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At 1998 SAE Congress: ASHA Technical Paper Outlines the Advantages of Gerodisc Traction Technology in AWD Systems

11 February 1998

At 1998 SAE Congress: ASHA Technical Paper Outlines the Advantages of Gerodisc Traction Technology in AWD Systems

    SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Feb. 11 -- ASHA Corporation's
Research Director, Murat Okcuoglu, will present a technical
paper on the advantages of using the company's patented Gerodisc(TM) traction
technology in all-wheel drive (AWD) systems at the SAE International Congress
& Exposition.
    Paper Number 973235 will be presented on Tuesday, February 24, 1998, at
8:55 a.m. in Cobo Hall, room W2-67, as part of the Light Duty Powertrain
Driveline Session.
    Although conventional AWD and four-wheel drive systems provide increased
traction and vehicle control, the penalties incurred can be considerable:
increased complexity and cost, drivetrain package size and weight, as well as
reduced fuel economy and vulnerability to driver abuse, to name a few.
    ASHA's Gerodisc-based AWD system, on the other hand, is compact,
lightweight, and transparent to the driver.  It maintains full distribution of
traction to the four wheels at all times and is automatically variable.  No
driver input is required.  In addition to improving vehicle traction,
handling, and safety, it reduces weight and cost.
    The Gerodisc unit is a self-contained hydromechanical device that contains
a continuously operating fluid pump, piston, and set of clutches.  When used
inside an axle carrier, transaxle, or transfer case, the Gerodisc unit will
limit wheel spin by automatically sensing wheel slip and smoothly transferring
driveshaft torque to the non-spinning wheel to regain traction.
    Chrysler Corporation will introduce its new Quadra-Drive(TM)
four-wheel drive system on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee using ASHA's patented
Gerodisc technology.  The system is being built by New Venture Gear, Auburn
Hills, MI.
    ASHA Corporation, headquartered in Santa Barbara, develops advanced
technology products and automotive design and manufacturing techniques for the
global automotive industry.  The stock is traded on the Nasdaq SmallCAP Market
(Symbol ASHA).
    Visit ASHA's Website at http://www.ashacorp.com for additional
information.

SOURCE  ASHA Corporation