Abstract: A multi-speed automatic vehicle transmission has an electronic control unit which permits multiple downshifts if certain conditions are satisfied. Such downshifts are direct and omit engagement and disengagement of one or more intermediate speed ratios. Multiple downshifting may allow the actual speed ratio to better match the ideal speed ratio, for example under heavy braking.

Abstract: A cruise control system of a motor vehicle includes additional functionality to address increasing vehicle speed on a down gradient. A downshift is commanded upon detection of repeated or prolonged activation of a speed-down control, the additional engine braking reducing vehicle speed to cruise speed in a manner which is within driver expectation.

Abstract: A cruise control system of a motor vehicle includes additional functionality to address increasing vehicle speed on a down gradient. A downshift is commanded upon detection of repeated or prolonged activation of a speed-down control, the additional engine braking reducing vehicle speed to cruise speed in a manner which is within driver expectation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the shift map of an automatically controlled vehicle transmission having individually selectable speed ratios. A calibrator determines launch ratio from a plurality of speed ratios and is responsive to ambient pressure and/or ambient temperature. The calibrator may be further responsive to engine speed, engine temperature, transmission temperature, gradient and direction of gradient.

Abstract: A multi-speed automatic vehicle transmission has an electronic control unit which permits multiple downshifts if certain conditions are satisfied. Such downshifts are direct and omit engagement and disengagement of one or more intermediate speed ratios. Multiple downshifting may allow the actual speed ratio to better match the ideal speed ratio, for example under heavy braking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the shift map of an automatically controlled vehicle transmission having individually selectable speed ratios. A calibrator determines launch ratio from a plurality of speed ratios and is responsive to ambient pressure and/or ambient temperature. The calibrator may be further responsive to engine speed, engine temperature, transmission temperature, gradient and direction of gradient.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle (100) comprising: a fuel powered engine (121) and electric motor means (123) operable to provide torque to drive the vehicle (100); energy storage means (150) operable to store electrical energy generated by generator means (123) for driving the electric motor means (123); and energy management means (140) for controlling the engine (121) and electric motor means (123) to provide torque to drive the vehicle and for controlling the generator means to generate electrical energy for storage in the energy storage means, wherein the vehicle comprises control means operable to monitor a value of one or more parameters associated with the vehicle, the control means being arranged automatically to identify a current driving style of a driver ranging from an economy-oriented driving style to a performance-oriented driving style responsive to the value of the one or more parameters, the energy management means being operable to control the engine, electric motor means and generator means respo

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle (100) comprising: a fuel powered engine (121) and electric motor means (123) operable to provide torque to drive the vehicle (100); energy storage means (150) operable to store electrical energy generated by generator means (123) for driving the electric motor means (123); and energy management means (140) for controlling the engine (121) and electric motor means (123) to provide torque to drive the vehicle and for controlling the generator means to generate electrical energy for storage in the energy storage means, wherein the vehicle comprises control means operable to monitor a value of one or more parameters associated with the vehicle, the control means being arranged automatically to identify a current driving style of a driver ranging from an economy-oriented driving style to a performance-oriented driving style responsive to the value of the one or more parameters, the energy management means being operable to control the engine, electric motor means and generator means respo