GKN acquires Getrag’s driveline business

GKN Plc has acquired the all-wheel-drive (AWD) components businesses of Getrag KG, a privately-held German company. The businesses acquired (referred to as Getrag Driveline products) are Getrag Corporation, a joint venture with US-based Dana Corporation and Getrag All Wheel Drive AB, a joint venture with Dana Holding Corp. and Volvo Car Corporation based in Sweden.

The core business of Getrag Driveline Products is the Tier 1 supply of geared driveline products, namely power transfer units (PTU) and rear drive units (RDU) for AWD vehicles, along with final drive units (FDU) for high-performance RWD vehicles. Also targeted are supplies in the future of transmission and axle products for hybrid and electric vehicle drivetrains. With operations in the USA and Europe, Getrag Driveline Products will complement GKN’s own geared product business, which is predominantly based in Asia.

In addition, GKN is also acquiring an exclusive licence, principally for Europe and the Americas, to use Getrag’s electric drivetrain technology for use in electric and certain hybrid vehicles.

Recently, GKN Driveline, the Indian arm of UK-based GKN is building a new facility near Pune to make CVJ systems and trans-axle solutions. The new facility, being built at an investment of Rs 130 crore will employ 200 people and cater to several clients including Fiat, Volkswagen, Spicer and Piaggio. The new unit will begin functioning in August 2012 and will have a capacity to make 60,000 CVJ systems in the first phase.

GKN Driveline’s major clients include Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India.