GKN Driveline Discusses Fuel-Efficiency Offerings At AMS 2013

DETROIT--Oct. 15, 2013: GKN Driveline, a global supplier of automotive driveline components and systems, is continuing to provide OEM customers with an array of new driveline products and components to improve fuel-efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

Speaking at the recently-held 2013 Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) conference in Detroit, Chet Roslanowick, vice president business development for GKN Driveline Americas, outlined how GKN is responding to the auto industry's need to increase fuel-efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Roslanowick noted, "GKN has an important role to play in bringing to market new proprietary driveline products that contribute to fuel economy improvements by reducing the weight and improving the efficiency of components."

GKN, for example, has developed a unique "disconnect" all-wheel-drive system for the all-new 2014 Range Rover Evoque. The system is designed to improve fuel-efficiency while providing outstanding off-road performance with dynamic agility and enhanced traction.

Land Rover's Active Driveline system reacts to the driving environment and driver intention by automatically disconnecting the major rotating driveline components to reduce energy losses. Traction and driving stability are optimized by an Active Torque Biasing feature that offers advanced control on the distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels.

GKN Driveline's Multi-Mode eTransmission also was recently introduced on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – the world's first twin-motor 4WD plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle with ability to charge on-the-go.

Debuted at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, Mitsubishi Motors' new twin-motor 4WD plug-in Hybrid Electric crossover is powered by two-60kW electric motors, one in the front and the other in the rear, both fed by a large capacity lithium-ion battery. A gas engine and generator are also fitted.

"Clearly we're in a rapidly changing environment," Roslanowick said. "Our product development and manufacturing units are working closely together to generate a product that meets the requirements of our OEM customers."