BorgWarner Chain Technology Helps Deliver First Chain-Driven Power Take-Off Unit To Marketplace

CHICAGO, June 30 -- The first chain-driven power take-off unit (PTU) offered to the marketplace will contain technology developed by BorgWarner Morse TEC and will help enable the all-wheel drive capability of Volvo's first SUV, the XC90.

BorgWarner's rocker-joint style HyVo(R) chain provides the transfer of torque within the PTU and offers increased efficiency over the use of gear technology. In addition, the chain runs on a specially developed 24-tooth sprocket, to accommodate tight packaging requirements while still delivering excellent noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance. The chain is produced at BorgWarner's Ithaca, New York operation.

"The PTU represents the newest alternative in providing four-wheel and all-wheel drive capabilities to a range of vehicles," said Roger Wood, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Morse TEC. "The goal is to combine the fuel efficiency and handling of a passenger car with the off-road capabilities of a truck."

The Volvo XC90 was named 2003 Sport/Utility of the Year by Motor Trend, and North American Truck of the Year by top automotive press at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. BorgWarner Morse TEC expects to supply PTU content for 45,000 to 60,000 Volvo XC90s annually.

BorgWarner Morse TEC is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of automotive chain systems and components of engine timing, automatic transmission and four wheel drive applications. BorgWarner Inc. is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 43 locations in 14 countries. Customers include Ford, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai/Kia, Caterpillar, Navistar International, Renault/Nissan, Peugeot and VW/Audi. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.bwauto.com/ . For further information contact BorgWarner Corporate Communications at 312/322-8500.

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/120941.html