BORG WARNER AUTOMOTIVE INC
S-3/A, 1996-07-03
MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
      AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 3, 1996

                                       REGISTRATION NO. 333-06041
    
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                       TO
    
 
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                          BORG-WARNER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>
           DELAWARE                          13-3404508
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)         IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
</TABLE>
 
                           200 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
                            CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60604
                                 (312) 322-8500
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
 
                           LAURENE H. HORISZNY, ESQ.
                 VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                          BORG-WARNER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
                           200 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
                            CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60604
                                 (312) 322-8500
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
 
                                   Copies to:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C> 
     ANDREW R. BROWNSTEIN, ESQ.                     DAVID J. BEVERIDGE, ESQ.
        DAVID A. KATZ, ESQ.                           SHEARMAN & STERLING
    WACHTELL, LIPTON, ROSEN & KATZ                    599 LEXINGTON AVENUE
          51 WEST 52ND STREET                       NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
       NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019                       (212) 848-4000
          (212) 403-1000
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
 
    If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. / /
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. / /
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / / ------------------
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /  ------------------
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
                            ------------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>                <C>                <C>                    <C>
==================================================================================================================
                                                   PROPOSED MAXIMUM   PROPOSED MAXIMUM
  TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF        AMOUNT TO BE       OFFERING PRICE     AGGREGATE OFFERING     AMOUNT OF
  SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED   REGISTERED(1)      PER UNIT(2)        PRICE(2)               REGISTRATION FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, $.01 par value... 5,175,000 shares   $41.00             $212,175,000           $73,164.31(3)
===================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    
 
(1) Includes 675,000 shares subject to the option of the Underwriters (as
    defined herein) to purchase shares from the Selling Stockholders (as defined
    herein) to cover over-allotments, if any.
 
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
    pursuant to Rule 457(c) on the basis of the average high and low prices for
    the Common Stock reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on
    June 10, 1996.
 
   
(3) Fee previously paid with filing of Registration Statement on June 14, 1996.
    
                            ------------------------
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
                                EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
     This Registration Statement contains two forms of prospectuses: one to be
used in connection with a United States and Canadian offering of the
registrant's Common Stock (the "U.S. Prospectus") and one to be used in
connection with a concurrent international offering of the Common Stock (the
"International Prospectus" and, together with the U.S. Prospectus, the
"Prospectuses"). The International Prospectus will be identical to the U.S.
Prospectus except that it will contain different front and back cover pages, a
different inside cover page and a different section entitled "Underwriting." The
U.S. Prospectus is included herein and is followed by those pages to be used in
the International Prospectus which differ from those in the U.S. Prospectus.
Each of the pages for the International Prospectus included herein has been
labeled "Alternate Page for International Prospectus."
 
     If required pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the General Rules and Regulations
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, copies of each of the Prospectuses
in the forms in which they are used will be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
<PAGE>   3
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
   
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                   PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 3, 1996
    
 
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
 
                                4,500,000 SHARES
 
                        [BORG WARNER AUTOMOTIVE LOGO]
                                  COMMON STOCK
                            ------------------------
 
     All of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be sold by certain
stockholders (the "Selling Stockholders") of Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. (the
"Company"). See "Principal and Selling Stockholders." The Company will not
receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares offered hereby.
 
     Of the 4,500,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby, 3,600,000 shares
are being offered in the United States and Canada by the U.S. Underwriters (the
"U.S. Offering") and 900,000 shares are being offered in a concurrent offering
outside the United States and Canada by the International Underwriters (the
"International Offering" and, together with the U.S. Offering, the "Offerings").
The public offering price and the underwriting discount per share are identical
for the Offerings. See "Underwriting."
 
   
     The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. ("NYSE"),
under the symbol "BWA." On July 2, 1996, the last reported sale price of the
Common Stock on the NYSE was $39.875 per share. See "Price Range of Common
Stock."
    
 
     FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" COMMENCING ON PAGE 11.
                            ------------------------
   THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
      AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS
        THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
            COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
    PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                                   
 
<TABLE>
==========================================================================================================
<S>                                         <C>                  <C>                  <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           PROCEEDS TO
                                                  PRICE TO           UNDERWRITING            SELLING
                                                   PUBLIC             DISCOUNT(1)        STOCKHOLDERS(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Share...................................           $                   $                    $
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3)....................................      $                  $                   $
===========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
   
(1) The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
    several Underwriters against certain liabilities under the Securities Act of
    1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."
    
 
   
(2) The Company has agreed to pay certain expenses of the Offerings estimated at
    $1,000,000.
    
 
(3) The Selling Stockholders have granted the U.S. Underwriters and the
    International Underwriters options exercisable within 30 days after the date
    hereof to purchase up to 540,000 and 135,000 additional shares of Common
    Stock, respectively, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If such
    options are exercised in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting
    Discount and Proceeds to Selling Stockholders will be $          , $
              , and $          , respectively. See "Underwriting."
                            ------------------------
     The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters, subject
to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to
approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and certain
other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or
modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be made in New York, New York on or
about July   , 1996.
                            ------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                                LEHMAN BROTHERS
                                                            MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                                                                   INCORPORATED
                            ------------------------
 
                 The date of this Prospectus is July   , 1996.
<PAGE>   4
 
                          BORG-WARNER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1995
                                                    CONSOLIDATED
                                                       SALES
                                  PRODUCTS           % OF TOTAL              TOP VEHICLE PROGRAMS
                           ----------------------   ------------   ----------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                      <C>            <C>
Powertrain Systems.......  -4WD Transfer Cases      $544.8         Ford Explorer
                           -Manual Transmissions    40%            Ford Expedition (August 1996)
                                                                   Ford F-Series and Ranger trucks
                                                                   Range Rover
                                                                   Mercedes AAV (1997)
                                                                   Isuzu Big Horn (Japan)
                                                                   SsangYong Musso (Korea)
Automatic Transmission
  Systems................  -Friction Plates         $454.4         All GM mid/large-sized vehicles and
                           -One-Way Clutches        33%              mini-vans
                           -Bands                                  All Ford mid/large-sized vehicles and
                           -Precision Forged                         mini-vans
                             Sintered Products                     All Chrysler FWD 4-speed automatic
                                                                     transmission vehicles
                                                                   All Toyota automatic transmission
                                                                   vehicles*
                                                                   All Honda North American-manufactured
                                                                     automatic transmission vehicles
                                                                   All Ford, GM, BMW, Mercedes, Renault
                                                                     and VW European-manufactured automatic
                                                                     transmission vehicles
                                                                   All Korean-manufactured automatic
                                                                     transmission vehicles
Morse TEC................  -4WD Chain               $257.6         Ford modular engine family: Contour/
                           -Transmission Chain      19%              Mystique, Taurus/Sable, Town Car/Crown
                           -Engine Timing Chain                      Victoria/Continental, and F-Series
                           -Engine Timing Chain                    truck
                              Systems                              All GM and Ford FWD automatic
                                                                     transmission vehicles
                                                                   Chrysler LH vehicles
                                                                   Ford, GM and Chrysler 4WD sport utility
                                                                     vehicles
Air/Fluid Systems........  -Air Management          $107.6         All Chrysler vehicles and mini-vans
                              Systems               8%             Ford Explorer
                           -Fuel Systems                           Ford F-150 and Ranger trucks
                           -Transmission Systems                   Ford mid-sized vehicles (such as the
                                                                     Taurus/Sable and Contour/Mystique)
                                                                   Mercedes vehicles
* Through the Company's 50%-owned unconsolidated Japanese joint venture with NSK-Warner K.K.
</TABLE>
    
 
    CERTAIN STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS UNDER THE CAPTIONS
"PROSPECTUS SUMMARY," "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" AND "BUSINESS -- BUSINESS STRATEGY," IN
ADDITION TO CERTAIN STATEMENTS CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS, ARE
"FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 AND ARE THUS PROSPECTIVE. SUCH FORWARD LOOKING
STATEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS WHICH COULD
CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM FUTURE RESULTS EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED BY SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT OF SUCH RISKS,
UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS ARE DISCUSSED UNDER THE HEADING "RISK FACTORS,"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 11 OF THIS PROSPECTUS, AND PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO
CAREFULLY CONSIDER SUCH FACTORS.
                            ------------------------
 
    IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERINGS, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK
OFFERED HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.

