BorgWarner Secures Transfer Case Supply Deal for Chinese OEM's New Full-Size SUV
BorgWarner has won a contract to supply its torque-on-demand transfer case with mechanical lock for a new full-size SUV from a Chinese automaker, with production starting in Q4 2026.
- Q4 2026
- 20 years
What Happened
BorgWarner has secured a new award to supply its torque-on-demand transfer case with mechanical lock (Mlock TOD) for a newly developed, full-size SUV from a Chinese OEM. Start of production is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. The full-size SUV market is growing, and vehicles increasingly need to handle diverse driving conditions. Unlike traditional part-time four-wheel drive systems that require manual mode selection, the Mlock TOD offers intelligent torque distribution and greater convenience, helping the SUV perform both on-road and off-road.
“We have built a 20-year relationship with this customer and we’re proud to continue supplying our AWD technology for their newest SUV. The Mlock TOD featured in this program combines torque-on-demand four-wheel drive with mechanical lock modes, helping address a wide range of driving conditions while enhancing off-road capability, handling and safety. As a leader in four-wheel drive technology, Bo”
- Requires driver to actively select different drive modes, limiting ease of operation and adaptability.
- Enables intelligent torque distribution with torque-on-demand and mechanical lock modes, improving on-road efficiency an
BorgWarner’s Mlock TOD is based on a proven and reliable product design. By supporting the coordinated use of torque-on-demand four-wheel drive and mechanical lock modes, the solution helps improve overall vehicle performance while providing customers with flexible and efficient four-wheel drive solutions for different vehicle platforms. With long-standing expertise in four-wheel drive systems, local engineering and manufacturing capabilities, and a deep understanding of market trends and customer needs, BorgWarner will continue to deliver drivetrain solutions that offer performance, efficiency and reliability.
Previously from BorgWarner Inc.
BorgWarner recently expanded its drivetrain business in Asia with a contract to supply a dual-clutch transmission for a Chinese motorcycle (announced July 24, 2026) and two conquest awards in Asia for combustion and hybrid powertrain programs (announced May 6, 2026). The new transfer case award for a full-size SUV builds on this momentum.
- BorgWarner Wins Motorcycle Dual-Clutch Transmission Program in China
- BorgWarner Wins Two Conquest Awards in Asia for Combustion and Hybrid Powertrain Programs
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of BorgWarner Inc.'s official releases.
Why this matters
This contract extends BorgWarner's two-decade relationship with the Chinese customer and strengthens its position in the growing full-size SUV segment. The Mlock TOD technology balances on-road efficiency with off-road capability, which could make the new SUV more appealing to buyers seeking versatile driving performance. The award also highlights BorgWarner's local engineering and manufacturing capabilities in China.
Terms in This Story
- Torque-on-demand
- A four-wheel drive system that automatically distributes torque to the wheels with the most grip as needed, rather than being always engaged.
- Transfer case
- A gearbox that transfers power from the transmission to the front and rear axles in four-wheel drive vehicles.
- Mechanical lock
- A mode that physically locks the front and rear axles together for maximum traction in off-road conditions.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.