---

New Test Facility Speeds Development of Powertrains at DaimlerChrysler

26 January 2000

New Test Facility Speeds Development of Powertrains at DaimlerChrysler

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 25 -- DaimlerChrysler's new
Powertrain Test Center enables engineers to simulate real-world driving
conditions in the controlled environment of the laboratory, resulting in
improved quality and faster development times for new powertrain products.
    With the opening of the Powertrain Test Center, located in five building
wings of DaimlerChrysler's Technology Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan,
engineers have been able to cut months off the development and testing
process.  Older generation direct current dynamometers have been replaced with
more reliable, state-of-the-art alternating current dynamometers, which are
instruments that test and measure powertrain output.  The new equipment
accurately replicates powertrain performance under the transient throttle and
load conditions that are typical of real-world driving conditions.  Now
engineers calibrate and fine-tune powertrains, the drive systems consisting of
an engine and transmission, much earlier and bring new vehicles to market
sooner.
    In addition, overall quality, reliability and customer satisfaction are
improved.
    "Repeating identical conditions test after test is impossible in the real
world, because road and weather conditions naturally vary.  By creating real-
world conditions in a controlled test environment, powertrains are subject to
the same conditions continually and reliably, which results in more accurate
data," said Harold Page, Director of Powertrain Laboratories at
DaimlerChrysler Corp.
    The 250,000 square foot facility was constructed at a cost of
$300 million, $24 million below budget.  Resources in the new powertrain
facility include:
    *  15 specialty testing cells
    *  8 rear wheel drive powertrain development sites
    *  60 engine durability and reliability sites
    *  26 engine performance sites
    *  20 Front Wheel Drive powertrain development and durability sites

    "This is a one-of-a-kind facility that is unmatched in the automotive
industry," said Page.  "Locating the testing facility and platform engineers
under one roof at the DaimlerChrysler Technology Center gives the company a
competitive advantage.  Engineers have immediate access to the testing and
their participation in the development process is greatly enhanced."
    Such proximity ensures that DaimlerChrysler continues to set industry
standards in engineering vehicle development and testing leadership, he added.
    The facility's test cells provide more wide-ranging and extreme
environments and conditions than in the past, responding quickly and
accurately to temperature and pressure changes.  The cold and hot cells range
from temperatures of -65 degrees to 240 degrees F.  The engine altitude
chamber allows engineers to recreate mountain driving tests by simulating
altitude (13,100-foot capability), temperature, humidity and vehicle loads.
The real-world simulation tests are conducted 24 hours per day and include:
    *  Engine mechanical development
    *  Engine, transmission and total powertrain durability testing
    *  Engine performance dynamometer testing
    *  Catalyst aging tests
    *  Heavy-duty truck (above 8,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight)
    *  Diesel engine tests

    The new facility offers some significant environmental benefits.  First,
the entire facility is isolated from the environment outside the lab.  This
ensures that no test water leaves the facility or flows into the city water
system.  Second, the Powertrain Test Facility will save the company $2 million
in electricity each year; continuous testing at the facility generates
20 percent of the complex's electricity needs, essentially powering itself.
    Also benefiting from this recent expansion are 15 universities across the
United States.  DaimlerChrysler donated the replaced, still-useful direct
current dynamometers to them for use in their engineering programs.