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Meritor Introduces Lightweight Tandem Axles

19 October 1998

Meritor Introduces Lightweight Tandem Axles Matched With Cummins Signature 600 Engine with Smart Torque Technology

    TROY, Mich., Oct. 19 -- Meritor Automotive, Inc.
has announced an agreement to team Meritor's 40,000-pound and 46,000-pound
tandem drive axles with Cummins Signature 600 series engine with Smart Torque
technology (STX).  The axle/engine combination is available through all major
North American vehicle manufacturers, effective immediately.
    Through the use of electronic engine controls, the new STX technology
provides increased engine performance while allowing the use of a lighter
axle, resulting in improved vehicle performance and reduced component costs.
The optimized torque management axle/engine combination is currently available
only with Meritor and Cummins components.
    "We are thrilled to be the first in the industry to offer truck operators
the advantage of spec'ing a lighter, more cost-effective axle with a high
torque engine of up to 2,050 lb-ft," said Kurt Burmeister, director of
marketing for Meritor's Worldwide Axle business.  "The unique Smart Torque
technology prohibits excessively high torque from reaching the drivetrain in
start-up gears or retard mode."
    Meritor and Cummins jointly developed the application of STX technology to
ensure axle and Cummins Signature engine compatibility.  With this new
advancement, Meritor's RT-40-140 series tandem axle -- designated RT-40-149 --
is now approved in vehicles with gross combination weights (GCW) up to 80,000
pounds when equipped with the Cummins Signature 600 engine with STX.  For
vehicles with GCWs over 80,000 lbs., Meritor has approved its RT-40-160 and
RT-46-164/16H series tandem axles -- designated RT-40-169 and RT-46-169/16H --
with the Cummins Signature 600 engine with STX.
    Burmeister added the new combination provides Meritor and Cummins with a
unique competitive advantage as truck operators will benefit from overall
systems savings.  The technology gives the operator significantly more engine
performance with a lower-cost, lighter-weight axle for increased payload
capacity.
    Meritor now offers its popular RT-140 and RT-160 series tandem axles with
the Cummins Signature 600 STX engine that provides output of 2,050 lb-ft of
torque.
    "With the new electronic engine controls, truck operators can choose a
smaller axle that costs less, and weighs less," said Burmeister.  "Drivers can
operate these engines at peak levels with no loss of performance, while
minimizing any potential damage to the axles."
    Cummins Engine Co. is the world's largest producer of 200+ hp
diesel engines.  Based in Columbus, Ind., Cummins is also a leading
manufacturer of alternative fuel engines, diesel engine components, service
products and power systems.  In 1997, Cummins reported record sales of $5.6
billion.
    Meritor, with 1997 sales of more than $3.3 billion, is a global supplier
of a broad range of components and systems for commercial, specialty and light
vehicles.  Meritor consists of two businesses: Heavy Vehicle Systems, a
leading supplier of drivetrain systems and components for medium- and
heavy-duty trucks, trailers and off-highway equipment and specialty vehicles
including military, bus and coach, and fire and rescue; and Light Vehicle
Systems, a major supplier of roof, door, access control and seat adjusting
systems, electric motors and electronic controls, suspension systems and
wheels for passenger cars, light trucks and sport utility vehicles.