How GKN is transforming to gain from e-powertrain shift

GKN Automotive is the UK's largest automotive supplier -- and No. 43 in the world, according to Automotive News Europe's annual ranking -- because of its leadership in driveshafts and all-wheel-drive systems. As electric cars become more prevalent, GKN wants to turn its all-wheel-drive division into a top supplier of all-in-one e-drive systems, putting it head to head with formidable rivals such as Robert Bosch, Magna International and BorgWarner. The man guiding GKN through this transition is Liam Butterworth, a Briton who has led the automotive division since 2018, joining after the company's hostile takeover by Melrose Industries. Prior to that he was CEO of Delphi Technologies. Butterworth spoke about the company's challenges amid the race to electrification with Automotive News Europe Correspondent Nick Gibbs.

You lost money in the first half of 2020, along with many other companies. What is your prognosis for 2021?
The market has experienced remarkably strong rebound, especially North America, and we see that continuing at least throughout the first half of 2021. Asia is starting to come back and our China business has been strong since they came out of COVID-19 lockdowns. This year we expect that about 83 to 85 million cars will be produced globally, up around 10 percent. We are relatively optimistic, but we don't see it coming back to 2019 levels for another three years.