Driven by growing
global demand for its dual-clutch transmission technology, known as
DualTronic(R), BorgWarner Transmission Systems has broken ground for a
second manufacturing facility at its Drivetrain campus in Arnstadt,
Germany. When completed in November, it will double the manufacturing area
of the current site to over 107,000 square feet (10,000 square meters) and
is expected to create 150 new jobs by 2010. During the next few years, the
company will invest nearly $35 million (euro 26 million) to expand the
site, which will include a dedicated vehicle lab and test track for on-site
vehicle evaluation.
"Around the world, drivers are enjoying the improved fuel economy and
dynamic performance of DualTronic technology," said Dr. Bernd Matthes,
President and General Manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems. "Expanding
our manufacturing capacity and capabilities in Germany will help BorgWarner
meet the growing needs of our new and existing customers."
BorgWarner was first-to-market with dual-clutch transmission
technology, launching its award-winning DualTronic innovation on two
VW/Audi models in 2003 with applications on additional models and
production volumes increasing steadily since then.
BorgWarner DualTronic clutch and transmission control technology
enables a conventional, manual gearbox to function as a fully automatic
transmission by eliminating the interruption that occurs when a manual
transmission shifts gears, while delivering performance and fuel economy
that rival that of a manual transmission. BorgWarner has announced five
programs with four customers, including VW/Audi, Getrag, another European
OEM and SAIC in China. Total BorgWarner dual-clutch technology applications
announced to date represent over 1.5 million transmissions per year at full
production volumes.
BorgWarner Transmission Systems is a supplier to virtually every
automatic transmission manufacturer in the world. It produces "shift
quality" components and systems including one-way clutches, transmission
bands, friction plates and clutch-pack assemblies, and controls including
transmission solenoids, control modules and integrated mechatronic control
systems.
Customers include
VW/Audi, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Renault/Nissan,
Hyundai/Kia, Honda, BMW, Caterpillar, Navistar International, and Peugeot.