GKN Driveline Expands Supply Program with BMW
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DETROIT – GKN Driveline has been selected to supply the front axle for a number of BMW X Series sports activity vehicles. The GKN axle is a key part of the system that transforms the typically rear-wheel drive vehicles to all-wheel drive. Â
GKN Driveline's plant in Newton, N. C., will supply front final drive units (FDUs) for the BMW X3 beginning in August and other high performance X models later this year.
BMW awarded the FDU business to GKN following a process which included a visit to the Newton plant last year. The Newton facility currently supplies innovative all-wheel-drive systems, including FDUs, to several global car manufacturers for a range of high performance all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
GKN Driveline also currently supplies sideshafts for the X Series models, as well as torque-vectoring units.
"We are delighted that we can use our global footprint, operational excellence and technology to expand our partnership with BMW," said Andrew Reynolds Smith, chief executive GKN Automotive. "We are looking forward to increasing our presence on this exciting platform through our engineering and manufacturing capability, and continuing high levels of service."
GKN Driveline Newton employs more than 650 people and produced more than 1,000,000 units in 2012. The BMW program will result in sustained growth in sales, manpower and production and will further expedite the transition from an all-wheel-drive component plant to an all-wheel-drive solutions provider.
GKN Driveline's proven and reliable final drive units for front and rear independent axle applications offer robust performance and versatility for all-wheel-drive and real-wheel-drive drivelines. Visit http://www.gkn.com/driveline/our-solutions/awd-systems/final-drive-unit for information, animation and data sheets.
About GKN Driveline
GKN Driveline is the world's leading supplier of automotive driveline components and systems. As a global company serving the world's leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline components - for use in the smallest ultra low-cost car to the most sophisticated premium vehicle demanding the most complex driving dynamics.
GKN Driveline is a leading global producer of CVJ Systems, AWD Systems, Trans Axle Solutions and eDrive Systems and operates in 22 countries at 56 locations employing 22,000 people.
www.gkndriveline.com
About the GKN Group
GKN plc is a global engineering business serving mainly the automotive, aerospace and land systems markets. It has operations in more than 35 countries, around 44,000 employees in subsidiaries and joint ventures and had sales of $9.5 billion in the year to 31 December 2011. GKN plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN).
www.gkn.com
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GKN Driveline
Contact: Company Contact: Hannah Chatterley, GKN Driveline, + 44 1527 533660, hannah.chatterley@gkndriveline.com; Media Contact - Americas: Larry Weis or Craig Miner, AutoCom Associates, Tel: + 1 248 647 8621, Mobile : + 1 248 705 4448, lweis@usautocom.com or cminer@usautocom.com; Media Contact - Europe: Simon Pearson, Tel: + 44 207 861 3158, Mobile: + 44 7836 744 192, simon@s-pearson.com
Web Site: http://www.gkndriveline.com