    [Top half of gatefold page: Pictures of the Company's products from each of
its four operating groups: Powertrain Systems, Automatic Transmission Systems,
Morse TEC and Air/Fluid Systems along with textual descriptions.]

    [Bottom half of gatefold page: Picture of the Borg-Warner Indianapolis 500
Trophy and a schematic of an automobile displaying locations of some of the
Company's products.]














<PAGE>   5
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
   
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing
elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. Unless indicated
otherwise, the information contained in this Prospectus assumes that the
Underwriters' over-allotment options are not exercised. Unless the context
otherwise requires, references in this Prospectus to the "Company" refer to
Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc., a Delaware corporation and its subsidiaries,
references to the "Common Stock" refer to shares of Common Stock, $.01 par
value, of the Company, and references to the "Shares" refer to the 4,500,000
shares of Common Stock being offered in the Offerings.
    
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
   
     The Company is a leading, global Tier I supplier of highly engineered
systems and components, primarily for automotive powertrain applications. These
products are manufactured and sold worldwide, primarily to original equipment
manufacturers ("OEMs") of passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and light
trucks. The Company, which operates 36 manufacturing facilities in 12 countries
serving the North American, European and Asian automotive markets, is an
original equipment supplier to every major OEM in the world. The Company has
achieved its current leadership position and is well positioned to benefit from
emerging trends in the global automotive markets as a result of several key
competitive strengths, including: (i) the ability to supply its customers
globally; (ii) demonstrated technological expertise in developing highly
engineered systems and components; (iii) strong relationships with all major
OEMs; (iv) significant market shares in a number of its key products; and (v) a
strong presence in and focus on high-growth vehicle categories and platforms.
    
 
     The Company's products fall into four operating groups: Powertrain Systems,
Automatic Transmission Systems, Morse TEC and Air/Fluid Systems (formerly known
as Control Systems). The Powertrain Systems group accounted for $544.8 million
(40%) of 1995 consolidated sales before inter-business eliminations. Its primary
products include four-wheel and all-wheel drive transfer cases and manual
transmissions. The Company supplies substantially all of the four-wheel drive
("4WD") transfer cases for Ford Motor Company ("Ford"), including those
installed on the Ford Explorer, the best selling sport utility vehicle in the
United States in 1995, and the Ford F-150 pickup truck. The Company has designed
and developed an exclusive 4WD Torque-On-Demand(TM) ("TOD(TM)") transfer case,
available on the Ford Explorer and to be available on the new Ford Expedition,
which allows vehicles to automatically shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD when
electronic sensors indicate it is necessary.
 
     The Automatic Transmission Systems group accounted for $454.4 million (33%)
of 1995 consolidated sales before inter-business eliminations. Its products
include friction plates, transmission bands, one-way clutches and torque
converters for automatic transmissions. The Company is a supplier to virtually
every major automatic transmission manufacturer in the world. The Company's
50%-owned joint venture in Japan, NSK-Warner Kabushiki Kaisha ("NSK-Warner"),
with 1995 sales of $337 million, is a leading producer of friction plates and
one-way clutches in Japan.
 
     The Morse TEC group accounted for $257.6 million (19%) of 1995 consolidated
sales before inter-business eliminations. Morse TEC manufactures chain and chain
systems including HY-VO(R) front-wheel drive ("FWD") and 4WD chain, MORSE
GEMINI(TM) Transmission Chain Systems, timing chain and timing chain systems,
crankshaft and camshaft sprockets, chain tensioners and snubbers. The Company is
a supplier to every major manufacturer that uses chain for such applications.
 
   
     The Air/Fluid Systems group accounted for $107.6 million (8%) of 1995
consolidated sales before inter-business eliminations. The Company's air and
fluid management products include mechanical, electromechanical and electronic
components and systems used for engine and emission control, fuel and vapor
management, electronically controlled automatic transmissions and steering and
suspension systems. The Air/Fluid Systems group is the Company's fastest growing
group and has grown from $52.1 million of consolidated sales in 1991 to $107.6
million in 1995 (a compound annual growth rate of 20%). As a result of the
recently completed Coltec Acquisition (as hereinafter defined), the Air/Fluid
Systems group will
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   6
 
   
comprise a significantly greater portion of the Company's revenues. See "--
Recent Developments" and "-- Pro Forma Financial Data."
    
 
   
     The Company believes that it is a leading supplier to major OEMs worldwide
in each of its four product groups. For Powertrain Systems, the Company believes
that it is the world's leading independent manufacturer of 4WD transfer cases,
manufacturing approximately 847,000 transfer cases in 1995, principally for
Ford. The Company also believes that, including its NSK-Warner joint venture,
the Automatic Transmission Systems group is a leading manufacturer and supplier
of friction elements and one-way clutches in North America, Europe and Asia.
Similarly, the Morse TEC group manufactures transmission chains for FWD
transmissions and 4WD transfer cases for every major OEM who uses chain for such
applications. Finally, the Coltec Acquisition will position the Air/Fluid
Systems group to become a leading supplier of air and fluid management systems
with over 80% of its 1995 pro forma sales to the three largest North American
OEMs -- Ford, General Motors Corporation ("GM") and Chrysler Corporation
("Chrysler"). As a result of the Coltec Acquisition, the Air/Fluid Systems group
will comprise a significantly greater portion of the Company's revenues and will
almost double the Company's sales to Chrysler.
    
 
   
     The Company's business objective is to maintain its position as one of the
leading independent suppliers of highly engineered systems and components for
automotive powertrain applications. The Company pursues this objective in
several ways. First, the Company seeks to maintain its position and reputation
as a technological leader in its product groups. Second, the Company seeks to
maintain its price competitiveness by continuing to improve the efficiency of
its operations, including its production processes. Third, the Company believes
that it is well positioned to take advantage of certain trends within the global
automotive market. The Company believes that these trends include (i) a growing
demand for automatic transmissions with a greater number of speeds (the
Company's component content in an automatic transmission rises as the number of
speeds increases), (ii) a growing demand for 4WD vehicles, (iii) an increasing
demand for overhead cam engines, (iv) a growing demand for automatic
transmissions and air and fluid management systems in Europe and in Asia, (v)
the increasing tendency of OEMs to purchase integrated systems rather than
individual components, and (vi) demand in markets outside the United States for
air and fluid management products, particularly emission controls. Fourth, the
Company continues to pursue strategic joint ventures and selected acquisitions
within its existing or related lines of business. The Company continues to
maintain its strong presence in Europe and Asia as a result of its recent
acquisitions and joint ventures. The Company believes its global presence will
enable it to better withstand the effect of cyclical downturns in the United
States automotive market, while serving its OEM customers as a global supplier.
See "Business -- Business Strategy" and "Business -- Recent Developments."
    
 
     Over the past several years, the Company has remained focused on and
committed to achieving its business objective. Sales have increased from $820
million in 1991 to $1.33 billion in 1995, reflecting a 12.8% compound annual
growth rate and outperforming the approximately 4% compound annual growth rate
of North American vehicle sales. The Company's sales outside the United States
are increasing and in 1995 represented 16% of consolidated sales. Including
unconsolidated joint ventures, 1995 sales outside the United States constituted
33% of total sales. The Company's sales have increased at a greater rate than
market growth as a result of higher content per vehicle and higher market share.
The Company's emphasis on providing systems and introduction of new technologies
has enabled it to substantially increase its content per vehicle. For example,
the timing system on the Ford modular engine consists of up to four chains as
well as sprockets, snubbers and tensioners as compared with a single timing
chain on the previous generation pushrod engine. The Company's market share
gains have been achieved during a period of OEM supplier consolidation which has
benefited the Company. Such growth in sales has been accompanied by growth in
profitability. Over the same period, earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT")
increased from $22 million in 1991 to $125 million in 1995, with EBIT margins
rising from 2.6% in 1991 to 9.4% in 1995, and sales per employee rising from
$128,000 in 1991 to $163,000 in 1995.
 
