BorgWarner Introduces Next Generation Dual-Clutch Transmission Technology; Materials and Controls Innovations Deliver Even Greater Fuel Efficiency
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 12 -- Dual-clutch technology leader BorgWarner is introducing its new, high efficiency shifting technology as it partners with customers to develop next generation transmissions. BorgWarner innovations in advanced materials and control systems have lead to fuel efficiency that is projected to be 40% greater than the improvement delivered by the already fuel-efficient dual-clutch transmissions in production today.
"As a pioneer in dual-clutch technology we are always working to improve shifting efficiency and provide the best value to our customers," said Dr. Bernd Matthes, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems. "Given the traditional lengthy process for new transmission developments, our market-leading expertise in dual-clutch transmissions and clutch and controls technology helps us shorten the development cycle in line with customer and market needs."
BorgWarner breakthroughs in advanced friction materials, heat exchange improvements and optimized control systems enable a dual-clutch design that uses less lubrication and a smaller pump. This "humid" or moist-clutch operating environment fosters greater fuel efficiency than the current wet-clutch configuration. Today's dual-clutch transmissions on average deliver a 5% or more improvement in fuel economy over current six-speed transmissions. Now, BorgWarner's next generation dual-clutch technology provides enhanced materials and controls that boost the efficiency by an additional 2%.
The company expects to quadruple its dual-clutch module production over the next six years. At full-launch of announced programs, BorgWarner expects to be providing its innovative DualTronic(R) technology to an expected 2.3 million dual-clutch transmissions per year. This dramatic growth is driven by the company's first-to-market position in dual-clutch transmission technology with awarded business from transmission and vehicle makers around the world. These include programs with VW, Audi, Bugatti, SAIC, Nissan, and Getrag programs with five global automakers.
BorgWarner has led the globalization of dual-clutch transmission technology for ten years with awarded business in Europe, North America and Asia. BorgWarner's family of DualTronic transmission technology combines the efficiency of a manual gearbox with the functionality of a fully automatic transmission, delivering seamless powerflow, improved fuel efficiency, and a fun-to-drive experience. Global manufacturing capacity for BorgWarner dual-clutch transmission modules is supported by its facilities in the United States, Germany, France and China, and a new facility in Mexico.
Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 64 locations in 17 countries. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Renault/Nissan, Chrysler, Navistar International, Fiat, BMW, Honda, PSA, and Caterpillar. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: www.borgwarner.com.
CONTACT: Mary Brevard, +1-248-754-0881, or David Peterson, +1-248-754-0883, both of BorgWarner Inc.
