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Garrett Motion
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Garrett Motion Inc., formerly Honeywell Transportation Systems and Honeywell Turbo Technologies, is an American company primarily involved in engineering, development and manufacturing of turbochargers and related forced induction systems for ground vehicles from small passenger cars to large trucks and industrial equipment and construction machinery. It originated as part of Garrett AiResearch's Industrial Division in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1954, after which they entered a contract to provide 5,000 turbochargers for the Caterpillar mining vehicle. It manufactured turbochargers for railroads and commercial trucks. The business produced approximately $3.6 billion in revenue in 2021. Garrett Motion is also involved in motorsports providing turbochargers and forced induction systems, solutions and related equipment to racing teams and various forms of automobile racing and professional competitions.[3] In 2004, the business became part of American industrial conglomerate Honeywell International, Inc., as their Transportation Systems division. In 2018, it was spun off to become an independent company under the Garrett Motion name with corporate headquarters in Rolle, Switzerland.

Key Information

History

[edit]
Garrett AiResearch formed AiResearch Industrial Division after getting an order to turbocharge 5,000 Caterpillar mining vehicles like the one depicted above.

John Clifford "Cliff" Garrett founded the Aircraft Tool and Supply Company in a one-room office in Los Angeles in 1936.[4][5] In 1938, the company changed its name to Garrett Corporation, consolidating several companies into one with three divisions. The company produced aircraft turbochargers for the war effort in World War II, as well as avionics, environmental controls and other products.[5]

In the 1950s, the city of Los Angeles and other municipalities started using turbochargers in their sewage purification operations. By 1952, 20,000 turbocharged engines were in use in the US.[6] In order to explore applications of turbochargers for diesel engines, Garrett separated the turbocharger group from the gas turbine group on September 27, 1954, to form the AiResearch Industrial Division (AID).[7]

The first T-15 Turbocharger was delivered to the Caterpillar Company in 1955.[8] It was followed by an order for 5,000 production units, to be installed in the Caterpillar D9 tractor.[9][6] The industrial division produced turbochargers for construction machinery, railroad locomotives, tractors, ships, power plants and oil pipeline pumping stations.[6]

The Chevrolet Corvair Monza was one of the first turbocharged passenger vehicles. It was the sports model in the Corvair lineup.

The T11 automotive turbocharger developed in 1960 expanded turbos to commercial vehicles such as the heavy trucks produced by Mack Trucks, Volvo and Scania.[6] The first turbocharged passenger cars were the Chevrolet Corvair Monza and the Oldsmobile Jetfire in 1962/1963. In the 1960s turbochargers were used in race-cars and sports cars, gaining an association with racing culture and auto-enthusiasts.[10] Company founder Cliff Garrett's death in 1963 was followed by a hostile takeover threat by Curtiss-Wright Corporation. To avoid this, Garrett Corporation merged with Signal Oil and Gas Company in 1964.[5] The combined company adopted the name The Signal Companies in 1968[9] before merging with Allied Corporation to become Allied-Signal Inc.

The oil crisis of the 1970s made federal regulators put pressure on car manufacturers to reduce exhaust emissions. By 1977 manufacturers introduced turbocharged cars in the US and Europe like the second generation Buick Regal and LeSabre sports coupe as well as European cars by Volvo, Saab, Peugeot, Renault and Mercedes.[6] In 1978 there were only eight turbocharged car models and seven used Garrett turbochargers.[6] Garrett formed the automotive group in 1980 and by the mid-1980s there were over 100 turbocharged models.[6] Turbochargers became commonplace by the 1990s.[10]

Audi R18 TDI, with Garrett turbocharger.

In 1994, Allied-Signal acquired the Lycoming Turbine Engine Division of Textron followed by the sale of the Garrett Aviation Division to General Electric three years later. In 1999, it acquired Honeywell International Inc. and adopted Honeywell as the company name.[5] In 2011, Honeywell sold its automotive Consumer Products Group to Rank Group, a New Zealand private investment firm, for $950 million. This included brands like Fram Filters, Prestone antifreeze and Autolite spark plugs.[11]

In the 2000s Garrett's turbochargers were installed in the engines of the Chevrolet Sonic, Mercedes S 350, Volkswagen Polo, BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, Ford F-350, Volkswagen Golf and Jaguar XF among others.[12][13][14][15][16] In 2010 the company developed 15 new technologies for 100 new engines, including the world's first use of ball bearing technology in a mainstream light vehicle diesel engine.[17] Garrett has developed the world's smallest turbo for the Tata Nano[18][19] as well as for the 100-liter engine of the Caterpillar mining truck.[18][19]

On October 1, 2018, Garrett Motion Inc. became an independent publicly traded company through a pro rata distribution of Garrett shares to Honeywell's stockholders. Each Honeywell stockholder of record received one share of Garrett common stock for every 10 shares of Honeywell common stock held on the record date. Approximately 74 million shares of Garrett common stock were distributed on October 1, 2018, to Honeywell stockholders.[citation needed]

On September 21, 2020, Garrett Motion announced its intention to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and be acquired by KPS Capital Partners.[20]

In April 2021, Garrett emerged from Chapter 11, completing the restructuring process and implementing the restructuring plan that was confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York on April 23, 2021. The company raised 1.3 bln in equity during Chapter 11 restructuring.

