DETROIT, April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- GKN
Automotive has been honored with an Automotive News PACE award for
its two-speed eAxle technology, showcased on the class-redefining
BMW i8 plug-in hybrid supercar.
The Automotive News PACE award, bestowed for more than 20 years,
is acknowledged around the world as the industry benchmark for
automotive innovation.
"The two-speed eAxle technology is a great example of our
ability to push automotive engineering forward, integrating
complete system expertise with software and tuning capabilities
into a new generation of hybrid vehicles," said Andrew Reynolds Smith, CEO of GKN Automotive.
"It takes a tremendous amount of teamwork to bring leading-edge
technology to the market, and this award is a reflection of the
great cooperation between our global team and BMW, enabling us to
deliver innovation for its ground breaking vehicle."
The innovative eAxle gives the electric drive motor the
capability to ensure no compromise in acceleration, assisted top
speed and pure electric range, improving both driving dynamics and
C02 emissions. It is the first application to enable electric power
to boost the vehicle's performance across its entire speed range as
previously, electric and axle-split hybrids have used a
single-speed transmission, which disconnects at certain speeds to
prevent the motor overspinning.
"Car manufacturers are not only looking to make their vehicles
more efficient; they want to create new driving experiences," Peter
Moelgg, GKN Automotive President of Engineering said. "Our
expertise in driveline efficiency and electric drive systems is
helping to bring a new generation of electric drive vehicles to
life. We are proud that the PACE judges have recognized that with
the two-speed eAxle."
About the Automotive News PACE Award
The Automotive News PACE Awards have honored game-changing
superior innovation, technological advancement and business
performance among automotive suppliers.
The Automotive News PACE Award recognizes suppliers who develop
high-margin products, helping automotive manufacturers and
suppliers meet the myriad challenges ahead, such as rising fuel
economy and safety standards.
Awards are given in three categories. In addition, the judges
give separate partnership citations to automakers for outstanding
collaboration with suppliers.
The Automotive News is the primary source of industry news, data
and understanding for the industry's decision-makers interested in
North America. Automotive News
serves top auto industry executives -- including vehicle
manufacturers, their original equipment suppliers and franchised
dealers -- plus others is allied with the industry.
ABOUT GKN
GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has four divisions;
GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline, GKN Powder Metallurgy and GKN Land
Systems, which operate in the aerospace, automotive and land
systems markets. Nearly 50,000 people work in GKN companies and
joint ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN is listed on the
London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN) and recorded sales of GBP7.5 billion in the year to 31 December 2014.
ABOUT GKN DRIVELINE
GKN Driveline is the world's leading supplier of automotive
driveline components and systems. As a global company serving the
world's leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops,
builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline
components – 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 and operates in 22
countries at 46 locations employing approximately 26,500
people.
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SOURCE GKN Automotive