News Article

GKN Driveline’s Viscodrive ® Coupling for Suzuki’s new Wagon R

Tochigi, 9th February 2009
All-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of Suzuki's new Wagon R, recently launched in Japan, are being equipped with GKN Driveline Torque Technology's Viscodrive® coupling.

The Viscodrive® coupling is a compact and lightweight unit that provides on demand AWD capability and improved vehicle traction without the need for costly on-board electronics or driver intervention. Additionally, it dampens undesirable driveline noise and vibration, is highly reliable and is designed to be maintenance-free over the complete lifetime.

This well-proven product consists of friction plates submerged in silicone fluid. When the drive (front) axle loses grip the relative speed difference between the plates produces a sheer stress that transfers torque from one plate to the other and redistributes it to the rear axle.

Graeme Walford, commercial and engineering director, GKN Driveline said: "Viscodrive® couplings are an important foundation of GKN Driveline Torque business. They continue to have a respected position in our broad portfolio of torque management products and are an especially popular choice for ‘kei-cars’ in Japan."

‘Kei-cars’ (from "kei-jidosha" - ‘light automobile’) are cars with a maximum engine capacity of 660cc and power of 47kW (64PS). In Japan, these vehicles enjoy tax and insurance benefits. Suzuki has been the leading Kei-cars manufacturer in Japan since its introduction on the market in 1955 and at present Wagon R is the model enjoying the highest annual sales number in Japan.

Editor’s notes:

GKN Driveline is a global enterprise with 21,000 people working at 40 locations in 30 countries. The company recorded sales of 860 billion Yen (£2 billion) in 2007.

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.

GKN Driveline designs, builds, and supplies the most extensive and widely-used range of driveline components in the automotive industry. It covers every application from smallest ultra low-cost vehicle to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive.

As an engineering business with extensive automotive experience and a global resource network, GKN Driveline delivers solutions quickly, economically and efficiently.

The company is a true partner to the world automotive industry. Multi-talented, multilingual global account teams work closely with each and every customer to develop a clear understanding of their requirements – and then deliver optimum solutions accurately engineered to all specifications.

GKN Driveline is a leading global producer of all-wheel-drive PTUs (power transfer units) and a world leader in the supply of torque management devices for coupling, axle and transmission applications.

Company Contact:

Paul Dinwiddy
Global Communication Director
GKN Driveline
Tel: + 44 1527 533 646
Mob: + 44 7801 077 523
Email: paul.dinwiddy@gkndriveline.com

Media Contacts:

Europe
Simon Pearson
Tel: +44 207 861 3158
Mob: +44 7836 744 192
Email: simon@s-pearson.com

Americas
Larry Weis or Andi Wilmes
AutoCom Associates
Tel: +1 248 647 8621
Email: lweis@usautocom.com or awilmes@usautocom.com

Japan
Yoshinori Yamaguchi
Inoue Public Relations
Tel: +81 (0) 3 5269 2301
Email: yamaguchi@inoue-pr.com