Ford Running With BorgWarner

CHICAGO--BorgWarner Inc. is supporting worldwide production of Ford’s new family of inline 4-cylinder engines by supplying their cam drive systems and oil pump drive systems. Annual production estimates are expected to make it the largest engine program in company history.

The new engines replace engines that currently use rubber timing belts. This reflects a trend among vehicle manufacturers to favor chains over belts, because chains are stronger and more durable and therefore improve performance and reduce warranty costs, according to the company. The components for the new Ford engines will be manufactured at BorgWarner’s Morse TEC plants in Guadalajara, Mexico; Nabari City, Japan; Ithaca, NY; and Arcore, Italy.

“Our global presence, as well as our collaborative internal strategy, allows us the flexibility to provide local supply to the plants that will build the new engines,” said Ronald M. Ruzic, group president of BorgWarner Morse TEC. The engines are destined for use initially in two Ford vehicles, followed by other models.

BorgWarner Morse TEC, a BorgWarner operating group, designs and manufactures automotive chain systems and components for engine timing, automatic transmission and four-wheel drive applications. Chicago-based BorgWarner supplies vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The company operates 56 manufacturing and technical facilities in 13 countries. Customers include Ford, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Toyota, Caterpillar, Navistar International, PSA and VW Group.

The Internet address is www.bwauto.com.