A broad selection of product articles and press releases on the LuK-ASG systems and on the other LuK Group products (including downloadable photos and illustrations) is available at http://www.luk.de/english/Aktuelles/index_Presse2.html.



Daimler-Chrysler A-Class with LuK ECM

The Electronic Clutch Management (ECM) system for the Daimler-Chrysler A-Class began series production in 1997 and has provided this innovative vehicle with effortless gear shifting with the automated clutch. With this system, the driver can enjoy the advantages of an automatic without foregoing selecting gear by hand and all at a price substantially below that of an automatic.

To minimise expenditure, the ECM was designed as an add-on system from the start. The idea was to avoid modifications to the gearbox, gear selector and clutch release system and to limit the number of sensors.

The automobile driver enjoys a significant improvement in comfort. Stop-and-go driving is made substantially easier because the engine can not be stalled when pulling away or coasting. LuK has developed a strategy similar to that in an automatic gearbox that enables the vehicle to "creep". This simplifies manoeuvring as the driver only needs to operate the brake pedal. When the foot brake is pressed, the smart control system reduces the creep with a short time delay so that wear on the clutch and increased fuel consumption can be avoided.

The advantages of LuK's ECM experienced by the driver can be summarised with the key words: comfort, safety and simplicity.



Opel Corsa with LuK ASG

The A-Class has been closely followed by the Auto Shift Gearbox (ASG) system for the Opel Corsa. Sold under the name 'Easytronic', this provides all the benefits of a conventional automatic gearbox, but with improved fuel consumption and performance, and a true manual mode - and all at an affordable price. In manual 'tip' mode the driver has simply to move the shift lever to move swiftly up and down the gears while, in 'auto' mode, the advanced control electronics give effortless shifting completely automatically. The driver can move between each mode almost at will.

The vehicle, even in auto mode, gives a lively and sporty drive aided by for example the highly responsive kick-down function. For example, when say overtaking, the system will shift down from 5th gear directly to 2nd gear to give the driver maximum acceleration. The vehicle also gives tangible benefits in terms of comfortable driving operation and fuel consumption. The comfort and safety benefits of automatic gear shifting in heavy traffic are quickly recognised and the vehicle will crawl just like a conventional automatic car such that manoeuvring in tight spaces is greatly assisted.

Toyota launched the new MR2 sports car with the option of the LuK ASG in Europe in August 2000 and followed this one year later with the USA launch. Developed specially for the MR2, the system emulates the much publicised "Formula 1" type of driving feel.