Eaton Innovations Contribute to GM Displacement On Demand

    SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--May 21, 2001--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today disclosed more details about its previously announced $500 million contract with General Motors .
    Eaton will provide GM with variable valve actuation technology and components for GM's new advanced powertrain technology called Displacement on Demand. This system, scheduled for GM's Generation IV V8 Engine beginning in 2004, is intended to improve fuel economy without sacrificing power and performance.
    Displacement on Demand provides a precise and instantaneous electronic matching of engine displacement to the performance level being demanded by the driver. In this way, fuel consumption is dramatically reduced in operating modes where high engine output is not required.
    "One of the really unique features of this system is that it is completely transparent to the driver," said Kynan Church of Eaton's Automotive Engine Component Operations. "We are so pleased that GM can provide their customers with improved fuel economy while maintaining their powerful V8 performance."
    Eaton's Automotive business used expertise from two of its divisions to provide GM with the technology and innovation to meet all its criteria. Eaton's Engine Component Operation and Actuator and Sensor Division worked closely with GM's Advanced Research & Development team to bring electro-hydraulic variable valve actuation system to market.
    "GM is one of several Eaton customers for solenoid valve systems," said Ken Parker of Eaton's Actuator and Sensor Division. "We used proven technologies from our electro-hydraulic transmission controls expertise to provide a robust design for a cost-effective actuation solution."
    Variable valve actuation is just one example of the many innovations resulting from Eaton's focus on fuel economy, safety and environmental impact. Other examples include advanced gasoline vapor controls, common rail Diesel fuel controls, and patented ULV(R) Ultralite engine valves, a finalist for the 2001 Automotive News PACE(R) innovation award. To find out more about Eaton automotive products and businesses, visit our web site at http://www.automotive.eaton.com.
    Eaton Corporation is a global $8 billion diversified industrial manufacturer that is a leader in fluid power systems; electrical power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management and fuel economy; and intelligent truck systems for fuel economy and safety. Eaton's 55,000 employees work in 29 countries on six continents. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.