BorgWarner eGearDrive(TM) Transmission Propels 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BorgWarner's 31-03 eGearDrive™ transmission will propel the 2011 Transit Connect Electric, Ford's first all-electric production vehicle based on the global Transit Connect, the 2010 North American Truck of the Year. Targeted at urban delivery fleets, the all-electric commercial van will reach a top speed of 75 miles per hour and offers a range of up to 80 miles on a full charge. Ford's  Transit Connect will be upfitted to an all-electric model by Azure Dynamics, which will install its electric propulsion system driving the front wheels through BorgWarner's eGearDrive™ single-speed transmission. Adapted in collaboration with Azure Dynamics, the eGearDrive™ transmission delivers high torque capacity, high efficiency, and low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a compact package.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100311/DE68463 )

"With this latest application, BorgWarner's eGearDrive™ transmission is proving its broad adaptability to a variety of electric propulsion vehicles, from high-performance roadsters to sedans to commercial vans," said John Sanderson, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems. "Partnering with Azure Dynamics allows both companies to build on their legacies of innovation, driving growth in environmentally friendly solutions that also deliver efficiency and performance."

Named a finalist for the 2010 Automotive News PACE Awards, BorgWarner's eGearDrive™ transmission incorporates patented and proprietary technology as well as over 100 years of powertrain know-how. Through its high-efficiency gear train and compact, low-weight design, the BorgWarner eGearDrive™ transmission contributes to extended battery-powered driving range which in turn reduces the required amount of battery capacity needed. The transmission also achieves high torque capacity in a compact package with greater than 97% efficiency, while providing smooth, quiet operation. Approximately 99% of the materials used in the eGearDrive™ transmission are recyclable.

BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems produces highly engineered drivetrain technologies for the global vehicle industry. Key product segments include: dual clutch modules; wet friction clutch components and systems; mechatronic transmission control modules; electro-hydraulic solenoid valves; mechanical clutch assemblies; all-wheel drive couplings, transfer cases and software/controls; and electric vehicle transmissions. These systems improve fuel economy and performance while enhancing vehicle stability. BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems is a trusted supplier to virtually every major light vehicle and automatic transmission producer in the world today.

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 59 locations in 18 countries. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA, and MAN. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com.

BorgWarner will supply its 31-03 eGearDrive™ transmission (left) for Ford's first all-electric production vehicle, the 2011 Transit Connect (right), a 100% electric version of the 2010 North American Truck of the Year. Vehicle photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company.

About Azure Dynamics

Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with various partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions.  For more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.

Statements contained in this news release may contain forward-looking statements as contemplated by the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act that are based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections.  Words such as "outlook", "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed, projected or implied in or by the forward-looking statements.  Such risks and uncertainties include: fluctuations in domestic or foreign vehicle production, the continued use of outside suppliers, fluctuations in demand for vehicles containing our products, changes in general economic conditions, and other risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Risk Factors, identified in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.  We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

SOURCE BorgWarner Inc.