GKN Driveline has been selected to supply the front axle for a number of BMW X Series Sports Activity Vehicles. This axle is a key part of the system for crossover SUVs that transforms the typically rear-wheel drive vehicles to all-wheel drive.
The GKN Driveline plant in Newton, North Carolina, will supply front final drive units (FDUs) for the current X3 from 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.
Andrew Reynolds Smith, chief executive GKN Automotive, said: ‘We are delighted that we can use our global footprint, operational excellence and technology to expand our partnership with BMW.
‘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 employees more than 650 people and sold over 1,000,000 units in 2012. TheBMW programme will result in sustained growth in sales, manpower and production and will further expedite the transition fromall-wheel drivecomponent 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.
