BorgWarner Transmission Systems Breaks Ground For French Facility

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan, December 5 -- In response to increasing demand for BorgWarner DualTronic(TM) transmission technology in Europe and associated new business gained in transmission controls systems, BorgWarner Transmission Systems has broken ground for a new, 160,000-square-foot facility in Eyrein, north of Tulle, Correze, France.

The operation will include application engineering, testing and manufacturing capabilities for these systems. BorgWarner currently manufactures solenoids and transmission control modules at a plant in Tulle, and plans to move that operation's employees and production to the new facility when it is completed in the summer of 2006.

"We are very encouraged by the growth of dual-clutch transmissions in Europe," said Dr. Bernd Matthes, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems. "BorgWarner is pleased to expand its capabilities in France in order to accommodate increased production of DualTronic(TM) controls systems and other transmission products. We believe the momentum for this technology will continue to increase, as more customers and drivers experience the fuel economy and performance benefits of this exciting technology." BorgWarner executives hosted regional and national government officials and other guests at a groundbreaking celebration earlier this fall.

BorgWarner Transmission Systems is a supplier to virtually every automatic transmission manufacturer in the world. It produces "shift quality" components and systems including one-way clutches, transmission bands, friction plates and clutch-pack assemblies, and controls including transmission solenoids, control modules and integrated mechatronic control systems.

Auburn Hills, Michigan-based 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 62 locations in 17 countries. Customers include Ford, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, VW/Audi, Toyota, Hyundai/Kia, Renault/Nissan, Honda, Caterpillar, Navistar International, Peugeot, and BMW. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com .