Eaton And AxleTech To Provide Electronic All-Wheel-Drive System To Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced it has teamed with AxleTech International to offer a vehicle traction and stability control system to the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. The JLTV program is a family of vehicles designed to succeed the High-Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) that are used widely today.

The Electronic All-Wheel-Drive System™ (eAWD™) rollover protection system provides tactical military vehicles with enhanced safety, mobility and maneuverability. It is based on Eaton’s EGerodisc™ electronic differential technology, which has been successfully applied to sport utility vehicles in the consumer segment. The eAWD system is exclusively integrated and optimized with AxleTech’s drivetrain to exceed JLTV performance and safety requirements. Combined with planetary wheel-end technology and lightweight materials the system permits optimal drivetrain weight and performance.

“Eaton’s EGerodisc technology is proven to provide unique, cost-effective, fully-automated traction and stability control without driver interface or special training making it a best-in-class safety system,” said Joao Faria, Eaton vice president and president - Powertrain and Specialty Controls Operations.

“We are extremely proud to be exclusively aligned with Eaton to jointly develop this critically important JLTV technology. As the result of our collaborative efforts, eAWD will provide our troops with the safety, cross-country mobility and maneuverability that they need in all theaters of operation,” said Mary Petrovich, AxleTech’s Chief Executive Officer.

The eAWD™ program was created by blending two companies’ unique strengths. Eaton has extensive experience in the design, development and application of stability and/ traction control technologies across vehicle segments including consumer, commercial, and military. AxleTech provides proven expertise in the field of high-speed planetary drivetrain and suspension systems for military tactical and combat wheeled vehicles. The eAWD™ system is specifically developed for each application and, under the agreement; the companies will jointly provide engineering, program, and lifecycle management for the drivetrain and this safety feature.

AxleTech International is a global manufacturer and supplier of axles, axle components, planetary axles, independent suspensions, brakes and aftermarket parts for commercial specialty trucks, military vehicles and off-highway machines used in the construction, material handling, forestry, mining and agricultural markets. The company was created to enable a singular focus on the needs of off-highway and specialty vehicle customers by providing high quality products and unparalleled customer service. A Carlyle Group- owned company, AxleTech has its origins as the off-highway division of Rockwell (now ArvinMeritor). Visit www.axletech.com for additional information.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2006 sales of $12.4 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 63,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 140 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.