AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BorgWarner's eGearDrive(TM) transmission has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2010 Automotive News PACE Awards, recognized around the world as the industry symbol of innovation. First commercialized on the Tesla Roadster, the technology has been developed for the emerging vehicle electrification market and will also drive the all-electric CODA sedan, scheduled for introduction in California in 2010. Production-ready designs of BorgWarner's eGearDrive(TM) transmission will enable several other manufacturers to launch a variety of electric vehicles beginning in 2010 and 2011. Designed for fast-to-market implementation, annual volumes are expected to increase rapidly over the next few years.
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"BorgWarner is proving that key technologies enable drivers to enjoy superior performance while being good stewards for the environment," said John Sanderson, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems. "We're pleased to be among this year's distinguished PACE finalists once again."
With the BorgWarner eGearDrive(TM) single-speed gearbox, the all-electric Tesla Roadster travels from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, can reach a top speed of 125 mph, and achieves a driving range of nearly 250 miles on a single battery charge - shifting consumers' perceptions of electric vehicle performance and opening new opportunities for automakers.
BorgWarner's eGearDrive(TM) transmission incorporates patented and proprietary technology as well as over 100 years of powertrain know-how. Through its high efficiency gear train and compact, low-weight design, the BorgWarner eGearDrive(TM) transmission contributes to extended battery-powered driving range which in turn reduces the required amount of battery capacity needed. The transmission also achieves higher torque capacity with 98% efficiency, while providing smooth, quiet operation. Approximately 99% of the materials used in the eGearDrive(TM) transmission are recyclable.
In addition to providing primary drive for front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, BorgWarner eGearDrive(TM) systems enable launch assist, energy recovery, and AWD performance for the secondary-driven axle on any type of vehicle. Also available are an optional electronically actuated park lock system and various electronic driveline disconnect systems.
About the PACE Awards
Presented by Automotive News with Ernst & Young and the Transportation Research Center Inc., the PACE Awards honor superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers. PACE stands for Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence. This year marks the 16th annual award competition.
BorgWarner's eGearDrive transmission technology was named a finalist in the Product category, which recognizes innovations in new products, services or their development, that have significant market impact and act as "game changers" in the automotive industry.
Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges and will be announced in Detroit on April 12, 2010. Since 2005, BorgWarner has received five PACE Awards and three PACE Innovation Partnership Awards.
BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems produces highly engineered drivetrain technologies for the global vehicle industry. Key product segments include: dual clutch modules; wet friction clutch components and systems; mechatronic transmission control modules; electro-hydraulic solenoid valves; mechanical clutch assemblies; all-wheel drive couplings, transfer cases and software/controls; and electric vehicle transmissions. These systems improve fuel economy and performance while enhancing vehicle stability. BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems is a trusted supplier to virtually every major light vehicle and automatic transmission producer in the world today.
Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 60 locations in 18 countries. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA, and MAN. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com.
Statements contained in this news release may contain forward-looking statements as contemplated by the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act that are based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections. Words such as "outlook", "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed, projected or implied in or by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include: fluctuations in domestic or foreign vehicle production, the continued use of outside suppliers, fluctuations in demand for vehicles containing our products, changes in general economic conditions, and other risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Risk Factors, identified in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
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