Warn Industries Supplying Wheel-End
Technology on New SsangYong Models
SsangYong Motor Co. is first Korean auto maker to design
patented wheel-end disconnect into drive train system
CLACKAMAS, Ore. (June 9, 2005) -
Warn Industries announced today that Korean auto manufacturer SsangYong Motor
Co. is specifying the company's patented Integrated Wheel-End (IWE) disconnect
technology on two of its newest four-wheel drive vehicles.
SsangYong's all-new Kyron SUV, unveiled yesterday, and the latest
version of the Rodius MPV, both employ the IWE technology, which improves fuel
economy and reduces noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
"We are thrilled that SsangYong is utilizing our IWE technology for its new vehicles
and that our system has entered the Asian automotive industry," said John McCalla,
general manager of Warn Industries' Powertrain Division. "IWE is opening eyes in the
international auto community. We are expanding our global presence as we continue to
innovate in wheel-end disconnect technology."
The integration of IWE on SsangYong's new models is the culmination of more
than five years of close cooperation between the two companies. SsangYong is the
first Korean auto manufacturer to specify Warn's IWE technology into the drive train design.
"IWE is the most reliable 4x4 system SsangYong Motors has ever utilized," said Boo
Ki Ahn, manager of the Vehicle Test & Development Team at SsangYong Motors. "It has
a very quiet operation during engaging and disengaging and functions perfectly. I am sure
our vehicles will be evaluated more favorably by customers because of IWE."
IWE reflects Warn Industries' extensive automotive drive train design experience
and the company's close cooperation with OEM engineers. It is an elegant, yet simple,
solution to the fuel consumption problem posed by four-wheel-drive systems. Robust
and highly engineered axle, actuation and vacuum control components-fewer than are
needed in other 4WD designs-combine to engage or disengage the wheel ends whenever
the transfer case is shifted, either automatically or manually. The result is four-wheel
drive only when needed, without the need to back up or manually lock and unlock hubs,
thus preserving fuel and maximizing driver convenience when used in 4x2 mode.
About Warn Industries
Warn Industries is the world's most recognized brand in off-road products such as
hub locks and vehicle recovery winches. Warn Industries is also a Tier 1 supplier of
powertrain products specified on leading domestic and international automobiles, SUVs
and pickup trucks. Further, Warn Industries continues to develop an international presence
in Pacific Rim countries by working with Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, and SsangYong. Warn
Industries is a Dover company (NYSE: DOV).
For media inquiries, please contact:
Gary Rubin, PR Manager
503-786-4423
pressinquiry@warn.com
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