Redesigned FreedomLine(TM) to Comply with Limited ITC Ruling

TROY, Mich., April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ArvinMeritor and ZF announced today that the order issued on April 7 by the International Trade Commission (ITC), based on a complaint by Eaton Corporation, is limited to automated mechanical transmissions which infringe upon Claim 15 of the '279 patent. "Claim 15 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 -- based on the January decision -- ZF redesigned the transmission software to comply with the ruling."

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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(TM) 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."

"We are pleased that the redesigned software will permit us to continue to offer the ZF-FreedomLine in North America," said Dennis Kline, vice president of Global Truck Sales for ArvinMeritor. The ZF-FreedomLine transmission is the most advanced, automated manual transmission in North America, featuring the first "no-clutch pedal" design, which makes it easier to learn and operate than competing automated systems. ZF-FreedomLine provides significant fuel economy and driver comfort benefits, and its innovative design is protected by numerous patents worldwide.

"Furthermore," Gosnell continued, "Eaton's misleading statement with regard to the ITC action is another attempt to eliminate ArvinMeritor as a competitor in the North American transmission market. Despite Eaton's attempts, we fully intend to remain a player and look forward to continuing to meet our customers' needs for advanced transmission systems."

In another pending action initiated last August, ArvinMeritor filed a patent infringement lawsuit in U.S. Federal Court against Eaton for infringement of its patent covering torque prediction. The company believes that this patent is infringed by every Eaton automated manual transmission.

ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a leading worldwide supplier of driveline and chassis technology. Headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, ZF is among the 15 largest automotive suppliers in the world. The company has a total workforce of 53,000 at 119 locations in 25 countries, and combined revenues for the group totaled more than $10 billion in 2003. ZF operates a large manufacturing network in North America, combined with global research and development capabilities, to provide advanced technology to the region. The ZF Group North American Operations Headquarters and Technical Center is located in Northville, Mich., USA.

ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier $8 billion global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The company serves light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and related aftermarkets. Headquartered in Troy, Mich., ArvinMeritor employs approximately 31,000 people at more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 25 countries. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM. For more information, visit the company's Web site at: http://www.arvinmeritor.com/ .