Auto Industry Veteran Al Kammerer Joins Fallbrook Technologies’ Board of Directors

– To advise and assist in commercialization of NuVinci® technology for automotive applications   –

(San Diego, Calif., March 2, 2009) – Fallbrook Technologies Inc. (Fallbrook), a pioneering technology company dedicated to improving the performance and flexibility of transmissions for engine- and human-powered devices, announced today that Al Kammerer has joined its board of directors.

Mr. Kammerer, a seasoned automotive industry veteran, will help guide Fallbrook’s effort to commercialize its NuVinci continuously variable planetary (CVP) transmission technology in the automotive/transportation field. Mr. Kammerer spent 34 years with Ford Motor Company before retiring in 2008 as product development director for Jaguar Land Rover. Prior to this assignment, he served as executive director for SUV and body-on-frame vehicles in North America, where he led product development activities for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles with these platforms. In his previous work with Ford, he also served as vehicle line director for the group that developed the critically-acclaimed Ford Focus.

“The auto industry needs solutions today to solve real problems, so the time is right for NuVinci technology,” said Kammerer. “I’m looking forward to helping Fallbrook make its mark in Detroit and worldwide.”

Among the automotive applications now approaching commercialization are a series of applications of NuVinci technology in continuously variable accessory drives (CVADs). The company is focusing its CVAD efforts on three main areas: power at idle, fuel economy improvement, and variable supercharging.  All three applications help front-end accessories such as the alternator, air conditioning compressor and power steering pump run more efficiently by allowing them to operate in their optimal range, regardless of engine RPM.

“Al Kammerer knows the car business inside and out, and understands the challenges OEMs are facing,” said William G. Klehm III, Fallbrook’s president and CEO. “He has the broad technical experience, market knowledge and personal commitment to excellence we need to expand the success of our automotive program.”

NuVinci technology is the most practical, economical and universally adaptable continuously variable transmission for human- and motor-powered vehicles and machines. The NuVinci CVP uses a set of rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and output components of a transmission. Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio.

“Closing a $25 million finance round in this economy is a huge validation of NuVinci technology and its ‘game-changing’ potential – particularly in the cleantech area,” said William G. Klehm III, Fallbrook’s president and CEO. “This investment positions us to make major gains in both market reach and market share worldwide.

”NuVinci technology is the most practical, economical and universally adaptable continuously variable transmission for human- and motor-powered vehicles and machines. The NuVinci CVP uses a set of rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and output components of a transmission. Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio.

The NuVinci CVP can be used in virtually any transmission-based vehicle or device – from bicycles and outdoor power equipment to cars, trucks and wind turbines.

About Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
Fallbrook Technologies Inc. (Fallbrook) is a technology company dedicated to improving the performance and flexibility of transmissions for vehicles and equipment. Fallbrook’s revolutionary NuVinci® continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology is applicable to virtually any machines that use a transmission such as bicycles, light electric vehicles, automobiles, agricultural equipment, and wind turbines, among others.  NuVinci technology offers companies the flexibility to design and produce next-generation products that are better tailored to their unique business, market and competitive requirements.

Fallbrook has built an extensive portfolio of over 300 patents and patent applications worldwide.  Fallbrook’s vigorous research and development activities will continue to enhance the performance and capabilities of NuVinci technology. To learn more about Fallbrook and its NuVinci technology, please visit please visit www.fallbrooktech.com.

To download a comprehensive press kit and company/technology backgrounder, click on the link below.

Fallbrook Press Kit


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