GKN Driveline Torque Technology has started volume production of transmission differentials for major domestic and overseas vehicle manufacturers at its new wholly-owned facility in Pudong, Shanghai, China.

 
"This is an important milestone for our expanding presence in China," said Graeme Walford, managing director, GKN Driveline Torque Technology. "From our new strategically-located base, we now can offer a wider range of our torque products to the Chinese auto vehicle industry, as well as for export."

 
In addition to transmission differentials, GKN Driveline is developing three all wheel drive (AWD) power transfer unit (PTU) applications which will enter production in 2009 for Chinese and Asian vehicle manufacturers.

 
About GKN Driveline

 
The first major European automotive supplier to invest in China, GKN is the country's leading producer of driveline components. GKN Driveline currently has automotive manufacturing operations in Kangqiao, Zhoupu and Shenjiang in Pudong, Shanghai, as well as plants in Chongqing and Jilin.

GKN Driveline is the world leader in the design and production of driveline components. Producing systems and components for the smallest ultra low-cost vehicle to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive model, GKN Driveline has the products to achieve the optimum driveline solution. With these products come technical expertise and an understanding of all aspects that affect vehicle dynamics and how these can be optimised for weight and performance improvement.

Still, other attempts at combinations have been hindered by the fact that most major carmakers are owned by the central or local governments, said Huang.

Jiangxi Changhe Automobile Co and Hafei Automobile Group, two State-owned carmakers, have spent seven years looking for partners to help them improve their competitiveness, China Business Journal said on Oct 6. Their latest efforts failed because the two companies didn't have full control over the negotiations, the report added.