News Article

GKN Driveline Receives Nissan’s 2008 Global Innovation Award

14th July 2008, Tochigi, Japan
GKN Driveline Torque Technology in Japan has been awarded the prestigious Nissan Global Innovation Award for their contribution to the independent transaxle Four Wheel Drive (4WD) featured in the company’s all-new supercar, the Nissan GT-R.

The Global Innovation Award recognises innovation in product and technology development and the wider issues of process and management improvements.

Having worked closely on the world's first independent transaxle 4WD for the new Nissan GT-R, Nissan and GKN Driveline Torque Technology have shifted their driveline capabilities into a higher gear. A clear focus on vehicle dynamics paired with convincing integration of the driver has created harmonious vehicle characteristics, balancing "speed and efficiency", "high-output with environmental consideration" and "high performance and safety".

For the Nissan GT-R, GKN Driveline Torque Technology supplies three key elements of the driveline from its Tochigi plant in Japan.

The high performance, light weight aluminium final drive unit (FDU)

In order to enable vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car, the transmission, transfer case and FDU are all placed at the rear of the car. GKN Driveline’s FDU has therefore been integrated into the transaxle.


A powerful "1.5 way" Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that generates optimum traction and stability under all driving conditions (fitted inside the rear FDU).

The AWD coupling, GKN Driveline's Electro-Magnetic Control Device (EMCD), is fitted in the vehicle's transaxle and controls an optimum power flow to the front wheels. The new EMCD features a lightweight aluminium case, improved responsiveness and higher energy savings through the use of minimal electric current.
"Our GT-R products are truly advanced technology and demonstrate GKN Driveline’s engineering and production expertise at the highest level. Successful delivery of this project is a great credit to our team and represents another major step in the continuing success of our growing operations. We have worked very closely with Nissan on this project and we are very proud to have received this prestigious award", says Graeme Walford, Managing Director, GKN Driveline Torque Technology. 

GKN Driveline also supplies the front sideshafts for the Nissan GT-R.

About GKN Driveline

GKN Driveline is the world leader in the design and production of driveline components. Producing systems and components for the smallest ultra low-cost vehicle to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive model, GKN Driveline has the products to achieve the optimum driveline solution. With these products come technical expertise and an understanding of all aspects that affect vehicle dynamics and how these can be optimised for weight and performance improvement.

Every year, 72 million cars are produced for the world's roads. For every car, in every country, the challenge is always the same: to transmit power from the engine to the wheels in the most efficient, economical and reliable way possible.

GKN Driveline designs, builds, and supplies the most extensive and widely-used range of driveline components in the automotive industry. It covers every application from entry level front-wheel-drive vehicles to the most sophisticated four-wheel-drive vehicles.

As an engineering business with extensive automotive experience and a global resource network, GKN Driveline delivers solutions quickly, economically and efficiently – from drawing through to full-scale production.

The company is a true partner to the world automotive industry. Multi-talented, multilingual global account teams work closely with each and every customer to develop a clear understanding of their requirements – and then deliver optimum solutions accurately engineered to all specifications.

GKN Driveline is a global tier-one supplier of vehicle driveline components and systems with annual sales of 423 billion Japanese yen (£2billion). The company has 21,000 employees and 40 facilities in 30 countries.

Company Contact:

Paul Dinwiddy
Global Communication Director
GKN Driveline
Tel: + 44 1527 533 646
Mob: + 44 7801 077 523
Email: paul.dinwiddy@gkndriveline.com


Media Contacts:

Japan
Yoshinori Yamaguchi
Inoue Public Relations
Tel: +81 (0)3 5269 2301
Email: yamaguchi@inoue-pr.com

Americas
Larry Weis or Andi Wilmes
AutoCom Associates
Tel: + 1 248 647 8621
Email: lweis@usautocom.com or awilmes@usautocom.com

Europe
Simon Pearson
Tel: + 44.207.861.3158
Mob: + 44 7836 744 192
Email: simon@s-pearson.com