     The Company's executive offices are located at 200 South Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois 60604, telephone (312) 322-8500.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   7
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
   
     On June 17, 1996, the Company acquired the operations and substantially all
of the operating assets of the Holley Automotive, Coltec Automotive and
Performance Friction Products divisions (collectively, the "Coltec Divisions")
of Coltec Industries Inc. ("Coltec") for $283 million in cash (the "Coltec
Acquisition"). The Coltec Divisions have a broad base of air and fluid
management products, established OEM relationships, and three technologically
advanced manufacturing facilities. These operations produced combined sales of
$255 million in 1995. The Coltec Acquisition was financed with borrowings under
the Company's revolving credit facility. See "Business -- Recent Developments,"
"Business -- Air/Fluid Systems" and "-- Pro Forma Financial Data."
    
 
   
     The Coltec Acquisition will provide the Company with a number of strategic
benefits. The air and fluid management systems market is one in which the
Company believes there are significant growth opportunities driven principally
by increasingly stringent air emissions regulations both in the U.S. and in
Europe. The Company also believes that since few suppliers control a large share
of the growing air and fluid management market, the Company has additional
opportunities to increase its market share because of its technological
expertise and broad range of products. By combining the Coltec Divisions'
component products with the Air/Fluid System's complementary system-based
products, the Coltec Acquisition positions the Company to capitalize on the
high-growth air and fluid management systems market and to become a global
supplier of complete, integrated air and fluid management systems. The Coltec
Acquisition will also serve to better balance the Company's business mix by
significantly expanding the Company's operations in the air and fluid management
systems business as Air/Fluid Systems pro forma sales will represent
approximately 22% of total consolidated sales, more than double the Air/Fluid
Systems sales in 1995 of 8%. Moreover, the Coltec Acquisition will allow the
Company to further strengthen its relationships with existing OEM customers,
especially Chrysler. Additionally, with the Company's 1995 acquisition of
France's Societe de l'Usine de la Marque ("SUM"), it is well positioned to begin
manufacturing air and fluid management systems in Europe.
    
 
                                 THE OFFERINGS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>
Common Stock offered by the Selling Stockholders:
     U.S. Offering.................................   3,600,000  shares
     International Offering........................     900,000  shares
          Total....................................   4,500,000  shares
Total Outstanding Common Stock.....................  23,570,068  shares(1)
Dividend policy....................................       $0.15 per share, per quarter. See "Dividend
                                                                                             Policy."
NYSE Symbol........................................       "BWA"
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(1) As of June 30, 1996. Includes 122,644 shares of the Company's Non-Voting
    Common Stock, $.01 par value (the "Non-Voting Common Stock"), which are
    convertible into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis. See "Description
    of Capital Stock." Excludes 542,631 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
    exercise of options held by employees of the Company and Borg-Warner
    Security Corporation ("BW-Security").
    
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   8
 
             SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
     The following summary historical consolidated financial information for the
Company for the five years ended December 31, 1995 and for the three-month
periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 has been derived from the consolidated
financial statements of the Company for such periods. The information for the
years ended December 31, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 is derived from the
audited financial statements of the Company. The information for the three-month
periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 is not audited, but in the opinion of
management is a fair presentation of such information. This information is
qualified by reference to the historical consolidated financial statements of
the Company incorporated by reference herein. See "Incorporation of Certain
Information by Reference."
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   THREE MONTHS
                                                                                                       ENDED
                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       MARCH 31,
                                         ----------------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                           1991       1992       1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                         --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
Net sales..............................  $  820.3   $  926.0   $  985.4   $1,223.4   $1,329.1   $  327.8   $  348.9
Cost of sales..........................     660.4      755.2(a)   769.3     948.4    1,044.9      253.0      277.5
Depreciation...........................      62.0(b)    64.3(a)    57.9     60.9       68.0       17.2       18.4
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses.............................      77.7       69.6       83.5       92.1       97.8       26.4       30.8
Minority interest......................      (1.3)      (1.3)       0.1        1.4        2.0        0.4        0.7
Goodwill amortization..................       9.7        9.7        9.7        9.6        9.6        2.4        2.6
Equity in affiliate earnings and other
  income...............................      (9.9)      (6.9)     (10.6)     (10.6)     (18.6)      (4.2)      (4.1)
Interest expense and finance charges...      53.8(d)    44.8(d)    18.4     13.9       14.2        3.5        3.5
Provision for income taxes.............       3.7        2.7       24.3       43.3       37.0       11.5        7.2
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Earnings (loss) before cumulative
  effect of accounting change..........     (35.8)     (12.1)      32.8       64.4       74.2       17.6       12.3
Cumulative effect of change in
  accounting(b)........................       4.8         --     (130.8)        --         --         --         --
                                          -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Net earnings (loss)....................  $  (31.0)  $  (12.1)  $  (98.0)  $   64.4   $   74.2   $   17.6   $   12.3
                                          =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Earnings (loss) per share before
  cumulative effect of accounting
  change(b)............................        --   $  (0.53)  $   1.41   $   2.75   $   3.15   $   0.75   $   0.52
Net earnings (loss) per share(c).......        --   $  (0.53)  $  (4.21)  $   2.75   $   3.15   $   0.75   $   0.52
Average shares outstanding
  (thousands)(c).......................        --     23,005     23,284     23,424     23,562     23,385     23,495
Cash dividend declared per share.......        --         --      0.125       0.45       0.60       0.15       0.15
OTHER OPERATING DATA
Research and development...............  $   26.9   $   26.8   $   25.2   $   33.8   $   36.7   $    8.4   $   11.7
Capital expenditures...................      53.9       47.7       65.5       98.8       92.5       15.1       11.6
Number of full-time employees
  (thousands)..........................       6.4        6.7        6.6        7.8        8.6        7.8        8.4
Sales per full-time employee
  (thousands)..........................  $  128.0   $  139.0   $  149.0   $  158.0   $  163.0   $  167.0   $  166.0
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD)
Net property, plant and equipment......  $  463.5   $  412.9   $  418.3   $  462.3   $  523.0   $  462.3   $  513.0
Total assets...........................   1,080.0    1,074.2    1,159.4   $1,240.3   $1,335.2   $1,269.6   $1,361.4
Total debt.............................        --(d)       --(d)  159.6    107.3      134.7      135.1      134.6
BW-Security investment(e)..............     743.5      728.2         --         --         --         --         --
Stockholders' equity(e)................        --         --      459.1      534.9      600.0      554.0      604.3
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(a)  Cost of sales for 1992 included a $28.7 million charge for the write-off of
     excess capacity and depreciation included $7.3 million related to such
     capacity.
(b)  Amounts reflect the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
     ("SFAS") No. 109 in 1991 and SFAS No. 106 in 1993. In 1991, depreciation
     increased by $11.2 million because of an adjustment to fixed assets related
     to the adoption of SFAS No. 109.
(c)  Earnings per share for 1992 and 1993 have been calculated assuming that the
     initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock completed in August
     1993 (the "IPO") had been completed on January 1, 1992.
(d)  Prior to the spin-off of the Company by BW-Security on January 27, 1993
     (the "Spin-Off"), interest was allocated to the Company on the basis of the
     Company's relative operating investment compared to BW-Security's overall
     capital investment (debt plus equity). Prior to the Spin-Off, all debt was
     considered to be part of the BW-Security investment.
(e)  Prior to the Spin-Off, the Company was wholly owned by BW-Security and its
     stockholders' equity is reported as BW-Security investment. After the
     Spin-Off, the Company's equity is reported as stockholders' equity.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   9
 
                            PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
     The following unaudited pro forma financial data for the year ended
December 31, 1995 and the three months ended March 31, 1996, and certain
financial ratios derived therefrom, give effect to the Coltec Acquisition. The
unaudited pro forma statement of earnings data give effect to the Coltec
Acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 1995 with respect to the year
ended December 31, 1995, and as if it had occurred on January 1, 1996 with
respect to the three-month period ended March 31, 1996 and the unaudited pro
forma balance sheet data give effect to the Coltec Acquisition as if it had
occurred on March 31, 1996. The unaudited pro forma combined financial
statements do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations or
financial position of the Company that would have actually been obtained had the
Coltec Acquisition been completed as of the assumed dates and for the periods
presented, or which may be obtained in the future. The unaudited pro forma
combined financial data should be read in conjunction with the separate
historical consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes
thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus or incorporated by
reference herein.
    
