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BorgWarner acquired Haldex Traction AB division of Haldex Group in February 2011, making it the Europe branch of BorgWarner TTS. 'Haldex Traction AB' was a division of the Swedish manufacturing company Haldex AB. It specializes in the development and manufacture of intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. Since invention of Gen I in 1998, the company produced several generations of products licensed to and customized for some major automotive brands, that in turn have marketed Haldex Traction AWD under different names. On 17 December 2010, BorgWarner announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire the Traction Systems division of Haldex Group. BorgWarner completed the acquisition of the Traction Systems division on 1 February 2011. Haldex Traction Systems was incorporated in BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems.
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First generation - 1998
The Haldex Coupling made its first appearance in the Audi TT, Audi S3 8L and VW Golf with an electronically controlled hydraulic-mechanical All-Wheel-Drive concept. This system attempts to engage the rear wheels when the front wheels start to slip.
Second generation - 2001
The second generation of Haldex coupling is an electronically controlled permanent 4x4 system with a Haldex differential calculating how much drive should be directed to the rear wheels. The Haldex system automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels depending on slippage, but normally sends 95% of the power to the front wheels.
Third generation - 2006
The third generation of Haldex coupling made its appearance on the newly re-designed Land Rover Freelander 2 (LR2 in the United States). With enhanced capabilities, it is aimed at providing a more immediate off-road response.
This generation of Haldex coupling is later shared with Volvo's complete lineup (Manufactured 2005-2008, depending on model) and is called "Instant Traction" in documentation by Volvo.
Fourth generation - 2007
Saab introduced a combination of Haldex Couplings on its 9-3 Turbo-X in late 2007, called XWD (Cross-Wheel Drive). This was later introduced to the rest of Saab's lineup including the 9-3, 9-3X, 9-5 and 9-4X.
Fifth generation
On 16 April 2009 Haldex announced a deal worth SEK4.5B (approx US$530M) to provide Volkswagen with a new AWD system for the company's new modular platform due in 2012. The GenV AWD coupling, now distributed by BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems, features a new design aimed at reducing vehicle complexity and simplifying integration into the drivetrain. A new electro-hydraulic clutch actuator uses a centrifugal overflow valve design aimed at accurately distributing power between the front and rear axles, and eliminating the need for an accumulator, solenoid valve and filter. It also employs an integrated electronic control unit.
Vehicles equipped with Haldex AWD
The Haldex 4WD system is currently used in the following vehicle models: