BorgWarner Extends Transfer Case Business with North American OEM

Rhea-AI Summary

BorgWarner has secured extensions on two transfer case contracts with a major North American OEM for upcoming vehicle launches. The company will supply Electro-Mechanical On-Demand (EMOD) and Electric Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) transfer cases for combustion and hybrid passenger truck platforms. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027 for two platforms and 2028 for the third. The EMOD offers faster response and improved torque accuracy, while the ESOF is designed for rugged part-time four-wheel drive systems. Both transfer cases feature BorgWarner's HY-VO® driveline chain and will be manufactured in Seneca, South Carolina.

Positive

• Extended contracts with major North American OEM for multiple vehicle platforms
• Production secured through 2027-2028, indicating long-term revenue stability
• First-time EMOD adoption for specific passenger truck platform, showing product line expansion
• Manufacturing to be conducted at existing facility, utilizing current infrastructure

Negative

• None.

Insights

Manufacturing Industry Analyst

This contract extension represents a significant strategic win for BorgWarner, strengthening its position in the automotive drivetrain market. The deal spans multiple platforms and extends through 2027-2028, providing stable revenue visibility. The inclusion of both EMOD and ESOF systems demonstrates BWA's ability to serve both premium and standard market segments.

The 40-year relationship with this North American OEM (likely Ford or GM based on the scale) indicates strong competitive moats and high switching costs for the customer. The new EMOD platform adoption suggests potential for margin expansion, as premium active transfer cases typically command higher margins than traditional systems.

The Seneca facility utilization will benefit from this multi-year commitment, supporting operational efficiency. While specific contract values aren't disclosed, transfer cases are high-value components, typically ranging from $800 to $2,000 per unit, making this a meaningful revenue contributor.

• Company to supply two types of two-speed transfer cases: Electro-Mechanical On-Demand (EMOD) and Electric Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF)
• Builds on over 40 years of BorgWarner transfer case supply for the OEM's passenger truck platform
• High-performance solutions deliver quick response, improved torque performance

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BorgWarner, a global product leader in delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions, is furthering its business with a major North American OEM by securing extensions on two transfer case contracts for upcoming vehicle launches with new platform requirements. BorgWarner will supply two types of transfer cases, including its active Electro-Mechanical On-Demand 2-Speed (EMOD) and a part-time Electric Shift-on-the-Fly 2-Speed (ESOF) transfer case. Two of the OEM's combustion and hybrid passenger truck platforms will be equipped with the EMOD and ESOF, while an additional passenger truck will receive the ESOF. Start of production for two of the platforms are slated for 2027, with the third expected to begin in 2028.   

"We have supplied this OEM with transfer cases for its combustion and hybrid passenger truck platforms for over 40 years, and we are honored to have the opportunity to once again provide our transfer cases for several of their upcoming models," said Isabelle McKenzie, Vice President of BorgWarner Inc. and President and General Manager, Drivetrain and Morse Systems. "These extensions solidify our team's reputation and the proven architecture, performance, reliability and quality of our transfer case products. We're very much looking forward to providing our valued customer with exceptional service for its vehicle platforms."

The EMOD is a high-performance active transfer case that offers faster response, improved torque accuracy, and pre-emptive torque management that enhances the overall safety and stability of the vehicle. The heart of the EMOD is a motor driven clutch-apply system that allows for active modulation of torque distribution between the front and rear wheels based on a variety of continuously monitored vehicle parameters.  While used in several other of the OEM's platforms, this is the first time the EMOD transfer case has been adopted for this particular passenger truck platform.

Specifically designed to handle the rugged requirements of a part-time four-wheel drive system in a heavy-duty truck, the ESOF transfer case offers a highly efficient two-wheel drive mode in conjunction with the ability to lock the vehicle into four-wheel drive while in motion. It performs these functions while delivering superior noise, vibration and harshness engineering and design to deliver superior performance. The quick and smooth-shifting ESOF technology has a proven track record, reaching its third vehicle evolution for the passenger truck platform.

Both transfer cases are equipped with BorgWarner's HY-VO® driveline chain, which is optimized for high efficiency and improved durability. The EMOD is equipped with BorgWarner's premium friction products and the entire family of transfer cases will be manufactured at its Seneca, South Carolina production facility.

About BorgWarner
For more than 130 years, BorgWarner has been a transformative global product leader bringing successful mobility innovation to market. With a focus on sustainability, we're helping to build a cleaner, healthier, safer future for all. 

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You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed, projected or implied in or by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, among others, include: evolving legal, regulatory, and tax regimes; the supply disruptions impacting us or our customers, such as the current shortage of semiconductor chips that has impacted original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") customers and their suppliers, including us; commodities availability and pricing, and an inability to achieve expected levels of success in additional commercial negotiations with customers concerning recovery of these costs; competitive challenges from existing and new competitors including OEM customers; the challenges associated with rapidly changing technologies, particularly as relates to electric vehicles, and our ability to innovate in response; uncertainties regarding the extent and duration of impacts of matters associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including additional production disruptions; the difficulty in forecasting demand for electric vehicles and our electric vehicles revenue growth; potential disruptions in the global economy caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine; the ability to identify targets and consummate acquisitions on acceptable terms; failure to realize the expected benefits of acquisitions on a timely basis including our recent acquisitions of AKASOL AG, Santroll's light vehicle eMotor business, and Rhombus Energy Solutions, the anticipated acquisition of Hubei Surpass Sun Electric's charging business, and our 2020 acquisition of Delphi Technologies PLC; the failure to promptly and effectively integrate acquired businesses; the potential for unknown or inestimable liabilities relating to the acquired businesses; our dependence on automotive and truck production, both of which are highly cyclical and subject to disruptions; our reliance on major OEM customers; fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; our dependence on information systems; the uncertainty of the global economic environment and potential for recessionary conditions in regional economies; the outcome of existing or any future legal proceedings, including litigation with respect to various claims; future changes in laws and regulations, including, by way of example, taxes and tariffs, in the countries in which we operate; impacts from potential future acquisition or disposition transactions; and the other risks noted in reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our most recently-filed Form 10-K and/or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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SOURCE BorgWarner

FAQ

When will BorgWarner (BWA) start production of the new transfer cases?

Production will begin in 2027 for two platforms and 2028 for the third platform.

What types of transfer cases will BorgWarner (BWA) supply in the new contract?

BorgWarner will supply two types: the Electro-Mechanical On-Demand (EMOD) and Electric Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) transfer cases.

Where will BorgWarner (BWA) manufacture the new transfer cases?

The transfer cases will be manufactured at BorgWarner's Seneca, South Carolina production facility.