News Article

GKN Driveline unveils Electronic ‘Locker’ for 2009 Ford F-150

17th July 2008, Auburn Hills, Michigan
GKN Driveline Torque Technology will begin supplying its new electronic locking differential to Ford’s all-new 2009 F-150 FX4 pickup trucks later this year.

This is the first-time ever that the Ford F-150 4x4 models will have this product. With a touch of the dashboard-mounted selector switch, drivers can easily engage GKN Driveline's electronic locking differential (also called the “locker”).
The system locks the rear axle completely, providing traction capability to both rear wheels at the same time. This significantly enhances mobility, enabling the vehicle to tackle difficult and extreme off-road driving conditions such as mud, snow, ruts or hill climbs as well as boating applications.
Key product features are fast-locking action, low drag torque, good response at higher speeds and in low temperatures, as well as automatic disengagement at a pre-determined speed. When shifting from forward to reverse, the GKN Driveline locker can remain in locked mode, unlike some conventional systems that have to unlock, making it more convenient for the driver and placing less stress on the axle.
The patent-protected design includes a unique usage of the electronic actuation mechanism to more accurately and effectively control the locking function.
GKN Driveline's new locking differential for the 2009 Ford F-150 was specifically engineered for easy packaging and to fit into Ford's standard 9.75" axle. Manufactured at GKN Driveline's Bowling Green, Ohio plant, the locker includes an improved temperature-dependant response. 

“GKN Driveline’s electronic locking differential is a class-leading product, proven in the field in tough applications,” said Graeme Walford, managing director of GKN Driveline Torque Technology. “ Since our U.S.-production launch in 2006, over 160,000 have been supplied for specific models of U.S.-built trucks and SUVs.
“We are very proud to have been selected by Ford for its iconic F-150 vehicle. Our teams in the U.S. and Japan worked closely together to design this new product and really excelled in delivering this exciting programme."
For additional information about the 2009 Ford F-150, visit http://media.ford.com/
 

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 and light trucks are produced for the world’s roads. For every vehicle, 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 $4 billion (£2billion). The company has 21,000 employees and 40 facilities in 30 countries.

Company Contact:

Paul Dinwiddy
Global Communication Director
GKN Driveline
Phone: +44.1527.533.646
Cell: +44.7801.077.523
E-mail: paul.dinwiddy@gkndriveline.com

Media Contacts:

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AutoCom Associates
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Simon Pearson
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Cell: +44.7836.744.192
E-mail: simon@s-pearson.com

Japan
Yoshinori Yamaguchi
Inoue Public Relations
Phone: +81.(0)3.5269.2301
E-mail: yamaguchi@inoue-pr.com