Less Ads, More Data, More Tools Register for FREE

Pin to quick picksTorotrak PLC Regulatory News (TRK)

  • There is currently no data for TRK

Interim Management Statement

16 Feb 2010 07:00

RNS Number : 1832H
Torotrak PLC
16 February 2010
Β 

ο»Ώ

16 February 2010

Β 

Torotrak Plc

("Torotrak" or "the Company")

Β 

Interim Management Statement

Torotrak (LSE: TRK) is today providing an Interim Management Statement for the period 1 October 2009 to 15 February 2010. This provides a brief update on trading since the half-yearly report for the six months to 30 September 2009 which was released on 24 November 2009.

Encouraging progress continues to be made across our key business segments and our target remains to break even on a profit after tax basis for the full year to 31 March 2010.

Commercial Vehicles

As shareholders will be aware, our prototype programmes with Allison Transmission, Inc (Allison) and our European truck and bus manufacturer (ETBM) represent Torotrak's highest priority in terms of achieving high value, volume launches of our technology. We are pleased to report that our confidence continues to grow as the prototype programmes progress to plan and achieve their defined milestones.

Β 

With ETBM we have successfully achieved the milestone of completing the first prototype transmission build, triggering a contractual payment of Β£337,000 due in March 2010. The build process confirmed the thoroughness and accuracy of our initial design and a very high level of conformity in prototype component procurement terms. This first transmission now proceeds to the initial stage of rig testing prior to fitment into the client's vehicle, which is currently being prepared to accept the prototype unit.

Β 

Progress with Allison remains purposeful and on track, with momentum maintained as further stages of technology transfer are successfully completed. The engineering programme, led by Allison and supported by Torotrak, is on target. Having now completed 10 months of intensive engagement with Allison since our substantial licensing arrangements were agreed in March 2009, and having passed critical internal milestones at the beginning of this calendar year, our confidence levels have increased accordingly. We expect this level of commitment to continue and confidence to be further reinforced in March with the payment of Β£3.75m due from Allison in accordance with the terms of our licensing arrangements. We intend to issue a statement at that time confirming this position.

Β 

Β 

Infinitrak

The new Single Toroidal Transmission (STT), targeted at volume application in ride on mowers in the Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) market, is now in the final stage of validation testing, both on rig and in the field, using production tooled parts. The STT development programme was commenced against a background of extremely aggressive timing and, as reported in June 2009 when the project started, there was a risk that Infinitrak would not be able to launch the new transmission in time for the 2010 mowing season. Infinitrak is now confident that the new transmission will be released into production shortly, in time to meet this objective. Production facilities at Leitchfield, Kentucky, are fully capable of supporting this.

Β 

We are today taking the opportunity to reveal further information about the STT and Infinitrak's new patented technology, called "epicyclic traction drive", which is incorporated into the new transmission. This breakthrough development has substantially enhanced the technical performance and commercial attractiveness of the STT and will be incorporated into future Infinitrak products. Further details are available via our website at www.torotrak.com. The STT unit has received very positive reaction from dealers and other interested parties when compared head to head with current incumbent hydrostatic technology. The compelling user benefits will be marketed very specifically and linked overtly to the Infinitrak transmission brand as a key differentiator in future MTD mower sales.

Β 

US OPE sales remain depressed and we therefore expect only limited demand for the STT transmission in Torotrak's financial year to 31 March 2010. Financial contribution is not at this stage the primary concern: quality, brand awareness and positioning are the main objectives. Infinitrak's immediate priority is to gain market acceptance in time to secure more substantial orders later this calendar year and we are confident that this objective will be achieved.

Β 

Β 

New product developments

We reported at the half year on our development activities in relation to continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) for flywheel-based mechanical hybrids (KERS) and on toroidal variable auxiliary drives (TVADs), particularly for use with alternators and superchargers. We are experiencing considerable commercial interest in these applications of our technology across a broad range of markets, including the high volume automotive sector.

