Proven in GM's global front-wheel drive 6-speed automatic transmission program, BorgWarner's VFS technology adapts easily from combustion to hybrid powertrains offering a fast-to-market solution.

BorgWarner is supplying solenoid technology for General Motors' (GM) 2016 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu hybrid, and Cadillac ELR luxury plug-in hybrid, according to a company statement. The supplier's mini direct-acting variable force solenoid (VFS) is produced at its facility in Water Valley, Mississippi, United States. The part controls line pressure from the transmission oil pump, and BorgWarner says that it delivers increased accuracy with lower leakage, which results in a reduction in parasitic losses from the pump. In the statement, BorgWarner's president and general manager for transmission systems, Robin Kendrick, said, "Proven in GM's global front-wheel drive 6-speed automatic transmission program for a range of Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles, BorgWarner's mini direct-acting VFS technology adapts easily from combustion to hybrid powertrains, making this solenoid a fast-to-market solution for automakers. Our latest hydraulic control technology demonstrates BorgWarner's drivetrain expertise in a variety of applications."
 

Significance: GM's Volt and Malibu hybrid are all-new for the 2016 model year, though the Cadillac ELR carries over for now. The ELR has not been a strong seller, and IHS expects it will be dropped eventually. By 2018, however, we forecast that total output of the products will reach nearly 70,000 units, with the Volt accounting for about 40,000 units. The new Volt offers greater range, more power, and stronger driving dynamics than the previous version, while the Malibu hybrid leverages technology deployed in the Volt. Both the 2016 Volt and Malibu models were introduced earlier this year, and are due to go on sale in the fourth quarter.

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