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MOTORINDIA
l
April 2012
BorgWarner
owes success to
100 years of innovation
It was indeed a thrilling experience for a select group
of Indian newsmen who recently visited the US-based
BorgWarner’s production facilities to test-drive various
vehicle models fitted with all-wheel drive (AWD) sys-
tems at the snow-covered Keweenaw Research Center,
Houghton, MI, USA. The test-drive was specially or-
ganised by BorgWarner to prove the technical excel-
lence of its range of torque transfer systems. The test
proved beyond doubt the extreme manoeuvrability as
well reflected in the healthy combination of optimum
traction, vehicle speed and driver safety, the prevailing
freezing weather notwithstanding.
A century of innovation
A prominent automotive firm, BorgWarner owes its
success more or less to its 100 years of innovative
technology. In 2011, the company achieved a sales
turnover of $7.11 billion as compared to $5.65 billion
in the previous year. The workforce of the company
has also expanded from 17,500 in 2010 to 19,250 in
2011. The company operations are spread over 60 lo-
cations in 19 countries.
All this confirms that BorgWarner has been able
to maintain substantial growth not only in the rev-
enue earned but also in its workforce to deliver world
standard innovative products.
Though a North American company, BorgWarner
has its global presence and enjoys very strong sup-
port from the European OEMs. Primarily the com-
pany has its major focus on two business divisions,
namely, engine systems that contributes 72 per cent
of the revenue, and the drive systems that accounts
for the balance 28 per cent.
On the occasion, Mr. John A. Barlage, Product
Business Director, BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems,
made a detailed presentation on the front-wheel drive
and its characteristics, while Mr. Hebert Cabral, Mar-
keting Analyst at BorgWarner, gave an overview of
the global and regional market trend for AWD.
In the 4WD Transfer Cases (RWD AWD) as well as
AWD Couplings (FWD AWD) market, BorgWarner
continues to be a second top supplier at the global
level as in India, and the Divgi-Warner joint venture
allows for strong presence in the country. The acqui-
sition of Haldex Traction in 2011 adds to its capabili-
Test-drive at Houghton, a thrilling experience
All-Wheel Drive Technology Inspiring Confidence
Focus on Detroit
In India, BorgWarner supplies its torque trans-
fer systems to various OEMs, including Tata Mo-
tors and Mahindra & Mahindra. The company
mission is to become a leader in every partici-
pating global market.