BorgWarner strengthens relationship with Jaguar Land Rover

May 23, 2013: BorgWarner has confirmed that it will supply turbocharging technology for the next generation of four-cylinder engines from Jaguar Land Rover.

In order to assist with production of the new engines, BorgWarner is planning to enlarge its existing 35-year-old manufacturing facilities in Bradford, as well as building a new engineering centre. This centre will provide engineering, design, simulation, testing and production validation labs.

To ensure that development and production continues long in to the future, the company is also establishing a master's degree program in turbocharger engineering at the nearby University of Huddersfield.

"With our investment in local production and testing, BorgWarner will provide Jaguar Land Rover with fast-to-market, high-quality advanced technologies adapted to their specific needs," said Frederic Lissalde, president and general manager, BorgWarner Turbo Systems.

"BorgWarner's investment in innovation will also help support the local economy with highly skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs, and our increased collaboration with the university will help develop the talent needed to drive turbocharging advancements for the future."

The news follows the announcement that Jaguar Land Rover is planning to spend £2.75 billion (Rs 22,918 crore) each year for the next four years on new products and production facilities.

Ian Harnett, Jaguar Land Rover's purchasing director, said, "Jaguar Land Rover remains committed to enhancing and developing the automotive supply chain in the UK. This contract is a great example of how we want to work in partnership with our supply chain to develop innovative solutions to support future growth. Jaguar Land Rover's new range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines is expected to launch in 2015.

LEWIS KINGSTON, AUTOCAR UK