Auto Industry Authority, MaryAnn Wright Joins Fallbrook Technologies' Board of Directors

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 12, 2012 /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 MaryAnn Wright has joined its board of directors.  

Ms. Wright is Vice President, Global Technology and Innovation for Johnson Controls Power Solutions and is an industry authority in technology, auto, finance, and operations.  At Johnson Controls Power Solutions, she currently leads the Research and Development organization responsible for establishing Power Solutions technology and innovation roadmap, value chain strategies.  She began her career at Ford Motor Company in 1988, holding a variety of positions in finance, product and business planning, and engineering and subsequently served as Director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs where she was responsible for all hybrid, fuel cell and alternative fuel technology development. Ms. Wright also served as Chief Engineer of the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, the industry's first full hybrid SUV.  In 2005, she led the launch of Ford's first hydrogen-powered fuel cell fleet program.

"The recent strategic transactions with Allison Transmission and Dana Corp demonstrate the impact of Fallbrook's NuVinci technology as a potential 'game changer' in the world of transmissions.  This technology has the potential to be very beneficial in a wide variety of other power management applications," said Wright.  "I'm looking forward to helping the Fallbrook team sort out their plans and priorities in pursuit of future NuVinci business."

Instead of the traditional gear and clutch mechanisms found in conventional transmissions, a NuVinci transmission utilizes a set of rotating spheres that are arranged around a central "sun" that transfers torque between two "rings."  Tilting the spheres changes their contact diameters on the rings, permitting an infinite progression of speed ratios.  The result is a smooth, seamless and continuous transition to any ratio within its range, maximizing overall powertrain efficiency and ride quality.

"MaryAnn Wright knows the automotive industry inside and out, and understands the challenges OEMs are facing," said William G. Klehm, III, Fallbrook's Chairman and CEO.  "She has the broad technical experience, market knowledge and personal commitment to excellence we need to expand and accelerate our success."   

About Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
Fallbrook Technologies Inc. is a privately held technology development and manufacturing company headquartered in San Diego, California and has its primary operations and product development activities located in Cedar Park, Texas, with employees and other operations in Europe and China.

Fallbrook has developed and commercialized a continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology called NuVinci®, which is a new class of continuously variable transmission (CVT).  The initial commercial application was a continuously variable transmission for bicycles, now in its second generation as the NuVinci N360™.

NuVinci Technology is applicable to a wide variety of applications including bicycles, light electric vehicles, primary transmissions for automobiles, trucks and commercial vehicles, lawn care equipment and wind turbines.  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.

In addition to the NuVinci CVP, Fallbrook develops, manufactures and sells the Dynasys™ Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) through its wholly owned subsidiary, Hodyon.  The Dynasys APU provides dependable in-cab comfort for the driver of Class 8 trucks without the need to run the truck's main engine during down times, reduces emissions and dramatically lowers fuel costs during idle periods.

Fallbrook has built an extensive portfolio of over 500 patents and patent applications worldwide. 

For more information, visit www.fallbrooktech.com.

SOURCE Fallbrook Technologies Inc.