 
   
     For 1996, the Company expects that the sales contribution from the Coltec
Divisions will be less than their 1995 sales because of the timing of certain
new and expiring programs. The Company also expects that there will be a similar
impact with respect to the earnings contribution from these operations in 1996
because of lower volume, a change in the product mix of the businesses, and
price reductions partially offset by cost reductions and productivity gains.
This trend is expected to continue through 1997, after which new programs are
expected to positively impact sales and earnings trends. Reference is made to
the separate historical financial statements of the Coltec Divisions
incorporated by reference herein, which were filed with the Company's Report on
Form 8-K dated June 17, 1996. See "Incorporation of Certain Information By
Reference."
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   10
 
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
                                      HISTORICAL            -----------------------------
                            ------------------------------  DIVISION OF
                            COMPANY   COLTEC DIVISIONS(1)   EXPENSES(2)   ACQUISITION(3)   PRO FORMA
                            --------  --------------------  ------------  ---------------  ----------
<S>                         <C>       <C>                   <C>           <C>              <C>
                                                      (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Net sales..................$1,329.1          $255.1                 --              --      $1,584.2
Cost of sales.............. 1,044.9           183.6                 --              --       1,228.5
Depreciation...............    68.0             5.0                 --              --          73.0
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses.................    97.8            28.3               (5.3)(a)           --        120.8
Minority interest..........     2.0             0.0                                              2.0
Goodwill amortization......     9.6             0.2               (0.2)(b)          8.0(a)      17.6
Equity in affiliate
  earnings and other
  income...................   (18.6)           (0.3)                --              --         (18.9)
                            -------         -------            -------         -------       -------
     Earnings before
       interest and finance
       charges and income
       taxes...............   125.4            38.3                5.5            (8.0)        161.2
Interest expense and
  finance charges..........    14.2             0.0                0.0            25.8(b)       40.0
     Earnings before income
       taxes...............   111.2            38.3                5.5           (33.8)        121.2
Provision for income
  taxes....................    37.0            13.5              (13.5)(c)          3.8(c)      40.8
                            -------         -------            -------         -------       -------
     Net earnings.......... $  74.2          $ 24.8           $   19.0          ($37.6)     $   80.4
                            =======         =======            =======         =======       =======
Earnings per share......... $  3.15              --                 --              --      $   3.41
                            =======                                                          =======
Average shares outstanding
  (thousands)..............  23,562              --                 --              --        23,562
                            =======                                                          =======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
   
    (1) Coltec Divisions' combined historical income statement includes certain
        revenues and expenses not acquired in the Coltec Acquisition. Coltec
        Divisions reflects certain reclassifications to conform to the Company
        presentation. Depreciation and goodwill amortization are presented as
        separate captions.
    
 
    (2) Adjustments to reflect the retention of certain revenues and expenses of
        the Coltec Divisions by Coltec.
 
       (a) Adjustment to eliminate the 1995 overfunded pension plan benefit of
           ($0.6) million, and $5.9 million corporate office service charge from
           Coltec.
 
       (b) Adjustment to eliminate the 1995 goodwill amortization of $0.2
           million.
 
       (c) Adjustment to eliminate the Coltec Divisions' income tax expense.
 
    (3) Adjustments to record the purchase of the Coltec Divisions.
 
       (a) Reflects the goodwill amortization relating to the Company's excess
           of the purchase price over the historical book value, assuming no
           allocation to tangible assets and liabilities. For pro forma
           purposes, a composite life of 30 years is assumed. Actual
           amortization may differ depending on the final allocation of the
           purchase price.
 
       (b) Reflects the interest expense that would have been incurred had the
           Coltec Acquisition and the anticipated borrowings to finance the
           Coltec Acquisition occurred at the beginning of fiscal year 1995. The
           interest rate was assumed to equal the Company's cost of borrowing
           five-year fixed rate funds under its revolving credit facility, at
           9.0%.
 
   
       (c) Reflects the income tax impact of the Coltec Divisions' results of
           operations and the related pro forma adjustments. The tax rate
           reflects the United States statutory rate plus applicable state
           income tax rates.
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   11
 
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
                                              HISTORICAL             ----------------------------
                                     -----------------------------   DIVISION OF
                                     COMPANY   COLTEC DIVISIONS(1)   EXPENSES(2)   ACQUISITION(3)   PRO FORMA
                                     -------   -------------------   -----------   --------------   ---------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>       <C>                   <C>           <C>              <C>
Net sales..........................  $348.9           $66.4                --              --        $ 415.3
Cost of sales......................   277.5            49.8                --              --          327.3
Depreciation.......................    18.4             1.4                --              --           19.8
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses.........................    30.8             6.8              (1.3)(a)          --           36.3
Minority interest..................     0.7             0.0                --              --            0.7
Goodwill amortization..............     2.6             0.0                --             2.0(a)         4.6
Equity in affiliate earnings and
  other income.....................    (4.1)          (0.2)               --              --           (4.3)
                                     -------         ------             -----          ------       ---------
  Earnings before interest and
     finance charges and income
     taxes.........................    23.0             8.6               1.3            (2.0)          30.9
Interest expense and finance
  charges..........................     3.5             0.0                --             4.6(b)         8.1
                                     -------         ------             -----          ------       ---------
  Earnings before income taxes.....    19.5             8.6               1.3            (6.6)          22.8
Provision for income taxes.........     7.2             3.0              (3.0)(b)         1.3(c)         8.5
                                     -------         ------             -----          ------       ---------
  Net earnings.....................  $ 12.3           $ 5.6             $ 4.3          ($ 7.9)       $  14.3
                                     =======   ==============        =========     ==========       ========
Earnings per share.................  $ 0.52              --                --              --        $  0.61
                                     =======                                                        ========
Average shares outstanding
  (thousands)......................  23,495              --                --              --         23,495
                                     =======                                                        ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
   
    (1) Coltec Divisions' combined historical income statement includes certain
        revenues and expenses not acquired in the Coltec Acquisition. Coltec
        Divisions reflects certain reclassifications to conform to the Company
        presentation. Depreciation and goodwill amortization are presented as
        separate captions.
    
 
    (2) Adjustments to reflect the retention of certain revenues and expenses of
        the Coltec Divisions by Coltec.
 
       (a) Adjustment to eliminate the 1996 overfunded pension plan benefit of
           ($0.2) million and $1.5 million corporate office service charge from
           Coltec.
 
       (b) Adjustment to eliminate the Coltec Divisions' income tax expense.
 
    (3) Adjustments to record the purchase of the Coltec Divisions.
 
       (a) Reflects the goodwill amortization relating to the Company's excess
           of the purchase price over the historical book value, assuming no
           allocation to tangible assets and liabilities. For pro forma
           purposes, a composite life of 30 years is assumed. Actual
           amortization may differ depending on the final allocation of the
           purchase price.
 
       (b) Reflects the interest expense that would have been incurred had the
           Coltec Acquisition and the anticipated borrowings to finance the
           Coltec Acquisition occurred at the beginning of fiscal year 1996. The
           interest rate was assumed to equal the Company's cost of borrowing
           five-year fixed rate funds under its revolving credit facility, at
           6.4%.
 
