GKN Driveline has been selected to supply the front axle for a number of BMW X Series sports activity vehicles. The GKN axle is a key part of the system that transforms the typically rear-wheel drive vehicles to all-wheel drive.

GKN Driveline’s plant in Newton, N.C., will supply front final drive units (FDUs) for the BMW X3 beginning in August and other high performance X models later this year.

BMW awarded the FDU business to GKN following a process that included a visit to the Newton plant last year. The Newton facility currently supplies innovative all-wheel-drive systems, including FDUs, to several global car manufacturers for a range of high-performance, all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles. GKN Driveline also currently supplies sideshafts for the X Series models, as well as torque-vectoring units.

“We are delighted that we can use our global footprint, operational excellence and technology to expand our partnership with BMW,” said Andrew Reynolds Smith, chief executive, GKN Automotive. “We are looking forward to increasing our presence on this exciting platform through our engineering and manufacturing capability, and continuing high levels of service.”

GKN Driveline Newton employs more than 650 people and produced more than 1,000,000 units in 2012. GKN says the BMW program will result in sustained growth in sales, manpower and production and will further expedite the transition from an all-wheel-drive component plant to an all-wheel-drive solutions provider.

Visit http://www.gkn.com/driveline/our-solutions/awd-systems/final-drive-unit for information, animation and data sheets.