FEV, Inc. Expands Test Services to Encompass Drivetrain System Components

FEV commissions transmission test stands as focus shifts to fuel economy

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 10 -- FEV, Inc. announced today that it recently commissioned two dedicated transmission test stands as it expands its capabilities to address issues across the entire drivetrain system. The announcement was made by Dr. Joachim Wolschendorf, vice president, Vehicle and Drivetrain Engineering Division, FEV, Inc.

"The integration of drivetrain system components is a key enabler for continuous improvement in the fuel efficiency of today's vehicles," said Wolschendorf. "No longer can one develop an efficient powertrain without taking into account the downstream mechanical and electro-mechanical systems that, when connected, significantly influence the overall fuel efficiency. The proliferation of new transmission technologies that are designed as fuel-saving components is evidence of that, and at FEV we believe that maximizing these efficiencies requires an integrated approach to development and testing."

These new transmission test stands will allow FEV to provide customers with the following services directly related to transmission performance:

  --  Benchmarking and target setting
  --  Efficiency testing and analysis
  --  Control system architecture and calibration
  --  Driveline integration
  --  NVH optimization
  --  Shift quality optimization and schedule determination
  --  System durability

  In addition, FEV can provide pre- and post testing services, including:
  --  Modeling, simulation and analysis
  --  Component and system design and development
  --  Prototyping and fabrication
  --  In-vehicle analysis

The transmission test stands are designed to accommodate the wide variety of transmissions available in today's market, including front-wheel and rear-wheel drive, hybrid, dual-clutch and continuously-variable transmissions including the entire gear range up to 8-speeds. The resulting benefits include overall improvements in fuel economy, improved shift quality, optimized calibration, and quieter operation.

About FEV

The FEV Group is an internationally recognized powertrain and vehicle engineering company that supplies the global transportation industry. FEV offers a complete range of engineering services, providing support across the globe to customers in the design, analysis, prototyping, powertrain and transmission development, as well as vehicle integration, calibration and homologation for advanced internal combustion gasoline-, diesel-, and alternative-fueled powertrains. FEV also designs, develops and prototypes advanced vehicle / powertrain electronic control systems and hybrid-electric engine concepts that address future emission and fuel economy standards. The FEV Test Systems division is a global supplier of advanced test cell, instrumentation and test equipment. The FEV Group employs a staff of over 1,700 highly skilled specialists at advanced technical centers on three continents. FEV, Inc. employs approximately 300 personnel at FEV's North American Technical Center in Auburn Hills, MI.