The successful launch of the first model of Antonov’s six speed automatic transmission (the TX6) at the Chinese Chengdu A1 Grand Prix on Sunday 9 November 2008 marks the start of a period of demonstrations to numerous car makers across China. At the Chinese Grand Prix, a number of senior industry contacts including government representatives were able to assess the new six speed automatic transmission fitted to a 1.6l VW Golf demonstration vehicle. Over the coming weeks Antonov will be meeting with a variety of Chinese vehicle manufacturers with demonstrations, technical and commercial discussions all taking place to promote Antonov’s technology for inclusion in their mid- range vehicle production programmes.CEO John Moore commented: “This is an important milestone for the company as it represents the first time a production ready Antonov automatic transmission within a demonstration vehicle has been marketed to potential Chinese automotive clients. We have already successfully demonstrated the vehicle in Europe and now have underpinned this progress by enabling Chinese domestic car brands to assess Antonov’s six speed automatic transmission directly. I look forward to reporting further updates in due course.”Antonov’s major innovation for an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission is based on new kinematics (the motion of the gears and other components) and structural design, which has achieved for the first time a combination of planetary gears and parallel transfers of power. Significantly, the traditional torque converter has been eliminated; reducing cost, weight and size, whilst improving mechanical efficiency. In addition, the transmission uses components similar to those of current production automatics, offering Chinese carmakers low development costs and the ease of introducing a new product into production. The transmission is protected by worldwide patents. Further information on Antonov can be obtained from the company’s website www.antonovat.com