Turbo racing

[edit]

The Garrett brand competes in numerous motorsport series and supports sports car racing, drag racing, rally racing, and open-wheel racing. Racing vehicles using a Garrett turbo include:[21]

Year Manufacturer Race OEM/aftermarket performance Notes
1968 Eagle-Offy Indianapolis 500 OEM First turbocharged car to win the Indy 500[22]
1977 Renault Formula One World Championship OEM The first turbocharged engine entered in a Formula One race
1978 Renault-Alpine 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM The Renault Alpine A442B won the race using a Garrett T05 turbocharger
1979 Saab Swedish Rally OEM The Saab 99 Turbo was the first turbocharged car to win a World Rally Championship event, equipped with T03 turbo
1987-1992 Lancia World Rally Manufacturers' Championship OEM The Lancia Delta won six World Championship in a row using Garrett T3 turbo
1988 Nissan International Motorsport Association Championship Aftermarket T04S turbocharger
1994 Toyota Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Aftermarket
2000 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R8 used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers
2004-2012 Citroën World Rally Championship OEM Sébastien Loeb won nine titles in a row driving for Citroën, equipped with Garrett TR30R and then GTR2560R
2001 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R8 used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers
2002 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R8 used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers
2003 Bentley 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Bentley Speed 8 used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers
2004 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R8 used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers
2005 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R8 used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers
2006 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R10 TDI used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers
2007 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R10 TDI used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers
2008 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R10 TDI used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers
2009 Peugeot 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Peugeot 908 HDi FAP used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers
2010 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R15 TDI LMP1 car was fitted with a custom made Honeywell variable nozzle turbocharger. This turbocharger was made specifically for the race.[23]
2011+ Various World Rally Championship OEM All factory 1.6L WRC rally cars used a Garrett Motorsport turbocharger from 2011 to 2019; Citroën, Ford / M-Sport, Hyundai, Mini / Prodrive, Toyota, Volkswagen.
2011 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R18 TDI was fitted with variable geometry Garrett turbocharger
2011 Citroën World Rally Championship OEM The Citroën DS3 WRC used a Garrett turbocharger[24][25]
2012 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R18 e-tron quattro used a single Garrett Motorsport turbocharger
2013 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R18 e-tron quattro used a single Garrett Motorsport turbocharger
2013 Peugeot Pikes Peak International Hillclimb OEM Record-setting Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak used twin Garrett TR30R Motorsport turbochargers
2014 Audi 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Audi R18 e-tron quattro used a single Garrett Motorsport turbocharger
2015 Porsche 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Porsche 919 Hybrid used a single Garrett Motorsport turbocharger
2016 – 2019 Ford 24 Hours of Le Mans / WEC, IMSA OEM Ford GT with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers, campaigned by Chip Ganassi Racing, winning LMGTE Pro class at Le Mans in 2016, and 18 other races.[26]
2016 Porsche 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Porsche 919 Hybrid used a single Garrett Motorsport turbocharger
2017 Porsche 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Porsche 919 Hybrid used a single Garrett Motorsport turbocharger
2018 Toyota 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Toyota TS050 Hybrid used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers
2019 Audi Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters OEM Garrett Advancing Motion developed a standard turbocharger kit for all DTM cars since 2019
2019 Lexus Super GT GT500 class OEM Garrett Advancing Motion developed a standard turbocharger kit for all Super GT GT500 cars since 2014
2019 Toyota 24 Hours of Le Mans OEM Toyota TS050 Hybrid used twin Garrett Motorsport turbochargers

Technologies and products

[edit]
The different types and sizes of Garrett's turbochargers.