       (c) Reflects the income tax impact of the Coltec Divisions' results of
           operations and the related pro forma adjustments, assuming a 38% tax
           rate. The tax rate reflects the United States statutory rate plus
           applicable state income tax rates.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   12
 
   
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
    
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF MARCH 31, 1996
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              HISTORICAL                PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
                                                       ------------------------    --------------------------------
                                                                      COLTEC       DIVISION OF
                                                       COMPANY     DIVISIONS(1)     ASSETS(2)       ACQUISITION(3)      PRO FORMA
                                                       --------    ------------    ------------     ---------------     ---------
                                                                                 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>             <C>              <C>                 <C>
ASSETS
Cash................................................   $   10.5       $  1.1          $ (1.1)(2a)       $    --         $   10.5
Short-term securities...............................        5.9           --              --                 --              5.9
Receivables.........................................      112.0         23.9            (2.0)                --            133.9
Inventories.........................................      104.8         14.6             0.7(2a)--           --            120.1
Prepayments.........................................        9.0          0.8            (0.8)(2a)            --              9.0
                                                        -------        -----          ------             ------          -------
    Total current assets............................      242.2         40.4            (3.2)                --            279.4
Property, plant and equipment at cost...............      930.1         80.9              --              (54.7)(3a)       956.3
Less accumulated depreciation.......................      417.1         54.7              --              (54.7)(3a)       417.1
                                                        -------        -----          ------             ------          -------
    Net property, plant and equipment...............      513.0         26.2              --                 --            539.2
Investments and advances............................      139.3           --              --                 --            139.3
Goodwill............................................      312.0          3.8            (3.8)(2c)         238.4(3b)        550.4
Deferred income tax asset...........................       40.7           --              --                 --             40.7
Other noncurrent assets.............................      114.2          2.3            (2.3)(2d)            --            114.2
                                                        -------        -----          ------             ------          -------
    Total other assets..............................      606.2          6.1            (6.1)             238.4            844.6
                                                        -------        -----          ------             ------          -------
                                                       $1,361.4       $ 72.7          $ (9.3)           $ 238.4         $1,663.2
                                                        =======        =====          ======             ======          =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Notes payable.......................................   $   44.8       $--             $--               $--             $   44.8
Accounts payable and accrued expenses...............      208.1         36.5           (23.7)(2b)           1.2(3b)        222.1
Income taxes payable................................       27.2       --              --                --                  27.2
                                                        -------        -----          ------             ------          -------
                                                          280.1         36.5           (23.7)               1.2            294.1
Long-term debt......................................       89.8       --              --                  287.8(3c)        377.6
Long-term liabilities:
  Retirement-related liabilities....................      336.7       --              --                --                 336.7
  Other.............................................       50.5          2.8            (2.8)           --                  50.5
                                                        -------        -----          ------             ------          -------
    Total long-term liabilities.....................      387.2          2.8            (2.8)           --                 387.2
Capital stock.......................................        0.2       --              --                --                   0.2
Other stockholders' equity..........................      604.1         33.4            17.2              (50.6)(3d)       604.1
                                                        -------        -----          ------             ------          -------
    Total stockholders' equity......................      604.3         33.4            17.2              (50.6)           604.3
                                                        -------        -----          ------             ------          -------
                                                       $1,361.4       $ 72.7          $ (9.3)           $ 238.4         $1,663.2
                                                        =======        =====          ======             ======          =======
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Consists of historical balance sheet of the Coltec Divisions, including
    certain assets and liabilities not acquired by the Company in the Coltec
    Acquisition.
 
(2) Adjustments to reflect the retention of certain assets and liabilities of
    the Coltec Divisions by Coltec.
 
   
    (a) Reflects the elimination of a cash balance, the LIFO reserve and certain
        prepaid assets retained by Coltec.
    
 
   
    (b) Reflects the elimination of certain liabilities retained by Coltec,
        including $5.1 million of accrued expenses, $7.2 million of trade and
        other accounts payable and $11.4 million of liabilities to other Coltec
        units.
    
 
    (c) Reflects the elimination of Coltec historical goodwill.
 
    (d) Reflects the elimination of pension asset retained by Coltec.
 
(3) Adjustment to record the purchase of the Coltec Divisions.
 
    (a) Reflects the elimination of accumulated depreciation of the Coltec
        Divisions as required by the purchase method of accounting.
 
   
    (b) The Coltec Acquisition is accounted for under the purchase method of
        accounting and, accordingly, an allocation of purchase cost to the
        Company's assets and liabilities is made to reflect fair values.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
            <S>                                                                                  <C>
            Amount paid to Coltec.............................................................   $283.0
            Adjustments to purchase price to reflect expenses incurred and adjustments
              required pursuant to the purchase agreement.....................................      4.8
                                                                                                  -----
            Total purchase cost...............................................................   $287.8
            Net book value of assets acquired.................................................     50.6
                                                                                                  -----
            Pro forma unallocated excess of purchase cost over net assets acquired............   $237.2
            Allocation for assumption of certain liabilities..................................      1.2
                                                                                                  -----
            Pro forma goodwill................................................................   $238.4
                                                                                                  =====
</TABLE>
    
 
    (c) Reflects the bank financing required as if the Coltec Acquisition had
        occurred on March 31, 1996. The total purchase price was $287.8 million
        which included $283 million paid to Coltec and $4.8 million in other
        acquisition costs.
 
    (d) Reflects the elimination of the equity accounts of the Coltec Divisions.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   13
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     The following factors, as well as the information contained elsewhere in
this Prospectus, should be carefully considered by prospective investors before
any decision is made to invest in the Shares.
 
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY CYCLICALITY AND CONDITIONS
 
     The Company's principal operations are directly related to domestic and
foreign automotive production. Automotive sales and production are cyclical and
dependent upon general economic conditions and other factors. As compared to
1995, the Company expects automotive production in 1996 to be flat or to decline
slightly in North America and Europe, and to improve slightly in Asia. Any
significant reduction in automotive production would have an adverse effect on
the level of the Company's sales to OEMs and the Company's financial position
and operating results.
 
     Each of the Company's primary North American customers, Ford, GM and
Chrysler, have major contracts with the United Automobile, Aerospace and
Agricultural Implement Workers of America (the "UAW") which will expire and are
subject to renegotiation during 1996. Because of the OEMs' dependence on a
single union, labor difficulties and work stoppages at OEMs' facilities have an
impact on the Company. For example, a 17-day March 1996 work stoppage in two
Dayton, Ohio, GM plants resulted in the concomitant shutdown of the Company's
production lines dedicated to the manufacture of products for GM vehicles.
Although the Company took steps to minimize the consequences of the work
stoppage, the Company lost $8.5 million in revenue as a result of the 17-day
strike.
 
     Many of the Company's products are currently used exclusively in sport
utility vehicles and light trucks, the most rapidly growing segment in the
overall automotive market. Any significant reduction in production in this
market segment would have an adverse effect on the level of the Company's sales
to OEMs and the Company's financial position and operating results.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The Company competes worldwide with a number of other manufacturers and
distributors which produce and sell similar products. Price, quality and
technological innovation are the primary elements of competition. The Company's
competitors include vertically integrated units of the Company's major OEM
customers, as well as a large number of independent domestic and international
suppliers. A number of these companies are larger and have greater resources
than the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company's business will not
be adversely affected by increased competition in the markets in which it
operates.
 
     The competitive environment has also changed dramatically over the past few
years as the Company's traditional United States OEM customers, faced with
intense international competition, have expanded their worldwide sourcing of
components. As a result, the Company has experienced competition from suppliers
in other parts of the world which enjoy economic advantages such as lower labor
costs, lower health care costs, and, in some cases, export subsidies and/or raw
materials subsidies.
 
     There is also substantial and continuing pressure from the OEMs to reduce
costs, including costs associated with outside suppliers such as the Company.
Although OEMs have indicated that they will continue to rely on outside
suppliers, a number of the Company's major OEM customers manufacture products
for their own use that compete with the Company's products and that these OEMs
could elect to manufacture for their own use in place of the products now
supplied by the Company. The Company believes that its ability to develop
proprietary new products and to control its own costs will allow it to remain
competitive. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
improve or maintain its gross margins on product sales to OEMs or that the
recent trend by OEMs towards increased outsourcing will continue.
 
     Annual price reductions to OEM customers appear to have become a permanent
feature of the Company's business environment. Price reductions granted in 1995
totalled approximately $8 million. To maintain its profit margins, the Company,
among other things, seeks price reductions from its own suppliers, adopts
improved production processes to increase manufacturing efficiency, updates
product designs to reduce
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   14
 
costs and develops new products whose benefits support increased pricing. The
Company's ability to pass through increased raw material costs to its OEM
customers is also limited, with cost recovery less than 100% and often on a
delayed basis. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to reduce
costs in an amount equal to the annual price reductions and the increase in raw
material costs.
 
