WABCO Holdings Inc. (NYSE: WBC) today announced that WABCO and Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group, have completed an agreement for development of transmission automation technology and the long-term supply of automated manual transmission (AMT) systems from 2010 through 2015.
Ashok Leyland, one of India’s largest manufacturers of commercial vehicles, offers a world class range of trucks, buses, special application vehicles and engines across 20 countries worldwide.
Starting in 2010, WABCO will supply Ashok Leyland with its new OptiDrive modular AMT system. Ashok Leyland is the first manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India to adopt WABCO’s OptiDrive system in volume production.
Depending on the driver’s preference, WABCO’s new OptiDrive system can change gears in full automatic mode or as initiated by the driver. By shifting gears at the most efficient speed, the OptiDrive system significantly contributes to fuel economy, a major cost saving over the vehicle’s lifetime. It requires less maintenance, substantially reducing the vehicle’s downtime and boosting its operating efficiency. It also increases driver comfort, improves vehicle control and further enhances vehicle safety.
“As a technology leader, our passion for engineering excellence defines our ambition to offer products with the best value for our customers. By partnering with WABCO, we can continue to create value in the marketplace while strengthening our commitment to innovation,” said Mr. R. Seshasayee, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland Ltd.
“We are passionate about partnering with Ashok Leyland in India, a leading player in a market that offers significant opportunities for growth. Our long-term agreement with Ashok Leyland marks another milestone in expanding and securing WABCO’s global leadership position in automated manual transmission technology,” said Hans-Jürgen Sander, WABCO Vice President, Driveline Control.