GKN Driveline

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

GKN Automotive is a multinational manufacturer of driveline components, all-wheel drive systems and eDrive systems for the automotive industry.[1] It employs around 27,500 people across 51 manufacturing facilities and 6 technology centres in 20 countries.[2] In 2018, GKN Automotive’s parent company, GKN Ltd, was acquired by Melrose[3] and its automotive business was renamed GKN Automotive.[4] This encompasses both the Driveline and ePowertrain divisions.[5]

GKN Automotive became the world's largest producer of constant-velocity joints (CVJs), which it began manufacturing in the 1960s for early front-wheel drive cars like the original Mini[6] Its other products include sideshafts, propshafts, modular eDrive systems, multi-mode hybrid transmissions for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, torque vectoring systems for electric drivelines and a range of all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems.[7]

GKN Automotive
TypeDivision
IndustryAutomotive
HeadquartersLondon,
United Kingdom
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsAutomotive Components
OwnerMelrose PLC[8]
Number of employees
27,500 (2021)
ParentGKN PLC

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.[9] 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.[citation needed]

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.[10] 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.[citation needed]

(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.[11] 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.[12] 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.[13] 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.[14][15]

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.[16] The wide range of differentials available is used in passenger cars, Sports car (SUVs) and Light truck.[citation needed]

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.[citation needed]

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. ^ "GKN Automotive Limited - MarkLines Automotive Industry Portal". www.marklines.com. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  2. ^ "GKN Automotive - Company". GKN. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  3. ^ "GKN Automotive Limited - MarkLines Automotive Industry Portal". www.marklines.com. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  4. ^ "Our heritage | GKN Automotive". GKN. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  5. ^ "GKN Automotive - Company". GKN. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  6. ^ "Confucius rules at GKN". The Economist. 14 September 2000. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  7. ^ "GKN Automotive Limited - MarkLines Automotive Industry Portal". www.marklines.com. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  8. ^ https://www.melroseplc.net/. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. ^ Andrew Lorenz, "GKN. The Making of a Business 1759-2009", 2009
  10. ^ Andrew Lorenz, GKN, the making of a Business, Wiley UK, 2009 ISBN 9780470749531
  11. ^ "GKN Driveline CVJ Overview". GKN plc. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  12. ^ "GKN Driveline AWD Overview". GKN plc. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  13. ^ "The 2016 Ford Focus RS Gets an Advanced Torque-Vectoring AWD System". Automobile magazine. 4 November 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  14. ^ "GKN: Drifting, from AWD to eAWD". The Virtual Driver. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  15. ^ "GM seeks a market beyond the snow belt for awd models". Automotive News. 18 December 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  16. ^ "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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