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Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
August 3, 2009
(202) 225-3761

Upton Fights for SW Michigan’s Economy - Delivers $2.5 Million for Eaton to Locally Develop Revolutionary Hybrid Technologies
Rep. has delivered over $10 million for Eaton since 2005 – Ongoing project has the potential to create countless jobs in SW Michigan

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House last week approved Defense spending legislation in which Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) was successful in including $2.5 million for Eaton Corporation’s ongoing project to build safer, more efficient military vehicles. The $2.5 million will assist Eaton’s development of Advanced Digital Hydraulic Hybrid Drive Systems, which will enable Army 4x4 vehicles to be operated more safely and effectively on even the harshest terrains, also saving a substantial amount of fuel. The funding that Upton has delivered since 2005 has helped Eaton to expand and create jobs here in southwest Michigan. Upton secured the funding in the Department of Defense spending bill, H.R. 3326, which overwhelmingly passed the House by a vote of 400 to 30. The measure is expected to be considered by the Senate in September.

“With the continued funding for research and development through the years, Eaton’s presence in our community has grown, creating more jobs and playing a leading role in our local economy,” said Upton. “I am thrilled that this $2.5 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. I am hopeful that the continued stream of federal support will help these vehicles reach production, empowering Eaton to create countless jobs in our region.”

Upton secured $2.5 million for Eaton’s ongoing efforts to develop advanced digital hydraulic hybrid drive systems in U.S. Army vehicles. The innovative hybrid hydraulic systems will improve mobility and stability for Army vehicles. The additional weight of important armor results in increased problems with maneuverability, and the reduced weight of the new hybrid system addresses the problem. In addition to reducing the weight of the drive system, this project will also increase fuel efficiency by roughly 60%.  The increased fuel efficiency will provide clear logistical benefits by increasing vehicle range and decreasing vehicle re-fueling needs. Vehicle traction and stability will be improved, all the while maintaining performance. Eaton is conducting the research and development in collaboration with Western Michigan University.

Through his work as ranking member of the Energy Subcommittee, in 2008 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.

Upton has been a strong supporter of Eaton, having delivered over $10 million since 2005. In August of 2007, Upton brought then-U.S Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson to southwest Michigan to see firsthand the company’s state-of-the-art hybrid technologies under development in Galesburg.

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