Geely Buys Bankrupt Australian Transmission Supplier
28 March 2009
Shanghai Daily. Geely Automobile Holdings is buying the bankrupt Australian transmission supplier Drivetrain System International (DSI), becoming the first Chinese automaker to make an overseas acquisition during the financial crisis.
DSI produces four-speed and six speed automatic transmissions for supply to Ford Motor Corp, Chrysler and South Korea’s Ssangyong Motor Corp, with an annual output of 180,000 units. DSI is also developing eight speed automatic, dual-clutch and continuously variable (CVT) transmissions.
Affected by the impact of the global financial crisis on its clients (Ssangyong went into receivership in January 2009), DSI went into receivership in February 2009, laying off 223 employees.
Geely said it plans to introduce DSI’s products to Chinese auto makers and help it find low-cost Chinese suppliers to revive the company. It would also offer financial assistance to DSI to develop new products and keep its leading position in the global market.
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