ArvinMeritor Announces Launch of the 18X Single Reduction Axle for the European Commercial Vehicle Market

Offers High-Efficiency Solution for Heavy Line Haul Applications

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Sep 20, 2010, 07:21 ET

HANNOVER, Germany, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- ArvinMeritor, Inc. (NYSE: ARM) today launched it's new, high-efficiency 18X heavy haul axle at the 63rd IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover.

Available in 2011, the new Meritor 18X is targeted for the on-highway market with GCW weights of 65+ tonnes and more than 700 hp. Using a single reduction design, it is targeted towards the most demanding applications, including those that formerly required a hub reduction axle set. The new product provides an ideal solution for any potential increases in future European weight regulations.

"We are responding to our customers' needs for more efficient drivetrain solutions for heavy haul applications," said Marco Bassi, senior director of Engineering for ArvinMeritor. "The 18X provides the highest power density of any axle in this segment today and is the ideal choice for OEMs seeking an optimized, cost-effective solution."

The 18X axle incorporates Meritor's proven laser welding technology, enabling higher torque capacities, significantly greater efficiency and better gear integration resulting in a 30-percent increase in durability.

The Meritor 18X axle is available with a wide variety of ratios, including a new 2.47 ratio, which is among the fastest in the European market, developed to allow Euro 6 compliant engines to operate at lower RPMs to increase overall fuel economy.

The 18X can accommodate either cast or fabricated housings and is adaptable to a wide range of suspension and brake designs, as well as a curvic coupling differential lock, which enables the differential lock to be engaged at varying speeds.

About ArvinMeritor

ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket for the transportation and industrial sectors. The company serves commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and certain aftermarkets, and light vehicle manufacturers. ArvinMeritor marked its centennial anniversary in 2009, celebrating a long history of 'forward thinking.' ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM. For important information about the company, visit arvinmeritor.com.

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SOURCE ArvinMeritor, Inc.