BorgWarner has secured an order to supply its torque-on-demand (TOD) transfer case with mechanical lock (Mlock) from an undisclosed Chinese OEM.
The system, known as Mlock TOD, will feature on a newly developed full-size SUV, the US-headquartered automotive supplier said.
Mlock TOD pairs torque-on-demand functionality with a mechanical locking mechanism, a combination intended to serve both on-road driving and off-road terrain.
According to BorgWarner, “demand in the full-size SUV market continues to grow for vehicles capable of handling diverse driving conditions”.
The company noted that conventional part-time four-wheel-drive systems generally rely on manual mode selection by the driver, a setup that can limit ease of use and flexibility depending on the scenario at hand.
The company described the underlying system as built on a “proven and reliable product design”, and said it allows TOD four-wheel-drive and Mlock functions to work in tandem, aimed at enhancing vehicle performance across multiple platforms.
This latest order adds to BorgWarner's transfer case operations in China, with production for the programme set to begin in late 2026.
BorgWarner vice president Henk Vanthournout said: “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, BorgWarner will continue to leverage its proven product portfolio and technical expertise to deliver greater value to customers.”
The company had earlier secured a separate contract in March for an electric cross differential (eXD) system with another Chinese OEM.
That eXD system was built for a 48V setup and integrates with the customer's existing 48V electrical and electronic architecture.
Outside of China, BorgWarner also announced in May that it had won a contract from an unnamed major European commercial vehicle manufacturer to supply a variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbocharger along with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler.
That agreement applies to a Euro 7-compliant six-cylinder heavy-duty diesel engine platform, with production scheduled to commence at the end of 2028.
