PENDLETON, Ind. -- Remy International and Phoenix International Corp. have reached an agreement to work together in the production of a standardized platform of high performance motors and controls for hybrid and electric vehicles. This new approach to motor/inverter design was an integral part of the $60.2 million manufacturing grant recently awarded to Remy and Phoenix International by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

This new approach to product design and manufacturing will greatly reduce the excessive engineering costs and development time associated with the current approach of custom designs. The focus will be on high-efficiency and high-durability systems necessary for truck, bus, military and various off-road equipment manufacturers. The matched motors and controllers will be offered to the market independently or as an integrated system.

According to John Weber, Remy CEO, "Remy is delighted to be working with Phoenix International on this project because of their reputation for product performance in the most rugged and demanding applications. We also share a common strategy for standardizing our products in order to lower barriers to entry for customers in this emerging market."

Significant savings are expected as a result of this collaborative effort, according to the two companies. A standardized product and testing platform provides OEMs and their supplier's savings on engineering costs, tooling costs and component costs. A greater amount of standardization will not only decrease costs by millions of dollars but also help manufacturers get products to market much faster.

"Phoenix International is excited to work with Remy, which is leading technology innovation in the production of hybrid electric motors. We are confident our companies' combined strengths and expertise can create the cost-effective environment necessary to draw many more vehicle manufacturers to the hybrid marketplace," said Phoenix International President Chuck Kaufman.

This investment is expected to create nearly 1,000 highly skilled jobs in the United States for Remy and its supply base. The first matched motor and controller is scheduled for October, based on Remy's high-voltage hairpin "HVH" technology.