GKN

GKN Automotive is a German developer and manufacturer of driveline components, founded in 1759. It specializes in the production of constant velocity joints (CV joints), drive shafts, and all-wheel drive systems. The company is an original equipment supplier for most global automotive manufacturers. As of 2026, the brand is part of the Dowlais Group. Products are focused on torque transmission for passenger and commercial vehicles.

Country

United Kingdom

Brand History

1. 1759: Founding of the company as the metallurgical enterprise Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds. 2. 1900s: Beginning of specialization in automotive industry components. 3. 1960s: Mass implementation of CV joint technologies for front-wheel drive vehicles. 4. 2023: Spin-off of the automotive division into the independent Dowlais Group.

Key OEM Customers

Volkswagen Group, BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, Volvo, Jaguar Land Rover.

Type

Manufacturer/OEM Supplier

Ecology

The company implements technologies for driveline electrification that reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Solutions for energy recovery systems and lightweight shaft designs are under development.

Brand Authentication

The 'Trust the Original' protection system is used, allowing verification of a unique code on the packaging via the official portal. CV joint housings feature laser marking with the part number and production date. The batch code consists of 10 characters, where the first two digits indicate the year of manufacture.

Certificates

IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 9001