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ASHA Technology Allows Automakers to Build FWD, RWD, AWD & 4WD Vehicles From a Common Platform

23 September 1997

ASHA Technology Allows Automakers to Build FWD, RWD, AWD & 4WD Vehicles From a Common Platform

                           Major Cost Saving Impact

    SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Sept. 23 -- ASHA Corporation
announces that several automakers are considering plans for new
lines of vehicles using its GERODISC(TM) technology.  An important benefit
incumbent in the GERODISC design is that its technology provides a flexible
architecture which eliminates most of the difficulty of building front-wheel
drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-wheel drive (AWD), and four-wheel
drive (4WD) vehicles from the same platform, thereby producing significant
cost savings during the manufacturing process.  Until now, OEMs have not been
able to use a single-platform approach because of the differences and
complexities of FWD, AWD and RWD/4WD powertrains.
    According to ASHA Chief Engineer, Murat Okcuoglu, "these developments are
a signal that car manufacturers (OEMs) are looking into designing a whole new
series of vehicle lines that will be built from a single platform including
passenger cars, station wagons, minivans, sport utilities and pickup trucks.
We're excited that the ASHA flexible architecture is now under serious
consideration because of the unique capabilities of GERODISC technology."
    "The benefits of platform consolidation to the OEM are considerable,"
notes Engineering Manager, Robert Anderson.  "The ability to integrate body
styles along with various engine and transaxle combinations in a seamless,
uninterrupted process will significantly reduce assembly line length,
rationalize components, improve time to market and result in huge savings in
program development costs."
    "Our technology also provides manufacturers greater production
flexibility," he adds.  "It allows them to respond quickly to constantly
shifting market demands while reducing the total number of parts required to
support the different vehicle lines.  In turn, the customer benefits from
reduced cost and potentially more drivetrain choices for a given model, not to
mention improved performance and handling."
    GERODISC is a self-contained hydromechanical device that contains a
continuously operating fluid pump, piston, and set of clutches.  When used
inside an axle carrier, transaxle, or transfer case, the GERODISC unit will
limit wheel spin by automatically sensing when a wheel begins to slip.  The
increased wheel speed increases the pump's output pressure which causes the
clutches to engage and slow the spinning wheel.  At the same time the GERODISC
unit smoothly transfers the incoming driveshaft torque to the non-spinning
wheel to regain traction.
    GERODISC continuously monitors and maintains this torque balancing act
regardless of which wheel or axle begins to spin and lose traction, thus
providing a dynamic safety and handling feature that vehicles without GERODISC
technology do not offer.
    GERODISC traction technology is compatible with all present car, van,
sport utility, and truck platforms.  In addition to improving vehicle
traction, handling, and safety, it reduces weight, cost and projected warranty
exposure when compared to the current traction systems now being used.
    ASHA Corporation, headquarters in Santa Barbara, develops advanced
technology products, and automotive design and manufacturing techniques for
the global automotive industry.  The stock is traded on the Nasdaq Market
(Symbol: ASHA)

SOURCE  ASHA Corporation