Garrett offers gasoline-powered turbochargers called wastegate turbos. They are designed to be smaller than previous turbo generations, have higher fuel efficiency, more torque, and meet emissions standards.[27] Garrett also offers Variable-geometry turbochargers called VNT.[28] They have nine moveable vanes, an electrohydraulic actuator and a proportional solenoid for variable control throughout the engine's power curve.[10][29] This means the air passageway of the turbo varies to meet the engine's needs at different RPMs. Forty million VNT turbochargers have been sold since the 1990s.[30] VNT DutyDrive, previously called Double Axle VNT, uses 12–19 turbine nozzle vanes supported by twin axles for trucks and buses.[31]

Garrett also offers a diesel engine version of wastegate turbos and VNTs.[32] Dual-stage turbochargers use two smaller turbochargers either side-by-side (parallel) or in sequence (serial).[32] The first is used at low speeds and a valve opens up the second as engine RPMs increase. The dual-stage used in the Audi A6/A7 three liter V6 engine however runs both turbochargers at a lower pressure mode and some use one larger turbo followed by a smaller one.[33] The Dualboost has dual compressors to mimic a twin turbocharger.[34]

Patents

[edit]

Garrett Motion has patented a single-cartridge, dual ball bearing technology, which uses a single sleeve system with a set of angular ball bearings on either end. This creates a rolling rather than sliding mechanism between parts intended to reduce the amount of pressure required to achieve airflow.[29][35]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Garrett Motion Inc. is a global automotive technology company specializing in the engineering, development, and manufacturing of , electric-boosting systems, and zero-emission solutions for light , commercial , and industrial applications, with a focus on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Founded in 1954 by John Clifford Garrett as a pioneer in turbocharging technology—initially for before transitioning to automotive use with the first production turbocharger for Caterpillar's D9 —the company has over 70 years of experience in air compression turbomachines and has powered more than 130 million worldwide. Its innovations, including variable turbine (VNT) technology introduced in the 1990s to mainstream turbocharging, have earned it 24 consecutive wins at the race and partnerships with nearly every major global automaker. Today, headquartered in , , with approximately 9,000 employees across facilities in , , , and , Garrett Motion operates as a publicly traded company on the under the ticker GTX, reporting $3.5 billion in revenue for 2024 and a market capitalization of around $2 billion as of mid-2025. The company derives about 69% of its sales from passenger vehicles, with the remaining 31% from commercial vehicles, industrial applications, and the aftermarket segment; its product portfolio includes advanced and diesel turbochargers, electric turbos (E-Turbo) launched in 2022, compressors, e-powertrain systems, and e-cooling solutions to support hybrid, electric, and propulsion technologies. In 2025, Garrett achieved strong financial performance, with third-quarter net sales reaching $902 million—a 9% increase year-over-year—and received a from EcoVadis for excellence, underscoring its commitment to responsible business practices amid the transition to zero-emission mobility.

Overview

Corporate profile

Garrett Motion traces its heritage to 1936, when John Clifford "Cliff" Garrett founded the Aircraft Tool and Supply Company in , , initially focusing on components. Over the ensuing decades, the enterprise expanded into turbocharging technology, pioneering innovations that established it as a global leader, with more than 70 years of advancements in the sector by 2025. Following its 2018 spin-off from International, Garrett Motion has functioned as an independent, publicly traded entity listed on the stock exchange under the ticker symbol GTX. The company is headquartered in , , and maintains a of approximately 9,000 employees worldwide as of 2025, including around 1,400 engineers dedicated to . At its core, Garrett Motion specializes in the engineering, development, and manufacturing of turbochargers, systems, and zero-emission technologies tailored for automotive, , and broader mobility applications. In 2024, the company generated $3.5 billion in revenue, while its technologies power over 130 million vehicles globally, contributing significantly to emission reduction and energy efficiency initiatives. Garrett Motion holds a prominent market position as a differentiated leader in boosting and solutions, enabling enhanced performance and across the transportation industry.

Global operations

Garrett Motion maintains dual headquarters to support its international operations: the primary corporate headquarters is located in , , overseeing global strategy and EMEA activities, while the secondary headquarters in , USA, focuses on North American operations and customer engagement. The company operates 13 manufacturing facilities worldwide, strategically positioned to serve automotive OEMs efficiently. Key sites include advanced plants in and , , for turbocharger production and assembly; facilities in the for component manufacturing; and assembly and testing operations in to support the market. Additional manufacturing presence spans the , , and the , enabling localized production and reduced lead times. Garrett Motion supports innovation through over six dedicated R&D centers and additional hubs globally, with a strong emphasis on expansion to address demands. Notable facilities include the R&D center, focused on testing and zero-emission technologies, and the newly inaugurated Innovation Center in 2025, which prioritizes high-speed e-powertrain systems within its integrated plant setup. These centers, combined with sites in and , facilitate collaborative development with regional partners. The company's workforce comprises approximately 9,000 employees distributed across more than 20 countries as of , with major concentrations in , , and to align with its operational footprint and customer base. This global team includes around 1,400 highly skilled engineers dedicated to R&D and engineering support. Garrett Motion employs a vertically integrated for core components such as wheels, leveraging its expertise to ensure and efficiency. The company maintains strategic partnerships with OEMs, including a recent with for electric boosting systems in two-wheelers, emphasizing just-in-time delivery models. Following disruptions in 2020, Garrett has prioritized through digital planning transformations and localized sourcing strategies.

