ArvinMeritor to Supply Drivetrain Components in China

ArvinMeritor Inc. signed a strategic partnership with Shanghai-based Yutong Group Co. Ltd. to supply drivetrain components for buses and coaches in China. The group will deliver non-drive and drive axles to Yutong, and will manufacture differential carriers and brake callipers at its Wuxi plant, to be applied to Yutong’s axles. The finished products will be assembled at Yutong’s plant in Zhenzhou. Production is expected to begin at the end of 2009. “We will build the carriers and air disc brakes in our Wuxi plant utilizing local suppliers,” explained ArvinMeritor v.p. and managing director of Asia Pacific Tim Bowes. “We plan to continue to demonstrate our commitment to the China market by localizing the manufacturing of our products to meet the needs of our domestic customers." As part of their partnership, ArvinMeritor and Yutong will sell and distribute standard aftermarket service kits for its products.