RELIANCE ON MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
     The Company's worldwide sales in 1995 to Ford and GM constituted
approximately 41% and 25%, respectively, of its 1995 consolidated sales. The
corresponding percentages for 1994 were 39% and 27%. No other customer accounted
for more than 10% of the Company's consolidated sales in either 1995 or 1994.
After giving effect to the Coltec Acquisition, sales to Ford and GM would have
been approximately 40% and 26%, respectively, of 1995 consolidated sales. Sales
to Chrysler constituted approximately 9% of total consolidated sales in 1995,
and pro forma for the Coltec Acquisition, sales to Chrysler would have
constituted approximately 13% of 1995 consolidated sales. The Company's 1995
consolidated sales do not include the approximately $394 million of sales made
by the Company's unconsolidated joint ventures. If sales from unconsolidated
joint ventures were included in 1995 consolidated sales, worldwide sales to
Toyota Motor Corporation and its affiliates ("Toyota") would be approximately
10% of such sales. See "Business -- Customers."
 
     Although the Company has had long-standing relationships with each of Ford,
GM, Chrysler and Toyota and sells a wide variety of products to various
divisions of each company globally, if the Company lost any significant portion
of its sales to any of these customers, it would have a material adverse effect
on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
LABOR RELATIONS
 
     Approximately 59% of the Company's domestic hourly employees are unionized.
The Company's two most significant domestic collective bargaining agreements
expire in March 1998 for its Muncie, Indiana plant (transfer case and manual
transmissions businesses), and in October 1998 for its Ithaca, New York plant
(Morse TEC group). While the Company believes that its relations with its
employees are good, a prolonged dispute could have a material adverse effect on
the Company. See "-- Automotive Industry Cyclicality and Conditions" and
"Business -- Employees."
 
UNFUNDED PENSION OBLIGATIONS
 
     The Company has a substantial unfunded pension obligation. On December 31,
1995, the present values of the Company's projected benefit obligations and
accumulated benefit obligations with respect to underfunded plans were $221.5
million and $217.7 million, respectively. The fair value of the Company's
pension plan assets with respect to such plans as of December 31, 1995 was
$135.7 million. The resulting unfunded portion of $85.8 million at December 31,
1995 compared with an unfunded portion of $77.5 million at December 31, 1994
(based on the Company's projected benefit obligations on the respective dates).
This increase was due in part to a change in the discount rate from 8.5% in 1994
to 7.25% in 1995. Had the discount rate remained 8.5%, the unfunded portion as
of December 31, 1995 would have been $20.8 million lower, or $65.0 million. Of
the 1995 unfunded portion, approximately $29.4 million relates to pension
obligations for the Company's German subsidiary, which does not require funding.
The Company's long-term objective is to fund its entire pension obligation with
funds that are generated from operations, although there can be no assurance
that this will occur.
 
     In connection with the Spin-Off, the Company and BW-Security entered into
an agreement with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the "PBGC")
resolving certain issues with respect to the Company's pension obligations.
Pursuant to such agreement, the Company paid $17.5 million in 1993 to a
specified underfunded plan of the Company and agreed to pay to such plan, in
each year from 1993 through 2002, $1 million in excess of amounts that the
Company would otherwise be required to contribute under statutory or contractual
obligations. BW-Security also agreed to become the sponsor of two plans covering
certain employees of certain discontinued automotive operations, and the Company
will have no further liability for
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   15
 
such plans. In addition, the Company agreed to file certain reports and
financial statements with the PBGC and to give the PBGC advance notice of
certain significant asset sales.
 
SALE OF MANUAL TRANSMISSION BUSINESS
 
     The Company has announced its intention to sell its North American manual
transmission business, which is based in the Company's Muncie, Indiana plant.
See "-- Labor Relations." Although profitable in 1994, this business lost money
on an operating basis in 1995 and during the first quarter of 1996 due to a
decline in volume. While the sale process is continuing, the Company expects to
continue to report operating losses for such business until it is sold. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Other Financial Condition Matters -- North American Manual
Transmission Business."
 
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION AND PROCEEDINGS
 
     The Company's operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign
laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharge
to waters and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and
disposal of waste and other materials. The Company believes that its business,
operations and facilities have been and are being operated in compliance in all
material respects with applicable environmental and health and safety laws and
regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and criminal sanctions
for violations. However, the operation of automotive parts manufacturing plants
entails risks in these areas, and there can be no assurance that the Company
will not incur material costs or liabilities. In addition, potentially
significant expenditures could be required in order to comply with evolving
environmental and health and safety laws, regulations or requirements that may
be adopted or imposed in the future.
 
     The Company believes that the overall impact of compliance with regulations
and legislation protecting the environment will not have a material effect on
its future financial position or results of operations, although no assurance
can be given. Capital expenditures and expenses in 1995 attributable to
compliance with such regulations and legislation were not material.
 
     The Company and certain of its current and former direct and indirect
corporate predecessors, subsidiaries and divisions have been identified by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency and certain state environmental
agencies and private parties as potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") at 28
hazardous waste disposal sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act ("Superfund") and equivalent state laws, and, as
such, may be liable for the cost of clean-up and other remedial activities at
these sites. Responsibility for clean-up and other remedial activities at a
Superfund site is typically shared among PRPs based on an allocation formula.
See "Business -- Environmental Regulations and Proceedings."
 
     Based on information available to the Company which, in most cases,
includes an estimate of allocation of liability among PRPs; the probability that
other PRPs, many of whom are large, solvent public companies, will fully pay the
costs apportioned to them; currently available information from PRPs and/or
federal or state environmental agencies concerning the scope of contamination
and estimated remediation costs; estimated legal fees; and other factors, the
Company has established a reserve in its financial statements for indicated
environmental liabilities with a balance of approximately $11 million at March
31, 1996. The Company expects this amount to be expended over the next three to
five years.
 
   
     In connection with the Spin-Off, the Company and BW-Security entered into a
Distribution and Indemnity Agreement which provided for, among other matters,
certain cross-indemnities designed principally to place financial responsibility
for the liabilities of businesses conducted by BW-Security and its subsidiaries
with BW-Security and financial responsibility for liabilities of the Company or
related to its automotive businesses with the Company. The Company has been
advised that BW-Security believes that the Company is responsible for certain
liabilities relating to environmental matters retained by BW-Security at the
time of the Spin-Off. BW-Security has requested indemnification from the Company
for past costs of approximately $1.6 million and for future costs related to
these environmental matters. At the time of the Spin-Off, BW-Security maintained
a letter of credit for approximately $9 million with respect to such
environmental
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   16
 
   
matters. Although there can be no assurance, based upon information currently
available to the Company, the Company does not believe that it is required to
indemnify BW-Security under the Distribution and Indemnity Agreement with
respect to such liabilities. In addition, the Company does not currently have
information sufficient to determine what its liability would be if it is
ultimately determined that it is required to indemnify BW-Security with respect
to such liabilities.
    
 
   
     The Company believes that none of these matters, individually or in the
aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or
future operating results, generally either because estimates of the maximum
potential liability at a site are not large or because liability will be shared
with other PRPs, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate
outcome of any such matter. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Other Financial Condition
Matters -- Environmental."
    
 
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDER
 
   
     Upon completion of the Offerings, certain affiliates of Merrill Lynch
Capital Partners, Inc. ("MLCP") will control approximately 19.50% of the voting
power of the Company and it is estimated that the executive officers and
directors of the Company (without regard to shares held by affiliates of MLCP)
will control in the aggregate approximately 1.08% of the voting power of the
Company. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders." As a result of such stock
ownership, if the MLCP affiliates and the executive officers and directors of
the Company were to vote together, they may be able to influence significantly
the election of the Board of Directors of the Company and votes on all other
matters submitted to the Company's stockholders for approval. In addition, three
of the members of the Company's Board of Directors are associated with MLCP.
    
