AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In late 2015, BorgWarner will begin manufacturing advanced engine timing chains at its campus in Itatiba City, Brazil, making it the first automotive supplier to produce chains locally in Brazil for the South American market.  More durable than belts, BorgWarner's low-friction, low-noise engine timing chains are designed to optimize engine efficiency for better fuel economy, lower emissions and improved performance. The company's expansion in Brazil will support a major light vehicle program with one of the country's top automakers.

"Today, over 80 percent of light vehicle engines in South America use belts. Already proven in other markets around the world, chains last the lifetime of the engine, require less space under the hood and are more durable, especially in today's high-power engines. Many automakers in the region are recognizing the advantages and moving from belts to chains," said Joe Fadool, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Morse TEC. "In South America, we expect demand for engine timing chain to grow from 18 percent of light-duty engines today to 55 percent in 2019. With our latest expansion in Brazil, BorgWarner's products support automakers' efforts to comply with the country's INOVAR-AUTO regulations and offers our customers localized production along with over 100 years of expertise in chain-driven engine timing systems."

BorgWarner produces a full range of silent, roller and bush chains. Designed for today's light-duty engines, BorgWarner's silent chains feature super finish aperture (SFA) links to improve wear performance and optimized chain geometry to reduce mass. Advanced designs and manufacturing processes decrease friction up to 25 percent, resulting in improved fuel economy, less noise and greater durability. Available in a range of pitches, BorgWarner also manufactures roller and bush chains for applications that require reduced cost, lower weight and high durability even in severe environments.

About BorgWarner
BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for powertrains around the world. Operating manufacturing and technical facilities in 58 locations in 19 countries, the company delivers innovative powertrain solutions to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and enhance performance. For more information, please visit borgwarner.com.

More durable than belts, BorgWarner's best-in-class silent engine chains are designed to reduce friction to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and decrease noise.

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SOURCE BorgWarner Inc.