GKN Driveline

GKN Driveline is a multinational automotive components manufacturer specialising in driveline technologies. A division of GKN plc, it employs around 22,000 people at 56 locations across 22 countries.[3]

GKN Automotive
TypeDivision
IndustryAutomotive
Headquarters
Redditch
,
United Kingdom
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsAutomotive Components
Revenue£5,308 million (2017)[1]
£377 million (2017)[1]
OwnerMelrose PLC[2]
Number of employees
31,000 (2017)
ParentGKN PLC

GKN Driveline is the world's largest producer of constant-velocity joints (CVJs), which it pioneered for use in automobiles.[4] Its other products include sideshafts, propshafts, power transfer units, differentials, AWD couplings, disconnects, electric rear axles, and electric drive transmissions.[5]

History

The origin of GKN (Guest, Keen & Nettlefolds) goes back to 1759 and the founding of the Dowlais Ironworks by the industrialists Thomas Lewis and Isaac Wilkinson.[6] It has changed shape and direction many times to hold its place in the engineering industry. The company took part in the railway boom in the early 1800s with its production of iron, then steel in the 1860s and, after the First World War, the automotive industry.

In 1966 after being advised GKN Steel would be nationalised for the second time GKN bought CVJ market leaders Birfield Industries with its subsidiaries Hardy Spicer and Laycock Engineering with their interests and subsidiaries in Europe, Japan and the United States to save its BRD subsidiary.[7] It was the start of the company's globalization. GKN established a manufacturing presence in China in 1988. At the same time GKN Driveline was investing in and growing its business in India, Brazil and Mexico.

(Divisions) Products, Research and Development

CVJ Systems

A CVJ, or constant velocity joint, transfers power from the transmission to the front wheels, allowing articulation and movement for steering and suspension.[8] The three major elements are: inboard and outboard CVJs, including lubrication and sealing systems, and interconnecting shafts. The inboard joint is a plunging joint that allows the effective length of the sideshaft to adjust due to suspension movement. The outboard joint needs to transfer power effectively through a wide range of angles (up to 53 degrees).

AWD Systems

AWD Systems are for all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles.[9] GKN Driveline has unique developments for partial or full AWD vehicles. Within AWD Systems, GKN Driveline offers one, two or three-piece high speed propshafts made from steel, aluminium or composite tubes. Forefront example of this technology is used in the custom made to order by Ford Performance for the Ford Focus RS launched in 2016.[10] It utilizes an intelligent torque vectoring AWD system with rear differentials. This AWD system is also used in various vehicles by GM, Volvo and other car manufacturers.[11][12]

Trans Axle Solutions

Trans Axle Solutions cover an extensive range of Open Differentials, Limited Slip and Locking Differentials, and advanced products like electronic torque vectoring.[13] The wide range of differentials available is used in passenger cars, Sports car (SUVs) and Light truck.

eDrive

The eAxle drive module is a compact, lightweight Gear with an actively controlled wet clutch for electric motor assisted AWD. The eAxle unit for axle split Hybrid electric vehicle incorporates a proprietary disconnect clutch technology, which facilitates on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) use and contributes to the overall all-terrain functionality and fuel efficiency.

Electric drive transmissions can transmit up to 300 kW of power, they are available with ratios up to 14:1 and can be matched with E-motors from various suppliers to allow flexible application.

References
  1. (PDF). GKN plc https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReports/PDF/LSE_GKN_2017.pdf. Retrieved 12 December 2017. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. https://www.melroseplc.net/. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. "GKN Driveline Home". GKN plc. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  4. "Confucius rules at GKN". The Economist. 14 September 2000. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  5. "GKN Driveline Our Solutions". GKN plc. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  6. Andrew Lorenz, "GKN. The Making of a Business 1759-2009", 2009
  7. Andrew Lorenz, GKN, the making of a Business, Wiley UK, 2009 ISBN 9780470749531
  8. "GKN Driveline CVJ Overview". GKN plc. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  9. "GKN Driveline AWD Overview". GKN plc. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  10. "The 2016 Ford Focus RS Gets an Advanced Torque-Vectoring AWD System". Automobile magazine. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  11. "GKN: Drifting, from AWD to eAWD". The Virtual Driver. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  12. "GM seeks a market beyond the snow belt for awd models". Automotive News. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  13. "GKN Driveline Trans Axle Overview". GKN plc. Retrieved 25 April 2014.

Bibliography
  • Lorenz, Andrew: GKN.The Making of a Business 1759-2009. John Wiley & Sons Ltd (2009)
  • Jones, Edgar: A History of GKN. Volume One: Innovation & Enterprise 1759-1918. GKN plc (1987)
  • Jones, Edgar: A History of GKN. Volume Two: The Growth of a Business 1918-1945. GKN plc (1990)
  • GKN plc factsheet: http://www.gkn.com/media/Documents/GKNfactsheet_final.pdf, 12.08.2011
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