History

Founding and early development

John Clifford "Cliff" Garrett founded the Aircraft Tool and Supply Company on May 21, 1936, in a one-room office in , , initially focusing on supplying and manufacturing aviation components for the burgeoning industry. The company quickly evolved, renaming to Garrett Supply Company in early 1937 before incorporating as the Garrett Corporation on August 18, 1938, which consolidated operations into divisions including AiResearch Manufacturing Company dedicated to . Early innovations under AiResearch included the development of aluminum intercoolers in the late 1930s, designed to cool supercharged air for radial engines, enhancing high-altitude performance in military and commercial . During , the company expanded significantly to support wartime aviation needs, establishing facilities in , in 1941 at the government's request to produce critical components like cabin air compressors and pressurization systems. This period solidified the company's expertise in and thermal management, primarily serving and defense sectors through products such as oil coolers and early auxiliary power units. Following the war, in the late , Garrett shifted toward commercial applications, developing environmental control systems for civilian , including advanced air conditioning and pressurization technologies that enabled safer high-altitude passenger flights. The company experienced rapid postwar growth, employing approximately 1,900 people by , reflecting its expanding role in systems engineering. This foundational focus on innovations laid the groundwork for later advancements in technologies.

Evolution of turbo technology

Garrett's entry into turbocharger production began in 1954 with the T15 model, which was paired with Caterpillar's D9 crawler engine, representing the first commercial application of the technology in heavy-duty diesel vehicles and establishing a foundation for industrial use. This debut demonstrated early potential for boosting power and efficiency in demanding off-road environments, leading to an initial order of 5,000 units for Caterpillar's operations. During the 1960s and 1970s, Garrett expanded turbo technology into automotive applications, starting with the 1962 , the first production passenger car equipped with a Garrett T05 integrated into its 3.7-liter , which delivered 215 horsepower through fluid injection to manage . This innovation coincided with the oil crises of 1973 and 1979, which spurred automakers to adopt turbocharging for gains by enabling engine downsizing without sacrificing performance; by the mid-1970s, Garrett's turbos were standard in most commercial diesel trucks, and the company supplied the T04 model to for tractor engines in 1967, enhancing agricultural machinery output. Adoption accelerated in mass-market vehicles, including 1980s models from and Ford, where Garrett turbos improved diesel efficiency amid regulatory pressures for lower emissions and better mileage. A pivotal advancement came in 1988 with the introduction of variable geometry turbo (VNT) technology for Diesel, allowing adjustable vanes to optimize exhaust flow across engine speeds and reduce turbo lag in heavy-duty applications. This culminated in 1989 with the first volume production of VNT turbos on 's 12.6-liter engine for heavy-duty trucks, revolutionizing diesel performance by improving and fuel economy. In the , VNT expanded to passenger vehicles, such as the 1991 and the 1995 Volkswagen-Audi 1.9-liter diesel at the Motor Show, which set benchmarks for responsive powertrains in compact cars. By the early , Garrett had produced millions of turbo units annually, with the 2002 electrification patent enabling integration of electric assist for hybrid vehicles, foreshadowing further efficiency improvements while traditional mechanical turbos dominated pre-spin-off production.

Corporate restructuring and spin-off

In 1964, the Garrett Corporation merged with Signal Oil & Gas Company, forming a combined entity that was renamed The Signal Companies in 1968. This merger integrated Garrett's and expertise with Signal's diversified operations, positioning the and related technologies division within a broader industrial conglomerate. The company underwent further consolidation in the 1980s when The Signal Companies merged with in 1985, creating Inc. in a transaction valued at approximately $5 billion. 's formation emphasized , automotive, and engineered materials, with Garrett's turbo technologies operating as a key subsidiary focused on engines and automotive components. In 1999, acquired Inc. for $14.8 billion and adopted the Honeywell name, reorganizing the turbo division as Honeywell Turbo Technologies (later Honeywell Transportation Systems). Under Honeywell, the division solidified its leadership in automotive turbocharging, generating $3.375 billion in net sales for the full year 2018 while serving major global automakers. On October 1, 2018, Honeywell completed the spin-off of its Transportation Systems business, distributing approximately 74 million shares of Garrett Motion Inc. pro rata to Honeywell shareholders on a one-for-every-ten-shares basis. Incorporated in with headquarters in , , the newly independent Garrett Motion focused exclusively on turbocharging and electrification solutions for transportation. Facing challenges from the and substantial legacy liabilities inherited from —estimated at over $1 billion—Garrett Motion filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 20, 2020. The restructuring addressed these issues through a consensual plan supported by creditors and a majority shareholder group, terminating the indemnity agreement with and refinancing debt. On April 30, 2021, Garrett emerged from Chapter 11 debt-free, backed by approximately $1.3 billion in new Series A preferred equity investment and a $1.25 billion facility, enabling renewed focus on growth and .

