GKN Driveline Featured on MINI Countryman ALL4 Crossover

Unveiled publicly for the first time at the Geneva International Auto Show in March, the new MINI Countryman ALL4 crossover is equipped with GKN Driveline’s electromagnetic control device (EMCD), an all-wheel drive (AWD) coupling.

GKN Driveline's EMCD controls the torque flow to the rear wheels, crucial for delivering dynamic all-wheel-drive performance and all-terrain traction. An electromagnetically controlled clutch attached to the MINI Countryman ALL4’s rear final drive, EMCD works with the vehicle’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system and apportions front/rear power bias as needed to ensure the optimum traction dynamic.

Manufactured and supplied in Japan for many years, this latest application of GKN Driveline's EMCD coupling is being manufactured for the first time in Europe at the company's Bruneck facility in northern Italy. GKN Driveline's proprietary control software, developed in Germany, also is supplied for the new car and is incorporated into the MINI ALL4's Dynamic Stability Control unit (DSC).

“With the all-new Countryman ALL4, MINI has taken a big step in expanding the remarkable MINI range and we are delighted that GKN Driveline's EMCD coupling is a part of helping to deliver a successful and unique AWD package,” said Rob Rickell, global engineering director, GKN Driveline.

“The growth of the compact crossover market is driving new demand for our compact EMCD coupling. With GKN Driveline's recognized product development skills, GKN is an attractive AWD systems partner for our customers.”

About GKN Driveline

GKN Driveline is the world’s leading supplier of automotive driveline components and systems. As a global company serving the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline components for use in the smallest ultra low-cost car to the most sophisticated premium vehicle demanding the most complex driving dynamics.

GKN Driveline is a leading global producer of sideshafts, propshafts, mechanically and electronically controlled torque management systems and associated geared components.

www.gkndriveline.com

About the GKN Group

GKN plc is a global engineering business serving mainly the automotive, industrial, off-highway and aerospace markets. It has operations in more than 30 countries, around 38,000 employees in subsidiaries and joint ventures and had sales of £4.5 billion in the year to 31 December 2009. GKN plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN).

www.gkn.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of the MINI Countryman ALL4 and GKN Driveline EMCD are available upon request.