ArvinMeritor, Inc. and ZF Friedrichshafen AG announced today that they have "redesigned" the software in their FreedomLine automated mechanical transmission to comply with an order issued April 7 by the International Trade Commission in response to a patent-infringement complaint filed by Eaton Corp.
See ITC orders stop to Freedomline importation.
The software modification will allow ArvinMeritor to continue to offer the ZF- FreedomLine transmission in North America, without changing the functionality of the product, the companies stated.
"[The complaint] pertains to a non-critical aspect of the transmission, which is not integral to its operation," said Tom Gosnell, president of ArvinMeritor Commercial Vehicle Systems. What's more, he said that "in anticipation of this expected order - based on the January decision - ZF redesigned the transmission software to comply with the ruling" back on March 15 to avoid any disruption in supply.
"This minor redesign, which has no effect on the functionality of the ZF-FreedomLine 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," said Wolfgang Vogel, executive vp of commercial vehicle and special driveline technology for ZF Friedrichshafen AG.
"We are pleased the redesigned software will permit us to continue to offer the ZF-FreedomLine in North America," noted Dennis Kline, ArvinMeritor's vp- global truck sales.
Troy, MI-based ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a global supplier of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry including the commercial truck and trailer industry.
Friedrichshafen, Germany-based ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a worldwide supplier of driveline and chassis technology.
