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Fallbrook Technologies patented Nuvinci 360 drivetrain has been adopted in the automotive business in what the firm believes could be ‘a first for a technology launched as a bicycle drivetrain to become part of the automotive industry.’
Already popular in the bike business, the unique transmission will now be licensed to and redeveloped for use by automotive organisations Allison Transmission Holdings and Dana Holding. It is expected the system will eventually feature on passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and off‐highway equipment. From the auto firm’s point of view, Fallbrooks Nuvinci 360 system could help improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and improve overall vehicle performance.
The Nuvinci 360 system was also recently adopted on Grace’s MX e-bike.
Through its licensing agreement, Allison gains the exclusive right from Fallbrook to utilize its CVP technology to develop and commercialize primary drivetrain transmissions for Allison’s end markets, which could include commercial vehicles, military applications, and certain offhighway and large stationary equipment markets.
“As the premier global provider of commercial‐duty fully automatic transmissions, Allison is committed to developing and implementing new technologies that meet the market need for improved performance, fuel economy, and durability,” said Lawrence E. Dewey, Chairman, president and chief executive officer of Allison.
“For nearly a century, we have earned the trust of our customers through an unwavering dedication to quality, integrity, and innovation – core values shared by Fallbrook and Dana. Ours is the ideal collaboration for developing new technology optimized for the next generation of commercial‐duty vehicles.”
Under a separate agreement, Dana will hold an exclusive license from Fallbrook to engineer and produce transmission components and other advanced powertrain solutions with the NuVinci CVP technology for passenger and certain off‐highway vehicles in the end markets that Dana serves.
Roger J. Wood, president and chief executive officer of Dana. “This technology is a true leap forward in
transmission design that highlights our growing portfolio of advanced drivetrain systems and comprehensive vehicle solutions that drive customer value.”
Full‐scale production of off‐highway transmissions with NuVinci‐equipped components in Dana’s served markets is expected within the next three to five years, while implementation in passenger and commercial vehicles is anticipated before the end of this decade.
