AVL Opens Innovative Application Center in Europe

Unique Facility Layout and Processes Increase Efficiency

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Feb. 2 -- AVL, an international engine and powertrain company, today officially announced the opening of its new Application Center in Graz, Austria. Drawing upon the combined efforts of powertrain development, simulation and test systems, the new center houses all functions of AVL's vehicle application operations in a single facility.

"Our new facility in Europe is just another way AVL supports the automobile industry in their efforts to deliver the best product to the customer in the most efficient manner possible," said Don Manvel, Chairman and CEO of AVL North America, Inc.

The highlight of the center is its layered floor plan. An underground car park, test beds and a vehicle assembly unit are vertically stacked and connected by a car lift. This layout allows for significant savings in cost and time due to highly automated vehicle handling and climatic test preparation.

The new Graz Application Center also includes a modern test track, with the ability to create ideal conditions for testing modern engines in test automobiles and trucks. These prime conditions are made possible due to an acoustic measuring circuit, gradient slope for testing purposes, cambered bends and banked surfaces and an otherwise flat road surface. The total length of the track equals 3,887 feet and includes 20 parking spaces for test vehicles.

AVL is the world's largest privately owned and independent company for the development of gasoline, diesel, alternative fuel powertrain systems, as well as fuel cell and hybrid technologies. The company also manufactures powertrain instrumentation and test systems. Close cooperation with customers is guaranteed by affiliates and local offices worldwide. AVL's North American Headquarters is located in the Detroit suburb of Plymouth, Michigan.