AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The winning vehicles of the 2006 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards are powered by drivetrain and engine components supplied by leading global powertrain supplier, BorgWarner Inc.

The Honda Ridgeline, the mid-size front-wheel drive-based pickup which Honda developed to compete in the pickup segment in the U.S., uses BorgWarner's electronically controlled all-wheel drive InterActive Torque Management II (ITM II)(TM) system, as well as a number of components for the vehicle's transmission and the clutchpack assemblies for the ITM(TM) system. BorgWarner supplies engine timing products for the Honda Civic's 2.0L engine, as well as the torque converter one-way clutch.

The awards were announced Sunday during the opening press preview day of the North American International Auto Show. The two Honda vehicles also won 2006 Car and Truck of the Year honors from Motor Trend magazine late last year.

"We are proud to contribute our leading powertrain technology and the benefits of fuel efficiency, stability and performance to these award-winning vehicles," said Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO. "Congratulations to Honda for this prestigious industry recognition."

The ITM(TM) system is part of BorgWarner's growing iTrac(TM) torque management systems portfolio, a full-line of active torque management devices focused on the needs of the expanding front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive market. The system offers consumers better handling and fuel economy, improved security, and more flexibility than passive, mechanical all-wheel drive systems. Its patented technology electronically senses when a vehicle's front wheels slip and instantaneously transfers power to the rear wheels. The system individually controls the rear wheels to offer side-to-side or single- wheel torque management.

The BorgWarner engine timing products for the Civic include the cam drive chain, balance shaft drive chain and sprocket, tensioner and guide. There is a trend among global automakers toward timing chain systems over belts, for benefits including enhanced fuel efficiency, durability and performance and reductions in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 61 locations in 17 countries. Customers include Ford, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, VW/Audi, Toyota, Hyundai/Kia, Renault/Nissan, Honda, Caterpillar, Navistar International, Peugeot, and BMW. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com/ .