Technologies and products

Turbocharging systems

Garrett Motion's turbocharging systems utilize exhaust gas energy to drive a that compresses air, enhancing power output and efficiency in internal engines. These systems consist of several core components designed for durability and precision performance. The housing directs exhaust gases onto the turbine wheel, converting into rotational force. The wheel, typically made from lightweight aluminum, draws in and compresses ambient air to increase its density for better . The center housing rotating assembly (CHRA) integrates the turbine wheel, wheel, shaft, and bearings, providing a sealed cartridge that supports high-speed up to 200,000 RPM while managing and cooling. Wastegates, often integrated into the housing, bypass excess exhaust to regulate boost and prevent over-speeding, while actuators—pneumatic or electronic—control the wastegate valve for precise boost management. Garrett offers various types tailored to engine demands. Fixed geometry turbos, with their simple, unchanging inlet design, suit basic applications where cost and reliability are prioritized over . Variable nozzle (VNT) designs, primarily for diesel engines, feature adjustable vanes in the housing that optimize exhaust flow for improved low-end and quicker spool-up across the RPM range. Twin-scroll configurations separate exhaust pulses from paired cylinders, recovering energy more effectively to reduce lag and enhance mid-range performance, commonly applied in engines. These turbocharging systems find applications across diverse vehicle segments. In passenger cars, they integrate with (GDI) engines to deliver responsive acceleration and downsized powertrains. For commercial vehicles, heavy-duty diesel variants provide robust boosting for trucks and buses, ensuring for and under load. Aftermarket upgrades, such as the G-Series line, allow enthusiasts to enhance stock engines with bolt-on kits for performance tuning. Performance-wise, Garrett turbos support substantial power levels, with models like the G30-900 capable of sustaining over 500 horsepower per unit in suitable engine setups. Through advanced boost control via wastegates and actuators, these systems achieve efficiency gains, contributing to 15-20% improvements in fuel economy compared to non-turbocharged equivalents by optimizing air-fuel ratios and reducing pumping losses. Manufacturing emphasizes high-precision processes to ensure reliability. Turbine wheels undergo with heat-resistant alloys like , followed by machining for aerodynamic precision, enabling operation at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. As of 2024, Garrett turbochargers power over 130 million vehicles worldwide, reflecting their widespread adoption in automotive fleets. Electrified variants build on these mechanical foundations for hybrid applications.

Electrification and zero-emission technologies

Garrett Motion has expanded its portfolio beyond traditional turbocharging into technologies, focusing on hybrid and zero-emission to support the automotive industry's transition to sustainable mobility. The company's efforts emphasize electric-assisted boosting and components that enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and enable seamless integration in battery electric vehicles (BEVs), electric vehicles (FCEVs), and hybrids. A cornerstone of Garrett's electrification strategy is the E-Turbo, a 48V electric-assisted turbocharger that integrates an ultra-high-speed electric motor directly into the turbocharger shaft. This design provides instantaneous boost during low-speed operation, eliminating traditional turbo lag by allowing the compressor to spin independently of exhaust gas flow, thereby improving transient response in mild hybrid vehicles. Applicable to both light-duty and commercial vehicles across various fuels, the E-Turbo enables advanced combustion strategies like Miller-cycle engines, contributing to fuel economy gains and CO2 reductions of 5-10% in hybrid powertrains. Launched commercially in the early 2020s, this technology builds on Garrett's foundational work in electrified boosting. Complementing the E-Turbo, Garrett's E-Boosters—manifested as standalone electric compressors (E-Compressors)—deliver high-speed air compression without reliance on exhaust, ideal for hybrid and electric applications. Operating at up to 160,000 RPM with industry-leading power density, these 48V units enhance cold-start performance, extend EV range through efficient air supply for range extenders, and support transient in hybrids by providing rapid boost on demand. Their oil-free, compact design minimizes packaging constraints and enables integration in space-limited vehicles, further optimizing energy efficiency during low--load scenarios. In the realm of zero-emission technologies, Garrett's E-Powertrain components include high-speed electric motors reaching 35,000 RPM, paired with high-frequency inverters and gear reducers, forming integrated 3-in-1 e-axles for BEV propulsion. These systems support 400V to 900V architectures, including 800V setups for faster charging and higher efficiency, and are adaptable for FCEV integration by powering auxiliary systems alongside hydrogen fuel cell stacks. For instance, Garrett's two-stage electric compressors for fuel cells provide durable, high-efficiency air supply to enhance stack performance and vehicle range in FCEVs. The company has secured production awards for these traction motors and inverters, targeting electric trucks and passenger vehicles. Garrett's pivot to these technologies traces back to its first turbocharger electrification patent in 2002, which facilitated early hybrid turbo adoption. In the 2020s, the focus intensified on BEV and FCEV solutions, exemplified by the 2021 E-Turbo launch and collaborations such as the 2025 partnership with for electric boosting in two-wheelers, which optimizes performance and efficiency through integrated E-Compressor technology. Additional alliances, like the e-axle co-development with HanDe for electric trucks starting in 2027, underscore Garrett's role in scaling zero-emission drivetrains. These innovations yield tangible environmental benefits, with E-Turbo and E-Compressor systems enabling 5-10% CO2 reductions in hybrids via downsized engines and improved thermal efficiency. In EVs, the E-Cooling Compressor manages thermal loads for batteries and power electronics during fast charging, maintaining optimal temperatures to extend range and support high-power demands without compromising safety or efficiency. Overall, Garrett's electrification portfolio addresses key challenges in sustainable mobility, from lag elimination in hybrids to robust thermal management in zero-emission vehicles.

