Self-navigating robotic vehicle to compete in 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge
OSHKOSH, WIS. (June 16, 2005) – Oshkosh Truck Corporation (NYSE: OSK) and its partner, Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL), acknowledges its sponsors for Team TerraMax™, the second-generation, self-navigating robotic vehicle targeted to compete in the Pentagon-sponsored $2 million 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge on Oct. 8. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) began sponsoring this 175-mile race in 2004 to accelerate the research and development of autonomous (driverless) vehicles. Because of the cost and complexity of building a workable autonomous vehicle, several DARPA Grand Challenge entrants have combined their capabilities with other industrial and academic partners. Besides Oshkosh Truck, Team TerraMax represents the knowledge and effort of Rockwell Collins and the University of Parma, Italy, as well as several financial sponsors.
“We absolutely could not undertake a challenge of this magnitude without the fantastic support of our sponsors,” said Don Verhoff, executive vice president of engineering for Oshkosh Truck. “Based on our team effort and success in the 2004 DARPA Grand Challenge, we strongly believe that Team TerraMax will field a competitive vehicle this year.”
Team TerraMax platinum sponsors include:
· ArvinMeritor — a global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components serving light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and related aftermarkets.
· Fastenal — a provider of different types of industrial and construction supplies in ten product categories.
· Ricoh Corporation — a diversified office automation equipment and electronics provider.
· Oxford Technical Solutions — OXTS designs, manufactures and supports the RT3000 GPS-aided Inertial Navigation System for High-Precision Vehicle Positioning, Dynamic Testing of Vehicles and Chassis Tuning in Automotive and Autosport Applications.
· Parker Hannifin — the world’s leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of commercial, mobile, industrial and aerospace markets.
Gold-level sponsors include Caterpillar, Transpro, Michelin Group, Landstar System and MCL Industries.
Silver-level sponsors include Armor Holdings, Axle Tech International, Batesville Products, The Jor-Mac Company, Eaton, GKN Driveline, Hannay Reels, Hydro Electronic Devices, The Karma Group, Marion Body Works, Mistral, Nevada Automotive Test Center, Truck-Lite Company and United Plastic Fabricating.
Bronze-level sponsors include Ceradyne, Crash Rescue, DP Winch, Electro-Coat Technologies, Gardner Manufacturing, General MetalWorks, Gordon Aluminum, Hendrickson International, Hentzen Coatings USA, The Holland Group, Lapham-Hickey Steel, Medalist Laserfab, Metal Products, Metalcut Products, Metalsa, Omni Glass & Paint, Oshkosh Tire, Pribbs Steel & Manufacturing, Red Dot Corporation, South East Industries, Stainless Flow Technologies, Unlimited Services, U.S. Oil Company, and Webb Wheel Products.
To learn more about the TerraMax truck and its related technologies, visit www.terramax.com.
About Oshkosh Truck Corporation
Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NYSE: OSK] is a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for markets including: defense, fire and emergency, concrete placement and refuse hauling. Oshkosh Truck is a Fortune 1000 company with products marketed under the Oshkosh®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Geesink, Norba and Jerr-Dan® brand names. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., and had annual sales of $1.9 billion in fiscal 2003. To learn more, visit the company’s Web site at www.oshkoshtruckcorporation.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
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