 
   
     In the event that the ownership of the Common Stock becomes more widely
dispersed in the future as a result of additional sales by existing stockholders
or further issuances by the Company, certain provisions of the Company's Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate of Incorporation")
and Bylaws (the "Bylaws") and Delaware law may make the acquisition of control
of the Company in a transaction not approved by the Company's Board of Directors
more difficult or expensive. For example, the Delaware takeover statute limiting
transactions with "interested stockholders" applies to the Company and the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for a classified Board
of Directors, limitations on the removal of directors, limitations on
stockholder action and advance notification procedures. See "Description of
Capital Stock -- The Delaware General Corporation Law" and "-- Certificate of
Incorporation; Bylaws." These provisions could discourage an acquisition attempt
or other transactions in which stockholders might receive a premium over the
then current market price for the Common Stock.
    
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
   
     The Merrill Lynch entities, which include the entities named in Note 1 of
the table in "Principal and Selling Stockholders" (the "ML Entities"), certain
institutional investors and certain management investors have rights entitling
them, under specified circumstances, to cause the Company to register for sale
all or part of their shares of Common Stock and to include such shares in any
registered public offerings of Common Stock by the Company. The Company is
effecting the Offerings pursuant to the exercise by the ML Entities of their
demand registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement (as defined
herein). See "Description of Capital Stock -- Registration Rights Agreement." No
prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of shares of
Common Stock, or the availability of shares of Common Stock for future sales,
will have on the market price of the shares of Common Stock prevailing from time
to time. Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock, or the perception that
such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices for the
Common Stock.
    
 
   
     In addition, certain of the ML Entities that are limited partnerships are
expected to distribute an aggregate of between 230,338 and 249,414 shares of
Common Stock owned by them to their partners that have elected not to receive
their pro rata share of the proceeds of the sale of Common Stock by such
partnerships (the "Merrill Lynch Distribution"). The exact number of shares
distributed will depend upon the Price to Public in the Offerings. As a
condition to receiving shares of Common Stock in the Merrill
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   17
 
   
Lynch Distribution, such partners have agreed to be bound by the same lock-up
provision as each of the holders of at least 1% of the outstanding shares of the
Common Stock who is a party to the Registration Rights Agreement for a period of
180 days after the effective date of the Registration Statement. The Merrill
Lynch Distribution is expected to occur as soon as practicable after 180 days
from the effective date of the Registration Statement, or on such earlier date
consented to by the Representatives (as defined herein). In addition, each of
the Company and the executive officers and directors of the Company will agree,
for a period of 180 days after the effective date of the Registration Statement,
not to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock or securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, or any rights
or warrants to acquire Common Stock, without the prior written consent of the
Representatives.
    
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The Selling Stockholders will receive all of the proceeds from the
Offerings and the Company will receive no proceeds. See "Principal and Selling
Stockholders."
 
                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
     The Common Stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "BWA." The
following table sets forth on a per share basis, for the period indicated, the
high and low sales prices of the Common Stock as reported on the NYSE Composite
Tape and dividends paid.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      HIGH           LOW         DIVIDEND
                                                     -------       -------       --------
        <S>                                          <C>           <C>           <C>
        1994
        First Quarter..............................  $34.000       $26.375        $ 0.125
        Second Quarter.............................  $31.625       $22.625        $ 0.15
        Third Quarter..............................  $29.125       $22.625        $ 0.15
        Fourth Quarter.............................  $25.500       $21.625        $ 0.15
        1995
        First Quarter..............................  $26.125       $22.375        $ 0.15
        Second Quarter.............................  $29.375       $23.500        $ 0.15
        Third Quarter..............................  $33.875       $28.500        $ 0.15
        Fourth Quarter.............................  $32.250       $27.625        $ 0.15
        1996
        First Quarter..............................  $33.625       $28.625        $ 0.15
        Second Quarter.............................  $43.000       $33.625        $ 0.15
        Third Quarter (through July 2).............  $39.875       $39.500            --
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     On July 2, 1996, the closing price of the Common Stock on the NYSE
Composite Tape was $39.875 per share. Prospective investors should obtain a
current quote on the shares of Common Stock. As of June 30, 1996, there were
approximately 152 holders of record of Common Stock.
    
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
     A dividend of $0.15 per share was paid on May 15, 1996 to stockholders of
record as of May 1, 1996. While the Company currently expects that comparable
cash dividends will continue to be paid in the future, the dividend policy is
subject to review and change at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the
Company.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   18
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company at March
31, 1996, and as adjusted to give effect to the Coltec Acquisition. This table
should be read in conjunction with "Selected Historical Financial Data" and
"Summary -- Pro Forma Financial Data" and the historical Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company appearing in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1995 (the "Annual Report") and Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 1996, which are incorporated by reference herein.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         HISTORICAL     AS ADJUSTED
                                                                         ----------     -----------
<S>                                                                      <C>            <C>
Short-term debt:
  Bank borrowings......................................................      31.1            31.1
  Bank term loans......................................................      13.6            13.6
  Capital lease liability..............................................       0.1             0.1
                                                                         ----------     -----------
          Total short-term debt........................................    $ 44.8         $  44.8
                                                                          =======       =========
Long-term debt:
  Bank borrowings......................................................    $ 12.9         $  12.9
  Bank term loans......................................................      70.3            70.3
  Revolving credit facility............................................        --           287.8
  Other long-term debt.................................................       6.6             6.6
                                                                         ----------     -----------
          Total long-term debt.........................................    $ 89.8         $ 377.6
                                                                          =======       =========
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock.........................................................    $  0.2         $   0.2
  Other stockholders' equity...........................................     604.1           604.1
                                                                         ----------     -----------
          Total stockholders' equity...................................    $604.3         $ 604.3
                                                                          =======       =========
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   19
 
                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
     The following table sets forth selected historical financial information
for the Company for 1991 through March 31, 1996. The information for the years
ended December 31, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 is derived from the audited
financial statements of the Company. The information for the three-month periods
ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 is not audited, but in the opinion of the Company
is a fair presentation of such information. This information is qualified by
reference to the historical consolidated financial statements of the Company
incorporated by reference herein. See "Incorporation of Certain Information by
Reference." The following table should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   THREE MONTHS
                                                                                                       ENDED
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                              MARCH 31,
                                     ---------------------------------------------              -------------------
                                       1991         1992         1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                     --------     --------     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                      (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
Net sales..........................  $  820.3     $  926.0     $  985.4   $1,223.4   $1,329.1   $  327.8   $  348.9
Cost of sales......................     660.4        755.2(a)     769.3      948.4    1,044.9      253.0      277.5
Depreciation.......................      62.0(b)      64.3(a)      57.9       60.9       68.0       17.2       18.4
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses.........................      77.7         69.6         83.5       92.1       97.8       26.4       30.8
Minority interest..................      (1.3)        (1.3)         0.1        1.4        2.0        0.4        0.7
Goodwill amortization..............       9.7          9.7          9.7        9.6        9.6        2.4        2.6
Equity in affiliate earnings and
  other income.....................      (9.9)        (6.9)       (10.6)     (10.6)     (18.6)      (4.2)      (4.1)
Interest expense and finance
  charges..........................      53.8(d)      44.8(d)      18.4       13.9       14.2        3.5        3.5
Provision for income taxes.........       3.7          2.7         24.3       43.3       37.0       11.5        7.2
                                     --------     --------     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Earnings (loss) before cumulative
  effect of accounting change......     (35.8)       (12.1)        32.8       64.4       74.2       17.6       12.3
Cumulative effect of change in
  accounting(b)....................       4.8           --       (130.8)        --         --         --         --
                                     --------     --------     --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net earnings (loss)................  $  (31.0)    $  (12.1)    $  (98.0)  $   64.4   $   74.2   $   17.6   $   12.3
                                     ========     ========     ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
Earnings (loss) per share before
  cumulative effect of accounting
  change(c)........................        --     $  (0.53)    $   1.41   $   2.75   $   3.15   $   0.75   $   0.52
Net earnings (loss)
  per share(c).....................        --     $  (0.53)    $  (4.21)  $   2.75   $   3.15   $   0.75   $   0.52
Average shares outstanding
  (thousands)(c)...................        --       23,005       23,284     23,424     23,562     23,385     23,495
Cash dividend declared
  per share........................        --           --        0.125       0.45       0.60       0.15       0.15
OTHER OPERATING DATA
Research and development...........  $   26.9     $   26.8     $   25.2   $   33.8   $   36.7   $    8.4   $   11.7
Capital expenditures...............      53.9         47.7         65.5       98.8       92.5       15.1       11.6
Number of full-time employees
    (thousands)....................       6.4          6.7          6.6        7.8        8.6        7.8        8.4
Sales per full-time employee
  (thousands)......................  $  128.0     $  139.0     $  149.0   $  158.0   $  163.0   $  167.0   $  166.0
BALANCE SHEET DATA (at end of
  period)
Net property, plant and
  equipment........................  $  463.5     $  412.9     $  418.3   $  462.3   $  523.0   $  462.3      513.0
Total assets.......................   1,080.0      1,074.2      1,159.4   $1,240.3   $1,335.2   $1,269.6   $1,361.4
Total debt.........................        --(d)        --(d)     159.6      107.3      134.7      135.1      134.6
BW-Security investment(e)..........     743.5        728.2           --         --         --         --         --
Stockholders' equity(e)............        --           --        459.1      534.9      600.0      554.0      604.3
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(a) Cost of sales for 1992 included a $28.7 million charge for the write-off of
    excess capacity and depreciation included $7.3 million related to such
    capacity.
(b) Amounts reflect the adoption of SFAS No. 109 in 1991 and SFAS No. 106 in
    1993. In 1991, depreciation increased by $11.2 million because of an
    adjustment to fixed assets related to the adoption of SFAS No. 109.
(c) Earnings per share for 1992 and 1993 have been calculated assuming that the
    IPO had been completed on January 1, 1992.
(d) Prior to the Spin-Off, interest was allocated to the Company on the basis of
    the Company's relative operating investment compared to BW-Security's
    overall capital investment (debt plus equity). Prior to the Spin-Off, all
    debt was considered to be part of the BW-Security investment.
(e) Prior to the Spin-Off, the Company was wholly owned by BW-Security and its
    stockholders' equity is reported as BW-Security investment. After the
    Spin-Off, the Company's equity is reported as stockholders' equity.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   20
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
     The Company became independent on January 27, 1993, when its Common Stock
was distributed to the stockholders of its then parent, BW-Security, as a
dividend in the Spin-Off. The initial capital structure was established with
$480 million of equity and $251 million of debt. In August 1993, the Company
completed the IPO of 3.66 million shares of Common Stock, yielding net proceeds
of $83.2 million.
 