Other components and systems

Garrett Motion produces a range of ancillary parts essential for , including blow-off valves (BOVs) that vent excess to prevent and maintain performance. These BOVs, such as the GVB series, are preset to 10 base with configurable boost rates from 3 to 13 , ensuring compatibility across various setups. Intercoolers from Garrett enhance air post-compression by reducing temperatures, improving in high-boost applications. Variable geometry actuators, available in models like the Club Line GBC22-350, enable precise vane adjustment for optimal exhaust flow, supporting pressures from 0.5 to 1.5 bar. In connected vehicle technologies, Garrett's Boost Adviser is an online tool that matches turbochargers to engines by inputting parameters such as horsepower goals, displacement, and configuration, simplifying selection for OEMs and tuners. For , Garrett offers diagnostic software like the (EWS), which uses AI algorithms to detect faults in connected vehicle systems, including turbo and boosting components, enabling proactive servicing in fleets and applications. Garrett Motion holds numerous recent patents advancing component efficiency, including a 2024 design for a with optimized hub profiles featuring local minimum and maximum radii to enhance aerodynamic performance and reduce losses. Another key patent from 2024 covers a multi-stage charging device with a one-piece fixed to a shaft, improving compactness and reliability in sequential boosting setups. For fluid compression in electric vehicles, Garrett develops air and pumps tailored for thermal management, such as the E-Cooling compressor, which circulates to regulate battery and temperatures, boosting overall vehicle efficiency. These systems incorporate high-speed electric motors capable of operating beyond 100,000 RPM, delivering compact, oil-free compression for EV cooling demands. Garrett's aftermarket solutions include the G-Series and GTX-Series turbochargers, designed for in and street applications, covering engine displacements from 1.4L to 12.0L and supporting power outputs from 140 hp to over 2,000 hp. The G-Series, exemplified by the G57-2000 model with an 88mm inducer, provides modular upgrades for high-horsepower builds, while the GTX-Series emphasizes ball-bearing durability for quick spool and sustained boost in tuned engines.

