Fallbrook Technologies Inc. and Tri-Star Group Sign Manufacturing Agreement

SAN DIEGO, March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Fallbrook Technologies Inc. (Fallbrook), a pioneering technology company dedicated to improving the performance and flexibility of transmissions for engine- and human-powered devices, announced today that it is partnering with Tri-Star Group (Tri-Star) to manufacture Fallbrook's NuVinci continuously variable planetary (CVP) transmission.

Tri-Star will manufacture NuVinci CVPs for light vehicles at its state-of-the-art production facility outside Shanghai, China. Production will begin in Q2 2010.

"We selected Tri-Star because they have very strong manufacturing and sourcing capabilities and are committed to world-class quality," said William G. Klehm III, chairman and CEO of Fallbrook. "Our partnership with Tri-Star ensures we'll be able to meet growing global demand with the increasing acceptance of NuVinci technology in a variety of industries and applications."

The NuVinci CVP continues to be recognized as a "clean" technology – making bicycles and eBikes a more viable and better commuting alternative, helping electric vehicles to run faster and farther, enabling wind turbines to extract more power from the wind, and supporting the use of continuously variable accessory drives (CVADs), which help front-end engine accessories (such as alternators, water pumps and air conditioner compressors) operate more efficiently.

"NuVinci technology is here today and can provide great benefits both as a cleantech solution and as a vehicle design platform," said Dr. Jiayan Liu, chairman and CEO of both TriStar and its parent company, Dutech Holdings Limited. "We're pleased and excited to be selected as a key manufacturing partner of Fallbrook. Together we will bring NuVinci technology to the world."  

NuVinci technology is a practical, economical and universally adaptable continuously variable transmission for human- and motor-powered vehicles and machines.

The NuVinci CVP uses a set of rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and output components of a transmission. Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio. The NuVinci CVP can be used in a wide variety of transmission-based vehicles or devices.

About Tri-Star Group

Tri-Star Group (Tri-Star) is one of Asia's most respected manufacturers of high-quality consumer products.  Tri-Star's advanced manufacturing and sourcing capabilities are used to create a wide range of products that are marketed worldwide. The company holds ISO9001, ISO/TS16949, ISO14001 and OHSAS18001 certifications. In 2008 it was named one of the "200 Best Companies under US$1 Billion" by Forbes Asia magazine, and one of the "50 Most Creative Companies" by Founder magazine.  

Tri-Star is a unit of Dutech Holdings Limited, a Singapore-based holding company. The company's Web site is www.tristarinc.com.

About Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
Fallbrook Technologies Inc. (Fallbrook) is a technology company dedicated to improving the performance and flexibility of transmissions for vehicles and equipment.  Fallbrook's revolutionary NuVinci^® continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology is applicable to virtually any machines that use a transmission such as bicycles, light electric vehicles, automobiles, agricultural equipment, and wind turbines, among others.  NuVinci technology offers companies the flexibility to design and produce next-generation products that are better tailored to their unique business, market and competitive requirements.  

Fallbrook has built an extensive portfolio of over 350 patents and patent applications worldwide.  Fallbrook's vigorous research and development activities will continue to enhance the performance and capabilities of NuVinci technology.

To learn more about Fallbrook and its NuVinci technology, please visit www.fallbrooktech.com.

SOURCE Fallbrook Technologies Inc.