SOUTHFIELD, Mich. … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced that its fifth generation supercharger has helped the Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI engine to win three 2009 Engine Technology International awards for engineering and environmental excellence. The highly regarded engine was named International Engine of the Year, Best Engine in the 1-litre to 1.4-litre category and Green Engine of the Year, ahead of state-of-the-art hybrid and twin-turbo diesel competition.

The Volkswagen “Twincharger” combines a small Eaton supercharger with a single-stage turbocharger to boost horsepower and torque, while improving fuel efficiency to an average above 39 miles per gallon. The engine has won International Engine of the Year Awards since it first appeared in 2006. The panel of 65 renowned automotive journalists from 32 countries cited the engine as pioneering at the time of its conception, yet still a highly innovative powerplant that in today’s downsize-friendly world is an engine whose time has now truly come.

“With the Twincharger technology, Volkswagen has proven that it’s possible to provide a smaller engine that meets the needs for improved fuel economy without sacrificing power and performance, “ said Darryl Niven, general manager –  Eaton Supercharger Division. “Consistent with Eaton’s ability to deliver effective power management technologies that help our customers control cost and reduce their energy requirements,  we’re  proud of the role Eaton’s supercharger plays on this engine and our long-standing relationship with Volkswagen.”

More information on the International Engine of the Year Awards and winner is available at http://www.ukipme.com/engineoftheyear/about.html . For more information about Eaton’s leading supercharger technology, visit (insert website). For more information on Volkswagen’s pioneering Twincharger engine visit http://www.volkswagen.com .

Eaton designs and manufactures precision Roots-type positive displacement superchargers for highly specific automotive applications. The Roots-type design was first patented in 1860 by brothers Philander and Francis Roots, refined for automotive passenger car use by Eaton and commercialized in the 1980s. To date Eaton has produced more than four million Roots superchargers for global customers.

Based on their well established operating characteristics, superchargers are often associated with performance applications, but vehicle manufacturers are also applying the Eaton Roots supercharger on their downsized engines to improve fuel efficiency, emissions and create a tailored driving experience. Unlike turbocharging, Eaton superchargers provide instant throttle response and torque across the engine’s entire powerband.

With sales of $1.9 billion in 2008, Eaton’s Automotive Group supplies the automotive industry with critical components that reduce emissions and fuel consumption, and improve vehicle stability and performance. Principal products include engine valvetrain components, torque control products, fluid conveyance components, superchargers, fuel emission and powertrain controls.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2008 sales of $15.4 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 75,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries.