Caterpillar to Offer On-Highway Automatic Transmissions

Transmissions Will Target Vocational Truck Market

PEORIA, Ill., March 10 -- Caterpillar Inc. is building on the legacy of its off-road equipment by developing a complete line of fully automatic, planetary transmissions designed specifically for vocational applications.

Caterpillar plans to begin production of these transmissions later this year, with availability in 2006. The new vocational on-highway transmissions are based on existing transmissions that have proven themselves in Caterpillar articulated trucks.

"Customers and original equipment manufacturers have been asking Caterpillar to provide automatic transmissions that can be matched with the Cat on-highway engines they are already buying," said Caterpillar Vice President Chris Schena. "When matched with a Cat engine, these new transmissions will deliver improved performance, fuel economy and reliability while giving North American vocational truck owners another choice in the marketplace."

The 6-speed CX31 transmission will be compatible with Caterpillar C11, C13 and C15 engines. The 8-speed super-heavy-duty CX35 transmission will match up with higher horsepower C15 ratings for on-highway vocational trucks.

"When packaged with a Cat on-highway engine, these transmissions will give vocational truck customers the option for one source for a fully integrated power train, which means product support is greatly simplified," said Caterpillar Group President Gerry Shaheen. "This means these customers will be able to utilize Caterpillar's 'best in class' dealer network for service solutions and product support."

Warranty and extended service coverage for the transmissions will be matched to the engine.

For 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been building the world's infrastructure and, in partnership with Cat dealers, is driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2004 sales and revenues of $30.25 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. More information is available at http://www.cat.com/ .