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Press Release

For Immediate Release
October 15, 2008
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
(202) 225-3761

Upton Delivers $3.6 Million to Locally Develop Revolutionary Hybrid Technologies
The funding is critical for new research as Eaton expands in SWMichigan –Boost to the local economy and will foster job creation
Rep. has also delivered over $10 million since 2005 for Eaton - Upton has also fought for tax incentives for the development of hybrid technologies

GALESBURG, MI – Standing before the construction zone of Eaton Truck Group’s expanding facility, Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) today announced that he was successful in delivering $3.6 million for two important projects currently in development at several Eaton facilities.  This is continued funding for two projects that Eaton is partnering with the U.S. Army on to create safer, more efficient military vehicles.  Upton has also fought to ensure that hybrid technologies are eligible for already existing tax incentives and grant and loan guarantee programs that will especially help Eaton and Michigan’s manufacturing community.  Upton’s funding through the years, coupled with the tax incentives, has allowed Eaton to expand and create jobs here in SW Michigan.  The $3.6 million, which was included in the defense spending package, was signed into law September 30th.

 “With the continued funding for research and development through the years, Eaton’s presence in our community has grown, playing a vital role in our local economy,” said Upton. “I am thrilled that this $3.6 million will further Eaton’s position at the forefront of exciting, cutting-edge hybrid technologies, many of which are currently being developed right in our own backyard.  I also applaud Eaton’s collaboration with Western Michigan University to ensure that southwest Michigan will continue to play such an important role in upgrading the U.S. Army’s tactical vehicles.”

Specifically, Upton secured $2 million for Eaton to develop advanced digital hydraulic hybrid drive systems in U.S. Army vehicles.  The innovative hybrid hydraulic systems will improve mobility and stability.  Eaton is conducting the research and development in collaboration with Western Michigan University.  This compact drive system will enable vehicles to operate more safely and effectively on even the harshest terrains, and also save a substantial amount of fuel.

This program specifically addresses the weight and volume challenges that military vehicles face due to the additional armor and armaments that are required to increase performance and protection of military personnel.  Eaton and WMU’s research will seek to dramatically reduce the weight of the drive system while providing over 50% improvement in fuel efficiency.  Vehicle traction and stability will be improved, all the while maintaining the vehicle’s performance.

Upton also secured $1.6 million to develop enhanced 4x4 Vehicle Mobility systems in military vehicles that will keep our troops safe while in the field.  The objective of the research program is to develop new integrated drivetrain and suspension systems for military 4x4 trucks such as the Army HUMVEE, Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles

and Future Tactical Trucks.  The Eaton team seeks to develop the necessary technology to address the current military vehicle limitations of poor responsiveness in rugged terrain and loss of traction in high-speed operations.  Enhanced mobility systems will enable vehicles to operate more safely and effectively in any type of terrain and to realize substantial fuel savings.

“It is so critical that we embrace hybrid technologies and encourage their development through tax incentives, in particular for heavy duty trucks, as we seek to reduce our dependence on Mideast oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions,” said Upton.  “The development of these exciting hybrid technologies has the potential to transform the U.S. Army’s fleet of armored vehicles.  In addition to fortifying the personal safety of our troops, there is also a real opportunity to improve fuel economy, allowing the vehicles to be out in the field for much longer periods of time before they need refueling.” 

Through his work as ranking member of the Energy Subcommittee, Upton helped ensure that hybrid technologies were eligible for already existing tax incentives and grant and loan guarantee programs that will especially help Michigan’s manufacturers, including Eaton Truck Group, commercialize hybrid power systems. Upton also worked to ensure that heavy hybrid vehicles qualified as Alternative Fuel Vehicles under state and federal fleet requirements.  This allows federal and state fleets to purchase hybrids to save fuel, money and reduce emissions while helping to commercialize heavy hybrid vehicles.

In August of 2007 Upton brought the U.S Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson to see firsthand the company’s state-of-the-art hybrid technologies under development in Galesburg. 

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