Antonov plc, the developer of a range of unique automatic gearboxes, is pleased to announce that it is working with Rotrex A/S, a member of the A.P Moller Group, the largest Danish group of companies, to commercialise Antonov’s new two and three speed fully mechanical automatic gearboxes. The new gearboxes, to be known as the "Antonov Mechanical Module" or "AMM", will be used in both automotive and non-automotive applications in combination with a Rotrex supercharger.

The AMM is based on Antonov’s patented technology. The AMM is a small stand-alone, self-supporting step up drive module, which will be used to adapt engine output to the optimum required input of a supercharger and also potentially of the generator. This will significantly improve the efficiency of both devices at a very competitive cost.

Rotrex has been involved in the development of OEM supercharger applications since 1997 and has grown its aftermarket supercharger business organically. It counts all the major European automotive OEMs amongst its customers. Rotrex is the developer and manufacturer of superchargers for engine capacities ranging from 0.2 litre to more than 6.0 litre. The unique Rotrex supercharger replaces current turbo- and supercharger technologies, and will also be used to boost engines currently under development.

The AMM and Rotrex supercharger combination will be applied in the areas such as:

High performance engine applications
Engine downsizing
Multi-stage boosting
Hybrid engine boosting
Antonov and Rotrex have already made a number of joint presentations to prospective customers for both automotive and non-automotive applications. The joint product offering has been well received, with the next step in the sales process being the demonstration of the efficacy of the system through the development of a fully operational prototype. The first AMM prototype is nearly completed and will be delivered to Rotrex in the very near future.

Sitma, an existing Antonov licensee, will manufacture the AMM. They are a producer of small-specialised gearboxes, focusing on sports performance applications. Sitma have confirmed that they will be in a position to meet the initial expected demand for the AMM.

The Antonov and Rotrex combined product offering will be presented at the Paris Motor Show in late September 2004.

Roumen Antonov, Antonov’s Chairman, said:

"While automotive transmission applications remain the Company's primary area of focus, the launch of this new product demonstrates our ability to adapt Antonov's innovative technology to new markets. This diversification considerably increases our potential customer base and our co-operation with Rotrex will enable us to target profitable commercial opportunities in this sector. The development of the AMM offers significant sales opportunities and the board expects material orders to follow in due course."