Involvement in motorsports

Historical contributions

Garrett's involvement in motorsports began in the mid-20th century, leveraging its aviation-derived technology to pioneer applications in high-performance racing. Originating from AiResearch's expertise in aircraft engines, the company adapted turbocharging for automotive use during the 1950s and 1960s, marking the transition from industrial applications like the 1954 tractor to competitive racing. This era saw initial experiments in and land speed events, where turbo systems provided significant power boosts, though formal records were more prominently established in open-wheel competition. By the 1960s, Garrett turbochargers were integrated into setups, enhancing acceleration in hot rods and early NHRA events, and contributing to speed trials at dry lakes that foreshadowed broader adoption. A pivotal milestone came in 1966 when Garrett TE06 turbochargers powered the first turbocharged spark-ignition engines to qualify for the , with three 2.75-liter four-cylinder units making the starting grid. This application of aviation-honed technology to racing demonstrated turbocharging's potential for high-revving engines, achieving qualifying speeds over 158 mph despite the era's naturally aspirated dominance. In 1968, secured the first Indy 500 victory with a Garrett-boosted , averaging 152.882 mph and validating turbo efficiency in endurance oval racing; this win, along with six USAC National Championships between 1968 and 1978, highlighted turbochargers' role in boosting power-to-weight ratios while managing fuel consumption. These early successes, rooted in turbo innovations, accelerated the shift from superchargers to in American open-wheel racing. The 1970s marked Garrett's expansion into global circuits, beginning with Formula 1 in 1977 when the became the first turbocharged 1.5-liter car to race, powered by a Garrett unit that ushered in the turbo era and enabled smaller engines to rival larger naturally aspirated rivals. This F1 breakthrough, producing over 500 hp from a compact displacement, influenced efficiency-focused adoptions elsewhere, including where turbo prototypes explored power gains amid rising fuel costs, though full integration came later. Simultaneously, Garrett turbochargers debuted in with the 1979 Saab 99's victory at the Swedish Rally using a T03 unit, and achieved a landmark at the 1978 where the Alpine A442B, boosted by a Garrett T05, won outright with drivers and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud completing 392 laps at an average speed exceeding 124 mph. These achievements underscored turbocharging's versatility across disciplines, from sprint races to endurance events. The turbo era solidified Garrett's dominance in and prototypes, particularly during the high-stakes period from 1982 to 1986, where Garrett-boosted cars secured 25 wins out of 61 WRC events. Key successes included the 1981 R5 Turbo's triumph with a T3 , and the T16's back-to-back Manufacturers' and Drivers' Championships in 1985 () and 1986 (), leveraging Garrett technology for rapid spool-up and over 400 hp from 1.8-liter engines. In endurance , Garrett continued Le Mans prowess with turbocharged prototypes, while early variable nozzle turbine (VNT) concepts emerged in development by the late , building on fixed-geometry successes to reduce lag in high-performance applications. A notable off-road highlight was the 1988 Paris-Dakar Rally, where Peugeot's 405 T16 entries, equipped with Garrett delivering up to 22 psi boost, competed fiercely alongside the dominant 205 T16 models, contributing to the team's stage wins and overall campaign that reinforced turbo reliability in extreme conditions. Over 65 years of heritage by 2025, Garrett's racing contributions—from aviation roots to turbo dominance in , F1, , and —accelerated mainstream adoption by proving forced induction's benefits in power, efficiency, and durability under race conditions. These validations, spanning the 1950s experiments to 1980s peaks, influenced OEM integrations and established turbocharging as a cornerstone of modern .

Current racing programs

Garrett Motion continues to supply custom-engineered, hand-built turbochargers for original equipment (OE) motorsport programs, focusing on high-performance applications in endurance racing series such as the (WEC). In 2025, the company powered winning Hypercar prototypes at the for the 26th consecutive year, providing turbocharging systems to multiple leading manufacturers that endured extreme conditions equivalent to multiple full races while delivering optimized boost for hybrid powertrains. The company's performance racing lineup includes the G-XRace series of turbochargers, designed specifically for high-horsepower demands in and drifting competitions. These units, such as the GXR45 model, support engines producing up to 2,900 horsepower in displacements from 3.0L to 12.0L, with features like XBoost technology for enhanced pressure ratios and class-specific inducer sizes compliant with NHRA regulations. NHRA driver Bruno Massel utilized a GXR45 in his four-cylinder dragster during the 2025 season, highlighting the series' role in achieving competitive edge in . In drifting, Garrett maintains active involvement through event sponsorships and technical support, including displays of G-Series and GTX turbochargers at rounds like the 2025 Orlando event, where drivers qualified using VQ38DETT setups. Recent partnerships emphasize Garrett's expansion into time attack and European drifting series. As the official turbo sponsor for the 2025 Global Time Attack (GTA) season, Garrett provides technical expertise and product integration for competitors seeking over 1,000 horsepower from GTX and GTW Series turbos in modified sports cars. Additionally, the company served as a presenting sponsor for the 2025 RoDrift Championship, supporting Round 4 at Bucharest's National Arena with demonstrations of turbo technology tailored for high-boost drift applications. Garrett leverages platforms to advance technologies, showcasing E-Turbo systems at the 2025 Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) Commercial and Technical Symposium for integration into hybrid and electric prototypes. These electrically assisted turbos, derived from 1-derived high-speed electric motors, enable instant boost response and efficiency gains in zero-emission environments. To aid racers in optimizing setups, Garrett's Boost Adviser tool performs turbo matching based on parameters and horsepower goals, generating maps and recommendations used by enthusiasts in drag, drift, and events.

