Update

RNS Number : 8790O

Transense Technologies PLC

26 September 2011

 



Transense Technologies plc (the 'Company' or 'Transense')

Transense is pleased to announce that subsequent to recent commercial developments, General Motors Company ('GM') can be identified as the end-customer for the torque drive-line 'flexplate' sensor, using the Company's patented SAW ('Surface Acoustic Wave') technology. The Flexplate project for evaluation of Transense's SAW torque sensor technology began in 2004. Originally developed for use in eight-cylinder engines, GM has expanded the project to also include its four and six-cylinder family of engines.

As part of this process Transense has successfully negotiated a variation of the otherwise exclusive licence to Honeywell, permitting Transense to deal directly with various named companies including GM preferred Tier 1 suppliers. Since then discussions about the technology have commenced between Transense and a Tier 1 supplier permitted under the Honeywell variation agreement.

The flexplate is an integral part of the vehicle powertrain control system and has the potential to improve vehicle driveability, reduce fuel consumption and improve transmission shift quality. This will be the first time a propulsion system has been able to measure engine torque 'live', enabling optimal control to be maintained throughout a vehicle's life. Current torque management systems rely on simulated models derived from production engine testing which can differ from the actual engine torque output over time. The new flexplate technology provides continuous real-time torque measurement allowing actual torque measurement on a per-vehicle basis for maximisation of engine efficiency.

GM is currently evaluating further applications of the technology for real-time vehicle control.

Graham Storey, CEO of Transense commented: "We are delighted to be able announce GM as the partner Transense have been working with on the Flexplate project since 2004. Gaining such a strong endorsement of our SAW sensor technology from an engineering team as highly regarded as GM's, reaffirms our belief in the commercial potential of our core technology and supporting patent portfolio. The complexity, level of testing required and technical challenges we have overcome in bringing such a significant new technology to this stage of development cannot be underestimated, and it is testament to both GM's and Transense's technical teams that the project has progressed comparatively quickly."

For more information, please contact:

Transense Technologies plc       Tel: [phone]

Graham Storey, Chief Executive

Brewin Dolphin - Nomad

Neil Baldwin                     Tel: [phone]

Hybridan LLP - Broker

Claire Noyce                     Tel: [phone]

Notes to Editors

About Transense

Transense Technologies is a technology transfer company based in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, UK.

Transense develops Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW), wireless, battery less, sensor systems in partnership with its licensees and partners, Honeywell, Melexis, Michelin, SenGenuity, Stack, Tai-Saw, Texas Instruments, SCHOTT, McLaren Electronic Systems and Carbon Motors.

Current applications include Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and torque systems for Electrical Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and driveline management.

Transense is listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange (TRT)

www.transense.co.uk

About GM

General Motors Company (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM), one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908.  With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands:  Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and Russia. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.

 

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