ArvinMeritor Hybrid Dual-Mode Drivetrain Participates in HTUF Truck Convoy

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2009; ArvinMeritor Inc. participated in today's hybrid truck 'convoy' to Capitol Hill, sponsored by Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) and CALSTART. The event included a briefing and multiple vehicle display at the Capitol Reflecting Pool here.

Attending the event from ArvinMeritor were Chip McClure, chairman, CEO and president, and Chad Mitts, director of product line management, hybrids and new technology.

ArvinMeritor's first hybrid drivetrain system was launched in a Walmart Transportation vehicle earlier this year. Walmart operates nearly 7,200 heavy-duty trucks in North America and has committed to doubling its fleet efficiency by 2015. Walmart is testing and evaluating the newly configured vehicle in regular linehaul service at one of its distribution centers throughout 2009.

"While most hybrid systems today are best suited for start-stop applications, our hybrid drivetrain is specifically designed for linehaul, over-the-road trucks, the largest segment of the commercial vehicle population," said Carsten J. Reinhardt, president of ArvinMeritor's Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) business.

The Meritor dual-mode hybrid drivetrain combines both mechanical and electrical propulsion systems. Under 48 miles-per-hour, vehicle propulsion is delivered entirely through an electric motor with power from lithium ion batteries. These batteries are recharged through regenerative braking and/or an engine-driven generator. As the vehicle approaches highway speed, the drivetrain phases to a diesel-powered system with the electric motor providing power, only as required, allowing for total system optimization.

The key differentiation of this system is its ability for zero-emission mode over a wide range of vehicle driving conditions. This allows the truck to operate in places where emissions are restricted, like a port or urban area.

Additionally, the batteries provide continuous power for hotel loads during an overnight rest period, eliminating the need for engine idling or other redundant anti-idling systems. Electrification of accessories such as the air or AC compressors provides further efficiency benefits.

The Meritor hybrid drivetrain in the Walmart tractor was developed in collaboration with Navistar and Cummins and is comprised of a proprietary motor/generator unit, high capacity lithium ion batteries, as well as the overall power-management system.

ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The company marks its centennial anniversary in 2009, celebrating a long history of 'forward thinking.' The company serves commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and certain aftermarkets, and light vehicle manufacturers. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM. For more information, visit the company's Web site at: http://www.arvinmeritor.com/.