Torotrak has secured funding
to fit KERS technology into a wheel loader programme in collaboration with
Caterpillar Inc. of Peoria, Illinois.
To
all intents and purposes, Torotrak, a leading developer and supplier of
emissions reduction and fuel efficiency technology for internal combustion
engine, hybrid and all electric powered vehicles, appears to have side-lined
its CVT/IVT work in preference to giving prominence to V-Charge and KERS – kinetic energy recovery
system. In a statement today Torotrak gives no mention of Allison Transmissions Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana.
In its latest half-year results, Torotrak claims its V-Charge technology has
exceeded expectations in on-engine performance and responsiveness. A Ford
Focus demonstrator has successfully completed test drives with 12 OEMs and six
Tier 1s, generating strong interest.
The company claims it is “on track” to complete a second
demonstrator vehicle, a Ford S-MAX fitted with V-Charge enabled 1-litre
three-cylinder engine replacing a 1.5-litre four- cylinder engine.
Added to which “significant interest” is
being shown by multiple global OEMs and Tier 1s in V-Charge technology.
As to its Flybrid KERS technology, Torotrak has launched
the technology in off-highway machines having secured funding for a
wheel loader programme in collaboration with Caterpillar Inc.
Again, the company boats
that it is “on
track” to license KERS into the global off-highway market. Once more it fails
to define the meaning of its words “on track” nor is there any further mention
of UK construction equipment maker JCB.
However, it does emphasis
that there is a “high
level” of interest by multiple OEMs in hydraulically-connected energy recovery
systems ('ERS') for excavators, wheel loaders and other off-highway machines.
Torotrak’s cash balance of £7.9 million is “in line” with management's
expectations for the half year. Perhaps it should have used the words “on track”.
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