GKN expands electrical all-wheel drive programme with German OEM

GKN Driveline has continued its Global Electric Axle (eAxle) drive partnership with the BMW Group, supplying eAxle technology for a plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X1 for the Chinese market. The system is part of the same scalable family of eAxles used in the plug-in hybrid BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 225xe.  

GKN Driveline Chief Executive Officer Phil Swash said, "This latest programme launch for the BMW Group in China shows GKN's global leadership in electric drive systems. From the i8 sports car to the X1, GKN's work with the BMW Group reflects our position as the development partner of choice for the new wave of plug-in hybrids with electric All-Wheel Drive (AWD)."

Early adopters of GKN's electric axle drive used the technology to create plug-in hybrid sports cars with electric AWD that enhanced performance and efficiency. Automakers are now equipping a new generation of compact vehicles with GKN electric drive technology.

Peter Moelgg, Chief Executive of GKN Driveline's AW&E Drive business, added, "Automakers' evolving powertrain strategies require suppliers with a focus on mass-production of key technologies - and system integration capability. The combination of our proven driveline innovation experience, AWD expertise and eAxle production capabilities are making eAWD viable in compact vehicles. GKN's hardware and software expertise is also supporting the development of future platforms - these will need driveline suppliers to interface effectively with the rest of the vehicle's electronic architecture."