GKN has doubled production of all-wheel-drive systems in China by adding five production lines at two Shanghai plants.
The British auto supplier, in a statement, said its Chinese joint venture, Shanghai GKN Huayu Driveline Systems, is adding the lines to manufacture power transfer units and rear-drive modules.
SDS, established in 1988, employs more than 3,200 engineers, managers and hourly workers at factories in Shanghai, Wuhan, Changchun, and Chongqing.
GKN is localizing production of all-wheel-drive components for Jaguar Land Rover, which builds the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport in China.
Over the next two years, the company says it will produce all-wheel-drive componentry for a number of automakers.
Industry forecasts suggest that GKN's timing is good. Sales of all-wheel-drive vehicles in China are expected to grow from an estimated 1.5 million vehicles this year to 2.5 million units annually in 2023.
Source:Automotive News China