GKN Driveline Technology - a Key Contributor at Paris

PARIS, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- GKN Driveline technology is featured on more than 60 percent of the 70 new-model production vehicles introduced at this year's Paris International Motor Show.  

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Backing recent economic trends, vehicle manufacturers unveiled a record-number of models at the 2010 Paris show, including a wide variety of vehicles ranging from superminis and SUVs to top premium brands.  

Over 60 per cent of new vehicles shown for the first time in Paris benefit from GKN Driveline technology.

"The Paris show represents a record showing for GKN's rapidly growing range of driveline components," said Jim Voeffray, sales and marketing director of GKN Driveline. "While show visitors will be focused on the individual merits of the new models, the manufacturers are more than ever looking at ways of delivering more with greater efficiency and at less cost; this is an area in which we have been consistently delivering strong results in recent years."

From Volkswagen's new Passat (sideshafts) to the Audi A7 Sportback (Direct Torque Flow and sideshafts), and from Peugeot's clever 3008 HYbrid4 (electric rear axle) to Renault's budget SUV -- the Dacia Duster (EMCD, PTU and propeller shaft), Paris is a premium international showcase for GKN Driveline technology.

Rob Rickell, GKN Driveline's global engineering director, noted that "not since the invention of the car 125 years ago, has the industry faced such challenges as those of today. Against a background in which mobility and transport are central to 21st Century society, the need to develop vehicles that dramatically reduce fuel consumption and emissions is now an imperative."

He added "this has considerable consequences for GKN Driveline and has lead to the development of a variety of new driveline technologies.  These will help the vehicle manufacturers meet demands for fuel savings and reduced CO2 emissions in conventional internal combustion engines, as well as support the development for electric / hybrid drives."

Voeffray pointed out that GKN Driveline has developed a formidable catalogue of industry-leading driveline products to suit the specific requirements of all vehicle manufacturers from Tata and its Nano, to Lamborghini and its new Murcielago.

"Our considerable global engineering resource is available to all vehicle manufacturers," Voeffray said.  "We take great pride in responding to the most challenging technological objectives with advanced R&D solutions that also are within the customer's stipulated cost parameters."

GKN Driveline's product segments include:

CVJ Systems

• GKN Driveline's constant velocity joint systems provide space, weight and fuel savings with greater all round efficiency
• GKN Driveline supplies the most extensive range of CVJ systems – used in the smallest ultra-low cost car through to the most sophisticated premium vehicle

AWD Systems

• GKN Driveline has full all-wheel drive systems capability
• GKN Driveline's all-wheel drive couplings improve vehicle handling, stability and traction by intelligently distributing power and disconnecting technology can supplement low drag and inertia for ultimate efficiency

Trans Axle Solutions

• GKN Driveline produces highly durable open differentials and has the most extensive range of limited slip differentials, from the smallest super LSD to the largest electronically controlled axle locker
• For the ultimate capability, GKN Driveline's torque vectoring solutions provide the answer

eDrive Systems

• GKN Driveline's pioneering electric-drive technology is used in 200,000 vehicles today
• GKN Driveline's eDrives are designed for the new generation of fuel efficient, low emission electric and hybrid vehicles

About GKN Driveline

GKN Driveline is the world's leading supplier of automotive driveline systems and solutions. As a global business serving the leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline systems – 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.

For more information: www.gkndriveline.com

 About GKN Group

GKN plc is a global engineering business serving mainly the automotive, aerospace and land systems markets. It has operations in more than 30 countries, around 38,000 employees in subsidiaries and joint ventures and had sales of 4.5 billion pounds Sterling in the year to 31 December 2009. GKN plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN).

For more information: www.gkn.com

SOURCE GKN Driveline