's new Modular AMT system requires less driver training as it further simplifies vehicle operation, resulting in increased driver awareness for traffic conditions and improved road safety.