GKN Automotive honored with the Automotive News PACE Award for innovative two-speed eAxle for electric and hybrid vehicles

DETROIT, April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- GKN Automotive has been honored with an Automotive News PACE award for its two-speed eAxle technology, showcased on the class-redefining BMW i8 plug-in hybrid supercar.

The Automotive News PACE award, bestowed for more than 20 years, is acknowledged around the world as the industry benchmark for automotive innovation.

"The two-speed eAxle technology is a great example of our ability to push automotive engineering forward, integrating complete system expertise with software and tuning capabilities into a new generation of hybrid vehicles," said Andrew Reynolds Smith, CEO of GKN Automotive. "It takes a tremendous amount of teamwork to bring leading-edge technology to the market, and this award is a reflection of the great cooperation between our global team and BMW, enabling us to deliver innovation for its ground breaking vehicle."

The innovative eAxle gives the electric drive motor the capability to ensure no compromise in acceleration, assisted top speed and pure electric range, improving both driving dynamics and C02 emissions. It is the first application to enable electric power to boost the vehicle's performance across its entire speed range as previously, electric and axle-split hybrids have used a single-speed transmission, which disconnects at certain speeds to prevent the motor overspinning.

"Car manufacturers are not only looking to make their vehicles more efficient; they want to create new driving experiences," Peter Moelgg, GKN Automotive President of Engineering said. "Our expertise in driveline efficiency and electric drive systems is helping to bring a new generation of electric drive vehicles to life. We are proud that the PACE judges have recognized that with the two-speed eAxle."

About the Automotive News PACE Award

The Automotive News PACE Awards have honored game-changing superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers.

The Automotive News PACE Award recognizes suppliers who develop high-margin products, helping automotive manufacturers and suppliers meet the myriad challenges ahead, such as rising fuel economy and safety standards.

Awards are given in three categories. In addition, the judges give separate partnership citations to automakers for outstanding collaboration with suppliers.

The Automotive News is the primary source of industry news, data and understanding for the industry's decision-makers interested in North America. Automotive News serves top auto industry executives -- including vehicle manufacturers, their original equipment suppliers and franchised dealers -- plus others is allied with the industry.

ABOUT GKN

GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has four divisions; GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline, GKN Powder Metallurgy and GKN Land Systems, which operate in the aerospace, automotive and land systems markets. Nearly 50,000 people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN) and recorded sales of GBP7.5 billion in the year to 31 December 2014.

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 46 locations employing approximately 26,500 people.

SOURCE GKN Automotive