Horse Powertrain has opened its first U.S. office in Detroit, Michigan, marking a significant step in its expansion into the North American market. The company, a joint venture between Renault Group and Geely, established in May 2024, aims to cater to U.S. automaker clients, according to its Sept. 9 release.
Detroit Office to House 32 New Roles
The Detroit office will be led by Thomas Lewis, president of Horse Powertrain USA, and will create 32 new positions across various business functions. Horse Powertrain specializes in developing and producing powertrain-agnostic technology, including combustion engines, hybrid systems, transmissions, power electronics, and electric motors.
This integrated approach is designed to reduce complexity and capital costs for automakers, enabling them to respond swiftly to changing consumer demands. With existing operations in Europe, China, and South America, the company employs over 19,000 people globally.
Strategic Focus on North American Market
Horse Powertrain’s CEO, Matias Giannini, emphasized the importance of the North American market, stating, “North America is a key strategic market for our company, and one that will benefit greatly from our world-class portfolio of combustion and hybrid powertrains.” He added, “In the years ahead, we aim to establish ourselves as a major partner for North American OEMs as they continue to offer a diverse range of vehicles to consumers.”
The company’s expansion into the U.S. reflects a broader trend of global automotive suppliers seeking to strengthen their presence in North America, where the shift toward electrification and hybridization is gaining momentum. By setting up a local office, Horse Powertrain positions itself to better understand and meet the specific needs of U.S. automakers.
Related Post: Buying Instagram Followers: A Strategic Tool for a Quick Start and Strengthening Social Proof
Introducing the Horse B20 Waterproof Engine
In addition to its U.S. office opening, Horse Powertrain unveiled its first fully waterproof engine, the Horse B20. This four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine is designed for extreme off-road hybrid vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, requiring deep-water wading capabilities, as announced in its Sept. 8 release.
The B20 meets IPX8 waterproofing standards, allowing it to operate in depths of up to 3.6 feet while maintaining stable power under high-load conditions, including 100% grade climbing. It achieves this through a sealed waterproof structure equipped with torsional vibration dampers and dedicated engine-transmission sealing. When submerged, the engine’s control system automatically adjusts power and throttle response based on sensor feedback.
Weighing just 286 pounds, the B20 is compatible with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicle range extender applications. It features direct injection technology and delivers power and torque ratings of 188 hp to 248 hp and 221 lb-ft to 280 lb-ft, respectively.
Ingo Scholten, Horse Powertrain’s deputy chief technology officer, commented, “This engine is another step forward in advancing modern powertrain technology and a further example of how Horse Powertrain is pushing our industry forward.” The B20 highlights the company’s commitment to innovation, addressing the growing demand for durable and versatile powertrain solutions in the automotive sector.
