AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BorgWarner DualTronic(TM), the company's wet-clutch and control-system technology for automated transmissions, will be available on turbocharged direct-injected gasoline (TFSI) models of the all-new 2005 VW Jetta. The vehicle went on sale in the U.S. and Canada in March.

VW refers to the technology as "DSG," which stands for direct-shifting gearbox. The technology enables a conventional-looking gearbox to function as a fully automatic transmission, while delivering performance and fuel economy that rivals a manual transmission. DualTronic(TM) debuted to rave reviews on the VW Golf R32 DSG and the Audi TT 3.2 in 2003. The technology is now available on the VW Touran; both the diesel and the turbocharged direct- injected gasoline engine versions of the Audi A3 Sportback; the VW Golf GTI with the same turbocharged gas engine; the Skoda Octavia; and the Seat Altea. DualTronic(TM) will be introduced on several other VW/Audi vehicles during 2005.

"We are proud to watch the momentum building for this exciting new technology," said Mark Perlick, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems. "The innovative combination of our electrohydraulic controls know-how with our advancements in wet-friction materials and friction systems has resulted in an exhilarating and sporty driving experience, along with improved fuel efficiency and the convenience of an automatic. It is a combination that is clearly resonating with our customers and with the driving public."

DualTronic(TM) eliminates the "torque-interrupt" feeling that occurs when a manual transmission shifts gears. It offers emissions and fuel economy improvements of up to 15 percent over traditional automatics, depending on the application. BorgWarner expects the demand for this technology to grow to 20 percent of the European passenger car market by 2015.

Development of the system for VW was the result of collaboration between engineers throughout BorgWarner's network of technology centers, and centered at the BorgWarner European Advanced Transmission Development Center in Ketsch, Germany. BorgWarner was one of only two U.S. companies honored by the VW Group with its 2003 Excellence in Development Award, for DualTronic(TM).

The VW Jetta is the number-one selling European nameplate in the U.S., with more than 2.2 million units sold in the U.S. and Canada since 1980.