[3] GKN Automotive became the world's largest producer of constant-velocity joints (CVJs), which it began manufacturing in the 1960s for early front-wheel drive cars.

[2] GKN, originally known as Guest, Keen & Nettlefolds, first began in 1759 with the establishment of Dowlais Ironworks by Thomas Lewis and Isaac Wilkinson.

In the early 19th century, the company was actively involved in the railway boom through its production of iron.

[citation needed] In 1966, after being advised GKN Steel would be nationalised for the second time, GKN bought CVJ market leaders Birfield Industries with its subsidiaries Hardy Spicer and Laycock Engineering with their interests and subsidiaries in Europe, Japan and the United States to save its BRD subsidiary.

At the same time, GKN Driveline was investing in and growing its business in India, Brazil and Mexico.