Corporate information

Leadership and governance

Olivier Rabiller has served as President and of Garrett Motion since the company's spin-off from International Inc. in October 2018. Prior to joining Garrett Motion, Rabiller held senior leadership roles at , including President and of the Transportation Systems division from July 2016 to October 2018, and President of 's Turbo business from July 2014 to July 2016; his earlier career included positions at in the automotive sector. The executive team includes Sean Deason as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since June 2020, who previously served as CFO of WABCO Holdings Inc. Craig Balis serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, overseeing global engineering and technology development with prior experience at Honeywell Transportation Systems. In September 2023, Nils Martens joined as Senior Vice President of Strategy, Business Development, and Advanced Technologies, focusing on electric powertrain initiatives and innovation in electrification. Jerome Maironi, formerly Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, transitioned to Special Advisor for Government Relations in October 2025 following his announced retirement effective March 2026. As of November 2025, Garrett Motion's comprises eight members, including a majority of with expertise in , , and automotive industries. The board is chaired by Daniel A. Ninivaggi, an , and includes Olivier Rabiller as a director; other members bring backgrounds in , , and to support strategic oversight in clean mobility technologies. Garrett Motion is incorporated in the State of and listed on the Global Select Market under the GTX, adhering to U.S. securities regulations and standards. The company's governance structure includes standing committees such as the Nominating and Governance Committee, which oversees environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters; in 2022, committee charters were updated to enhance board-level risk oversight for ESG issues, including ethical practices and integration. A key governance milestone occurred in April 2021, when Garrett Motion emerged from Chapter 11 restructuring proceedings, completing a consensual plan that reduced debt and provided new capital, enabling a refocused board to guide long-term strategic growth in turbocharging and technologies.

Financial performance

Following its spin-off from in October 2018, Garrett Motion generated net sales of $3.25 billion in its inaugural full year as a standalone . The global led to a decline to $3.0 billion in 2020, reflecting reduced automotive production and disruptions. By 2024, the company had recovered to achieve net sales of $3.5 billion, supported by rebounding demand in and segments. In 2024, Garrett Motion reported of $282 million and an adjusted EBITDA of $598 million, representing an EBITDA margin of 17.2%. The company's shares (NYSE: GTX) traded at $17.55 as of November 7, 2025. Key growth drivers included a 15% year-over-year increase in sales related to technologies, such as electric boosters and e-turbos, amid rising adoption in hybrid and electric vehicles. The aftermarket segment contributed approximately 13% of total revenue, providing stable recurring income through replacement parts and services. Garrett Motion faced significant challenges in 2020 when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid high debt levels from the spin-off and impacts, listing $4.2 billion in liabilities against $2.1 billion in assets. The was resolved in April 2021, reducing long-term debt by approximately $2.3 billion through conversions to equity and new financing arrangements, which strengthened the balance sheet and extended maturities. Looking ahead, the company projects 2025 net sales of $3.5 billion to $3.6 billion, implying 0% to 3% growth at constant currency, as it navigates the transition to electric vehicles while maintaining core turbo business stability. Since going public in 2018, Garrett Motion has focused on shareholder returns, initiating quarterly cash dividends in late 2024, with the quarterly dividend increased to $0.08 per share in 2025.

Sustainability and innovation

Garrett Motion's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework emphasizes integrating into its core operations and . In 2025, the company received a rating from EcoVadis, ranking it among the top 3% of companies in its industry sector for performance. This recognition highlights Garrett's progress in areas such as environmental management and ethical practices. The company has committed to science-based aligned with the , aiming for a 46.2% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 (GHG) emissions by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. As of 2024, Garrett achieved a 31.3% overall reduction in these emissions since 2019, with a 7.9% year-over-year decrease in 2024. To drive innovation in sustainable technologies, Garrett invests significantly in , allocating $187 million to R&D in 2024. This funding supports advancements in energy-efficient and low-emission solutions. In June 2025, Garrett inaugurated its second innovation center in , , focused on zero-emission technologies, including compressors for applications and high-speed electric systems. These efforts build on the company's portfolio, such as the E-Turbo for hybrid vehicles, which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 15% in engines through improved and reduced engine backpressure. Garrett promotes sustainable sourcing through its Supplier , which outlines expectations for , environmental responsibility, and ethical practices among suppliers. Implemented alongside a Policy in 2023, this code ensures alignment with global standards for responsible . The company also advances a zero-emission product portfolio, targeting technologies that enable compliance with evolving emissions regulations while enhancing . In terms of awards and reporting, Garrett earned a B score from CDP for in 2024, reflecting its disclosure and performance on GHG management. Additionally, it received an A- rating from CDP for supplier engagement on , placing it in the top tier globally. The company's annual reports detail these achievements; for instance, the 2024 report underscores ongoing and progress toward long-term targets. Garrett contributes to the through programs, which restore used components to original equipment specifications, reducing waste and resource consumption. These initiatives support broader goals by extending product lifecycles and minimizing environmental impact across the automotive sector.

References

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