News Article
GKN DRIVELINE AWD Coupling adds traction dynamic to new MINI COUNTRYMAN ALL4 crossover
1st March, 2010, Geneva
At the heart of the new MINI Countryman ALL4 crossover vehicle lies GKN Driveline’s AWD coupling or electromagnetic control device (EMCD). GKN Driveline's EMCD controls the torque flow to the rear wheels, crucial for delivering dynamic all-wheel-drive performance and all-terrain traction.
GKN Driveline’s EMCD is an electromagnetically controlled clutch attached to the Countryman ALL4’s rear final drive. Working with the MINI ALL4’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, the EMCD apportions front/rear power bias as needed to ensure the optimum traction dynamic.
Manufactured and supplied in Japan for many years, this latest application of GKN Driveline's EMCD coupling is for the first time manufactured in Europe at the company's Bruneck facility in northern Italy. GKN Driveline's proprietary control software, developed in Germany, is also supplied for the new car and is incorporated into the MINI ALL4's Dynamic Stability Control unit (DSC).
Rob Rickell, global engineering director, GKN Driveline said: “With their all-new Countryman ALL4, MINI has taken a bold step in expanding the remarkable MINI range and we are delighted that GKN Driveline's EMCD Coupling is a part of helping to deliver a successful and unique AWD package.
“The growth of the compact crossover market is driving new demand for our compact EMCD coupling. With GKN Driveline's recognised product development skills and now with EMCD production in Europe, we are an attractive AWD systems partner for our European customers."
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 sideshafts, propshafts, mechanically and electronically controlled torque management systems and associated geared components.
About the GKN Group
GKN plc is a global engineering business serving mainly the automotive, industrial, off-highway and aerospace markets. It has operations in more than 30 countries, around 38,000 employees in subsidiaries and joint ventures and had sales of £4.5 billion in the year to 31 December 2009. GKN plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN).
Company Contact:
Paul Dinwiddy
Global Communication Director
GKN Driveline
Phone: + 44 1527 533 646
Mobile: + 44 7801 077 523
Media Contact:
Europe:
Simon Pearson
Phone: + 44 207 861 3158
Mobile: + 44 7836 744 192
E-mail: simon@s-pearson.com
Americas:
Larrry Weis
AutoCom Associatesv Phone: + 1 248 647 8621
Mobile: + 1 248 705 4448
E-mail: lweis@usautocom.com
