Chery, China's largest independent car manufacturer, has hired GKN Driveline Torque Technology to supply power transfer units (PTUs) for a new SUV that is set to launch in 2009. The new PTU will be assembled at GKN Driveline Torque Technology's new Kangkiao manufacturing facility. Components will be primarily sourced in China, except for the hypoid gear set, which will be produced in the company's Nagoya facility in Japan.
PTUs provide full-time or on-demand torque distribution for front-wheel-drive-based all-wheel drive vehicles. GKN is a world-leading independent supplier of PTUs with annual production targeted to exceed 500,000 units for the first time in 2007.
"We are delighted to have won this contract, which builds upon our existing strong commercial and engineering links as GKN Driveline is already a key supplier of sideshafts to Chery," says Graeme Walford, managing director of GKN Driveline Torque Technology. "This is another PTU contract win for us in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region and it further supports our global growth strategy."
Chery, ranked number four in terms of passenger vehicle production in China, is one of the fastest growing automakers in the world. Vehicle production last year was over 305,000, of which approximately 50,000 were exported.
GKN Driveline was the first global automotive components company to form a joint venture in China. Today, the company provides driveline solutions from the smallest front-wheel-drive vehicles up to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive models.
For more information about the company or its products, visit the GKN Driveline Web site.
|
