Partnering in China
In China, GKN Automotive operates under SDS, a joint venture with local partner HUAYU Automotive Systems Co. Ltd (HASCO). SDS is the region’s market leader in sideshafts and propshafts, the technology leader in ePowertrain products and a trusted partner to 80% of OEMs in China.
Capturing growth in China
SDS’ continued progress is supported by GKN Automotive’s world-leading Driveline and ePowertrain technology portfolios. GKN Automotive’s global network and reputation for quality, reliability and collaboration makes it a partner of choice for Chinese OEMs as they continue to rapidly expand globally.
Together, SDS and GKN Automotive are able to offer competitive, cutting-edge technologies tailored specifically to meet the requirements of Chinese OEMs.
As a result of SDS’ customer-centric approach, it was recognised by its customers with several accolades, including Excellent Supplier, Excellent Quality Performance and Lean Development awards.
Partnership
SDS has had a presence in China since 1988, and with an established footprint of 10 manufacturing facilities and one R&D centre in the region, this means GKN Automotive is well-positioned to serve the Chinese automotive market as it continues to expand globally.
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80 %
Our joint venture, SDS, is a trusted partner for 80% of OEMs in China.
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# 1
Supplier of sideshafts and propshafts in the region.
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10
Strategically located production sites in China.
“GKN Automotive was among the first British companies to enter the Chinese market, with Shanghai selected as its base for growth. Over the years, we have expanded in tandem with China’s rapid economic development.”
Charlie Qiu - President, GKN Automotive China
Supporting global expansion
Today, as more Chinese OEMs enter overseas markets, the global competitiveness and recognition of Chinese brands is rising quickly. As a result, requirements for localisation in overseas markets is also increasing. Our strong global presence and deep industry knowledge background, combined with SDS' extensive experience in working with Chinese OEMs, provides strong technical support and localised supply chain for Chinese OEMs.
Outside of China, we have further expanded our commercial team, hosting key Chinese customer visits across GKN Automotive's global footprint, showcasing the breadth of our operations, quality of delivery, and agile and responsive ways of working.
Heritage in China
1988
GKN Automotive became the first Tier 1 automotive supplier to form a joint venture in China. The partnership with Shanghai GKN HUAYU Driveline Systems, known as ‘SDS’, supports Chinese and established OEMs with production in the region to meet growing domestic demand.
1989
The first component GKN Automotive introduces to China is our UF-VL shaft with flange connection for the Volkswagen Santana. The fixed ball joint provides outstanding articulation angle, increasing the steering geometry and facilitating a smaller turning circle for the vehicle.
1993
We began mass production at our new 1600-tonne hot forging line in Shanghai, enabling higher production precision and reducing costs. Since this point, production has increased, delivering world-class products for customers across China.
2001
GKN Automotive established our SDS Engineering Centre in Shanghai, leading R&D and engineering for the region, including ePowertrain development. More than 250 skilled colleagues deliver world-class innovation to the highest global standards for a range of customers in the region.
2006
GKN Automotive began production of torque management technologies and all-wheel drive systems in China for the first time. The all-wheel drive system improves fuel efficiency while retaining the vehicle’s traction, dynamics and off-road performance by intelligently disconnecting the driveline system when driving on highways, becoming front-wheel drive until greater traction is required.
2011
GKN Automotive introduced our first premium propshaft solution from SDS to the region. The high-quality, robust propshaft transfers torque to the rear axle for AWD models precisely and quietly, important as vehicles become more powerful and heavier.
2015
SDS became the first Tier 1 automotive supplier to design, develop and manufacture a complete all-wheel drive system in China, allowing a new raft of SUVs to offer greater ability off-road and safety in poor driving conditions.
2017
GKN Automotive launched our SX-8 constant velocity joint in the Chinese market, featuring on a number of vehicles from established and local OEMs. The SX-8 delivers high efficiency, compact packaging and superior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), suitable for high-powered front-wheel drive vehicles that require smoother driveability.
2018
SDS upgraded its Shanghai R&D centre to support customers with the local application of our technologies. The first SDS eDrive product was produced.
2019
GKN Automotive introduced our coaxial eAxle to China, setting new standards in sophistication for EVs in the region. The eAxle was first launched across Volvo’s plug-in hybrid range, picking up an Automotive News PACE Innovation Award in 2016.
2021
SDS opened its Wuhan Technical Centre, providing an on-the-ground engineering base located near to customers’ manufacturing facilities. The small and agile team delivers world-class customer support to a wide range of customers across both AWD and eDrive products.
2024
GKN Automotive expanded our market-leading sideshaft portfolio, bringing multiple new SDS products to the region. Our solutions cover everything from larger articulation angles to address packaging changes, increased stiffness for better oscillation control and higher efficiency that translates into battery cost saving, enabling a greater range for OEMs offering electric vehicles.
2025
More than 35 years of history in China has allowed GKN Automotive/SDS to become the number one supplier of sideshafts and propshafts in the region, partnering with 80% of Chinese OEMs.