Other Assets

Other assets are summarized as follows (in millions):



	December 31, 2017		September 30, 2017
Investments in non-consolidated joint ventures	$	99	$	101
Asbestos-related recoveries (see Note 21)	48		32
Unamortized revolver debt issuance costs	7		8
Capitalized software costs, net	25		27
Deferred income tax assets, net	157		229
Assets for uncertain tax positions	45		48
Prepaid pension costs	141		135
Other	3		16
Other assets	$	525	$	596

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350-40, costs relating to internally developed or purchased software in the preliminary project stage and the post-implementation stage are expensed as incurred. Costs in the application development stage that meet the criteria for capitalization are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line basis over the estimated economic useful life of the software.

The company holds a variable interest in a joint venture accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The joint venture manufactures components for commercial vehicle applications primarily on behalf of the company. The variable interest relates to a supply arrangement between the company and the joint venture whereby the company supplies certain components to the joint venture on a cost-plus basis. The company is not the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, as the joint venture partner has shared or absolute control over key manufacturing operations, labor relationships, financing activities and certain other functions of the joint venture. Therefore, the company does not consolidate the joint venture. At December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, the company’s investment in the joint venture was $57 million and $54 million, respectively.

TransPower

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, Meritor completed a $3 million strategic investment in Transportation Power, Inc. (“Transpower”). The company holds a variable interest in TransPower, a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The VIE develops electrical drive solutions and supplies integrated drive systems, full electric truck solutions and energy-storage subsystems to major manufacturers of trucks, school buses, refuse vehicles and terminal tractors. The variable interest relates principally to an investment between the company and TransPower. The company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE, as other owners have control over the significant activities of TransPower, the development of intellectual property and manufacturing. Therefore, the company does not consolidate the VIE. At December 31, 2017, the company’s investment in the VIE was $3 million, representing the company’s maximum exposure to loss.