TROY, Mich., (April 19, 2005) — Truck component supplier ArvinMeritor says its automated ZF-FreedomLine transmission will continue to be sold in North America, despite an International Trade Commission ruling last month that prohibited its importation into the U.S.

The ITC decision was the final ruling in the ongoing patent infringement dispute between ArvinMeritor and Eaton Corp. Eaton claimed the ZF-FreedomLine gearbox (the product of a joint venture between ArvinMeritor and Germany’s ZF Friedrichshafen) infringed on various patents for its competing AutoShift and UltraShift automated transmissions.

The Commission issued a cease-and-desist order prohibiting the sale of the ZF-built transmission in the U.S., but permitted the importation and sale of service parts for transmissions imported or sold before April 7, 2005.

However, ArvinMeritor responded by saying the ITC order is limited only to automated mechanical transmissions which infringe upon one particular claim within one particular Eaton patent. “(That) pertains to a non-critical aspect of the transmission, which is not integral to its operation,” said Tom Gosnell, president of Commercial Vehicle Systems for ArvinMeritor. “In anticipation of this expected order… ZF redesigned the transmission software to comply with the ruling.”

According to Wolfgang Vogel, executive vice-president of Commercial Vehicle and Special Driveline Technology for ZF Friedrichshafen AG, “This minor redesign — which has no effect on the functionality of the ZF-FreedomLine transmission — is in accordance with the ruling. We clearly understand the ITC ruling and will not import, market or sell any products that violate the
ruling.”

The company says the redesigned software will permit ArvinMeritor to continue offering the ZF-FreedomLine in North America. Gosnell adds, “…we fully intend to remain a player and look forward to continuing to meet our customers’ needs for advanced transmission systems.”