FEV, Inc. Announces Addition of Full Transmission and Driveline Development and Testing Capability

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 23, 2009 -- FEV, Inc., (FEV) a leading developer of advanced powertrain and vehicle technologies, announced today that it has completed infrastructure investment that enables the company to be fully capable in transmission and driveline design, development and testing, including battery emulation for hybrid and electric transmissions. The announcement was made by Gary Rogers, FEV, Inc. president and CEO.

This marks the completion of a process that began with the installation of two transmission test stands in early 2008. FEV's capabilities now encompass the entire transmission and driveline development process, including:

  --  Benchmarking
  --  Design and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
  --  NVH
  --  Functional Testing
  --  Controls Strategy Development
  --  Calibration
  --  Validation Testing
  --  Integration

"In looking to the future, FEV is aware that realizing maximum fuel efficiencies will require more than improvements to existing powertrains, but will extend to the entire driveline," said Rogers. "With this new capability added to our extensive engine development knowledge, we can provide the development, testing and systems integration that will help our customers market the fuel efficient vehicles desired by their customers."

Rogers points out that when increased fuel prices and environmental concerns sparked a drive toward the development of alternative propulsion technologies, particularly the increased electrification of the driveline, alternative testing methods were needed to support this technology. FEV determined that this investment would allow it to be better positioned to assist customers in evaluating transmission and driveline subsystem efficiencies and develop new technologies.

The implementation of this technology will allow FEV to work on a full range of transmission technologies, including dry and wet clutch, dual clutch, hybrid transmissions and electric powertrains.

Currently, FEV is working with customers on integrating technologies, such as dual clutch, into existing transmissions. Additionally, FEV is conducting several internal R & D projects, including development of an a 7-speed hybrid transmission that allows for all-electric drive using an electric motor integrated into the transmission, and provides torque boost during shifts to enable dual clutch transmission-like shifts.

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 1,800 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.