Β 

These applications are increasingly seen as providing alternative solutions to the growing challenge of reducing energy consumption. We are now in the process of developing new commercial relationships with appropriate industry partners to exploit the new and potentially valuable global markets that TVAD and KERS CVT technologies open up for us. We will report further on progress when we announce our full year results in May 2010.

Β 

Β 

For further information, please visit www.torotrak.com or contact:

Β 

Dick Elsy, Chief Executive

Simon Hudson

Jeremy Deering, Finance Director

Lulu Bridges

Torotrak Plc

Tavistock Communications

Tel: +44 1772 900938

Tel: +44 20 7920 3150

Β 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
Β 
END
Β 
Β 
IMSTAMRTMBABBPM
Date   Source Headline
5th Jan 20094:05 pmRNSHolding(s) in Company
25th Nov 20087:00 amRNSInterim Results
4th Nov 20087:00 amRNSNotice of Results
31st Oct 20083:40 pmRNSHolding(s) in Company
28th Oct 20084:45 pmRNSSecond Price Monitoring Extn
28th Oct 20084:40 pmRNSPrice Monitoring Extension
7th Aug 200812:39 pmRNSDirector/PDMR Shareholding
25th Jul 20081:04 pmRNSResult of AGM
24th Jul 200812:05 pmRNSInterim Management Statement
20th May 20087:00 amRNSFinal Results
9th May 20089:37 amRNSConsortium Participation
14th Feb 20087:00 amRNSInterim Management Statement
21st Jan 20084:35 pmRNSPrice Monitoring Extension
19th Dec 20077:00 amRNSNew Licence Agreement
27th Nov 20077:02 amRNSSecond licence with F1 team
27th Nov 20077:01 amRNSHalf-yearly results
23rd Nov 20077:01 amRNSNotice of Results
3rd Oct 20079:57 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
1st Oct 20073:43 pmRNSDirector/PDMR Shareholding
1st Oct 20077:42 amRNSLicence agreement with Tata
5th Sep 20079:30 amRNSDirector/PDMR Shareholding
30th Aug 20079:27 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
20th Aug 20079:23 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
14th Aug 20071:43 pmRNSEGM Resolutions
13th Aug 20073:22 pmRNSResult of Open Offer & EGM
20th Jul 20072:37 pmRNSResult of AGM
19th Jul 200711:34 amRNSFIRM PLACING AND OPEN OFFER
19th Jul 20077:01 amRNSAGM and Q1 IMS
13th Jul 200712:45 pmRNSProposed placing & open offer
13th Jul 20079:51 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
27th Jun 20077:02 amRNSFork-Lift Truck prototype
5th Jun 20077:03 amRNSLicence Agreement with Xtrac
15th May 20077:03 amRNSFinal Results
11th May 20077:01 amRNSNotice of Preliminary Results
5th Apr 200711:27 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
22nd Mar 200711:51 amRNSInfinitrak Update
6th Mar 20075:52 pmRNSHolding(s) in Company
2nd Mar 20074:54 pmRNSHolding(s) in Company
28th Feb 20079:52 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
26th Feb 20074:25 pmRNSHolding(s) in Company
1st Feb 20079:28 amRNSChange of Adviser
26th Jan 20073:49 pmRNSDirector/PDMR Shareholding
22nd Dec 20069:49 amRNSDirectorate Change
21st Dec 200610:45 amRNSDirectorate Change
18th Dec 200612:09 pmRNSVoting rights and capital
12th Dec 20064:07 pmRNSHolding(s) in Company
4th Dec 20065:25 pmRNSSale of shares
1st Dec 200612:49 pmRNSHolding(s) in Company
1st Dec 20067:01 amRNSDirector/PDMR Shareholding
16th Nov 200611:31 amRNSNotice of Results

Due to London Stock Exchange licensing terms, we stipulate that you must be a private investor. We apologise for the inconvenience.

To access our Live RNS you must confirm you are a private investor by using the button below.