ArvinMeritor Selected for Major Defense Design Contract

ArvinMeritor Inc. has earned contracts to supply drivetrains for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), a joint U.S. Army/U.S. Marine Corp. program to replace the military’s light tactical-vehicle fleet. Estimated to have a total value of $20 billion over the next 20 year, the JLTV program is the largest production program for military vehicles. The drivetrains that ArvinMeritor will build will be supplied to Lockheed Martin Systems Integration and BAE Systems U.S. Combat Systems, which are two of the three prime contractors vying to earn the production contract. ArvinMeritor says it has developed “advanced technology solutions” for the system it will deliver, including the Meritor lightweight, high-mobility independent suspensions; an integrated all-wheel drive system; a central tire inflation system; semi-active damping; and MeritorWabco hydraulic braking systems with electronic stability control. Its development of these new products and technologies began in 2006, with its involvement in the Nevada Automotive Test Centers (NATC) Combat Tactical Vehicle Technical Demonstrator program. NATC conducted detailed industry trade studies to identify builders for the demonstrator. ArvinMeritor was chosen over several competitors to provide a high-wheel travel-independent suspension drive axle, pneumatic brake system, and electronic stability control. "ArvinMeritor is highly committed to this important effort and intends to make a significant investment in engineering and prototype development to support the JLTV program," stated Carsten Reinhardt, president of ArvinMeritor's Commercial Vehicle Systems business. JLTV program suppliers, like ArvinMeritor, will now proceed with a 27-month Technology Demonstration phase. At that point, the Army plans to choose two manufacturers to compete in the Engineering Manufacturing and Development phase. The final production contract for the JLTV will be awarded in FY2013. ArvinMeritor supplies integrated systems, modules, and components to commercial truck, trailer and specialty OEM markets, and certain aftermarkets, and light vehicle manufacturers.