MAHLE Test Systems Offers New Vehicle Powering Portable Tester

MAHLE Test Systems Offers New Vehicle Powering Portable Tester

February 15, 2007

Hand-held tester based on Windows CE platform meets
assembly plant testing needs

    NOVI, Mich., Feb. 15 /Xingua-PRNewswire/ -- MAHLE Test
Systems, a division of MAHLE Powertrain, LLC, Novi, Mich.,
has introduced its new Vehicle Powering Portable (VPP)
tester for use in conducting in-line testing in automotive
assembly plants.  The new tester utilizes a self-contained
battery pack and is designed for use on the company's line
of handheld Windows CE tester platforms.

    "Our new VPP tester helps assembly plants reduce
the amount of floor space dedicated to module programming
and verification testing that previously has been done
using rail-based end-of-line testers," said Ben
Shirey, Director of MAHLE Test Systems.  "It offers
opportunities for assembly line flexibility and cost
savings not previously available.  By providing complete
power to the vehicle, it can conduct any vehicle diagnostic
test."

    The new VPP tester can be utilized to program and test
electronic modules early in the assembly process before the
vehicle battery is installed.  This procedure traditionally
has been performed by technicians using equipment either at
the end of the assembly line or on a rail-based in-line
station.  The new VPP tester allows the plant to eliminate
an entire dedicated end-of-line or rail-based test station
in the assembly process, saving human resources and
extensive capital outlays.

    The VPP tester features integrated scanning, including
capture of vehicle bar codes without the need for an
external scanner.  Its external vehicle battery source can
last up to one full, eight-hour shift, depending on testing
parameters for uninterrupted operation. The battery pack can
be detached and completely recharged in about one hour.  For
added flexibility, the VPP can also charge as a unit.

    "The biggest advantage of our VPP tester is its
transparency to the assembly plant," said Scott Bolt,
Product Development Manager for MAHLE Test Systems. 
"The plant can perform a model-year changeover to a
radically different vehicle with radically different
testing requirements, without having to drastically alter
its testing processes. Our experience with this battery
technology has shown excellent results during the past year
of assembly plant operation throughout North America."

    The MAHLE Group acquired Cosworth Technology in 2005, a
consultant and major supplier of powertrain and diagnostic
engineering services to the global automotive industry, and
created MAHLE Powertrain, LLC.  It employs 600 people at its
offices in Novi, MI, and Northampton, Wellingborough and
Worcester in the United Kingdom.  MAHLE Powertrain, LLC is
unique in the automotive engineering supply business in its
wide blend of capabilities, which extend from engineering
services in powertrain design, development and systems
integration through to complete engine manufacturing,
including the casting and machining of major engine
components.  MAHLE Test Systems, a division of MAHLE
Powertrain, LLC offers end-of-line and diagnostic
engineering services and systems that are utilized today
worldwide in many fields for the development of new vehicle
models, in manufacturing, in service products by authorized
dealers and in diagnostic test systems for the
aftermarket.

    The MAHLE Group is one of the leading global
manufacturers of components and systems for the combustion
engine and its peripherals -- from Piston Systems, Cylinder
Components, Valve Train Systems to Air Management Systems
and Liquid Management Systems. With approximately 37,500
employees in over 80 production plants and seven R&D
centers, MAHLE anticipates sales of approximately 4.3
billion euros (5.6 billion USD) in 2006, positioning the
company among the top 30 largest automotive suppliers
globally.

    The combined resources of MAHLE Powertrain, LLC and the
parent company product divisions and R&D centers
provides a worldwide capability to support our customers
from individual components through to fully integrated
powertrain systems from conceptual design through to full
manufacturing.

    For more information on MAHLE Powertrain, LLC visit
http://www.mahlepowertrain.com .


    For more information, please contact: 

     Alan McEwan
     Director, Business Development
     MAHLE Powertrain, LLC
     Tel:   [phone]
     Fax:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

     Kathy Kedzior
     Manager, Business Development
     MAHLE Test Systems
     Tel:   [phone]
     Fax:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]


SOURCE  MAHLE Powertrain, LLC