New GKN Driveline Factory Begins Production in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, CHINA - October 16, 2008: GKN Driveline Torque Technology has started production at its new wholly owned facility in Pudong, Shanghai, China.

Volume production has now started of transmission differentials for major domestic and overseas vehicle manufacturers.

Graeme Walford, managing director, GKN Driveline Torque Technology, said: "This is an important milestone for our expanding presence in China. From our new strategically located base we can now offer a wider range of our torque products to the Chinese car industry as well as for export."

In addition to the supply of transmission differentials, GKN Driveline is developing three all wheel drive (AWD) power transfer unit (PTU) applications which will enter production in 2009 for a Chinese and Asian vehicle manufacturers.

About GKN Driveline

The first major European automotive supplier to invest in China, GKN is the country’s leading producer of driveline components. GKN Driveline currently has automotive manufacturing operations in Kangqiao, Zhoupu and Shenjiang in Pudong, Shanghai, as well as plants in Chongqing and Jilin.

GKN Driveline is the world leader in the design and production of driveline components. Producing systems and components for the smallest ultra low-cost vehicle to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive model, GKN Driveline has the products to achieve the optimum driveline solution. With these products come technical expertise and an understanding of all aspects that affect vehicle dynamics and how these can be optimised for weight and performance improvement.

Every year, 72 million cars are produced for the world's roads. For every car, in every country, the challenge is always the same: to transmit power from the engine to the wheels in the most efficient, economical and reliable way possible.

GKN Driveline designs, builds, and supplies the most extensive and widely-used range of driveline components in the automotive industry. It covers every application from entry level front-wheel-drive vehicles to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive vehicles.

As an engineering business with extensive automotive experience and a global resource network, GKN Driveline delivers solutions quickly, economically and efficiently – from drawing through to full-scale production.

The company is a true partner to the world automotive industry. Multi-talented, multilingual global account teams work closely with each and every customer to develop a clear understanding of their requirements – and then deliver optimum solutions accurately engineered to all specifications.

GKN Driveline (www.gkndriveline.com) is a global tier-one supplier of vehicle driveline components and systems with annual sales of RMB 28 billion. The company has 21,000 employees and 40 facilities in 30 countries.