     The Company is a technology-driven supplier of highly engineered components
and systems, primarily for automotive powertrain applications. The Company,
which operates 36 manufacturing facilities in 12 countries serving the North
American, European and Asian automotive markets, is an original equipment
supplier to every major automaker in the world. Its products fall into four
operating groups: Powertrain Systems, Automatic Transmission Systems, Morse TEC
and Air/Fluid Systems.
 
     Except for the information under "-- Pro Forma Capital Resources and
Liquidity of the Company," this discussion does not give effect to the Coltec
Acquisition. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" should be read in conjunction with the historical
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included in the Annual Report
and the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996. See
"Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference." Also see "Selected
Historical Financial Data" for additional information.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table details the Company's results of operations as a
percentage of sales:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   THREE MONTHS
                                                                                       ENDED
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,            MARCH 31,
                                                 -------------------------       -----------------
                                                 1993      1994      1995        1995        1996
                                                 -----     -----     -----       -----       -----
<S>                                              <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
Net sales......................................  100.0%    100.0%    100.0%      100.0%      100.0%
Cost of sales..................................   78.1      77.5      78.6        77.2        79.5
Depreciation...................................    5.8       5.0       5.1         5.2         5.3
Selling, general and administrative expenses...    8.5       7.5       7.4         8.1         8.8
Goodwill amortization..........................    1.0       0.8       0.7         0.7         0.7
Minority interest, affiliate earnings and other
  income, net..................................   (1.1)     (0.8)     (1.2)       (1.1)       (0.9)
</TABLE>
 
     Historically, the Company's sales have been seasonal in nature, with the
fourth quarter of each year generally having higher sales. This trend has been
less prevalent in recent years. The fourth quarter has traditionally been the
quarter for new model introduction by the automotive industry, but this trend is
diminishing as the auto industry becomes more global and competitive pressure
for continual model updates intensifies.
 
  First Quarter 1996 Compared with First Quarter 1995
 
     Sales for the quarter ended March 31, 1996 were up 6% from the same period
in the prior year. The increase in sales is attributable to the purchase of the
Precision Forged Products Division ("PFPD") of Federal-Mogul Corporation at the
end of April 1995 and the SUM business at the end of 1995. PFPD contributed $17
million in sales while SUM contributed $4 million. Excluding PFPD and SUM, sales
were relatively unchanged from the prior year. The Company has realized revenue
growth because of the presence of its products on vehicles, such as light
trucks, sales of which are growing at a rate in excess of the overall market.
Revenue growth in most areas has been offset by $8.5 million in revenues lost
due to the GM strike in March and a $16.3 million decrease in sales versus 1995
in the manual transmission business due to the loss of the GM S-Truck business
in the summer of 1995. The Company's manual transmission business had sales of
$28.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1996 and $44.7 million for the
quarter ended March 31, 1995.
 
     In the first quarter of 1996 the Automatic Transmission Systems and
Air/Fluid Systems groups both reported increases in sales while the Powertrain
Systems and Morse TEC groups reported slightly lower sales
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   21
 
results. Powertrain Systems reported a decrease of 1% or $1.4 million due to the
loss of the GM S-Truck manual transmission business as well as a decline in
sales of sporty cars which utilize manual transmissions. This decline was offset
by volume increases in its domestic transfer case applications, particularly in
the light truck area. A decrease in sales of 6% or $4.4 million at Morse TEC was
primarily due to the GM strike in March. Increased sales of 21% at the Automatic
Transmission Systems group (4% excluding the PFPD acquisition) were related to
volume increases by the Company's OEM customers as well as increased content in
certain automatic transmissions tempered by the GM strike. Sales at Air/Fluid
Systems have also shown improvement, 21% over the comparable 1995 period, due to
volume increases of various solenoids and valves particularly in Chrysler
applications as well as $4 million related to the acquired SUM business.
 
     The lost GM manual transmission business and the GM strike contributed to
the relatively flat sales volume, net of acquisitions. Adjusted for the GM
strike, the effect of the manual transmission business decline and the impact of
acquisitions, sales increased 7.8% against a North American market which was off
by 13%, a European market which was stagnant and a Japanese market which
declined slightly. However, the timing of the GM strike and the fixed cost
structure of the manual transmission business translated into a gross profit
decrease of $3.4 million to $71.4 million in 1996.
 
     The Company's income taxes are based upon estimated annual tax rates for
the year. In the first quarter of 1996, the Company realized certain tax credits
related to its foreign operations. These realized credits resulted in the
effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 1996 being lower than the
standard federal and state rates. The effective income tax rate for the first
quarter of 1995 exceeded the United States statutory rate due to state income
taxes as well as higher foreign rates which exceeded those in the United States.
 
     The Company has increased its spending on research and development ("R&D")
by $3.3 million to $11.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 1996 in
order to maintain and expand its technological expertise in both product and
process. Although R&D spending increased in the first quarter of 1996, the
Company expects 1996 R&D spending to be approximately 3% of sales, which is
consistent with prior years.
 
     Although down from the prior year, the NSK-Warner joint venture continued
to report strong earnings in the current period. For the Company's three months
ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company's portion of NSK-Warner's earnings
were $3.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively. The earnings decline resulted
from a small decrease in sales volume and a weakening of the yen.
 
     The effects on net income of the GM strike and the loss of the manual
transmission business were partially offset by tax credits resulting in the
Company's reported earnings in the first quarter of 1996 of $12.3 million, $5.3
million lower than the first quarter of 1995.
 
  1995 Compared with 1994
 
     Overall, North American automotive production was down 3% in 1995 versus
1994, while Japanese automotive production was down about 3%, Korean automotive
production was up 12% and European automotive production was flat. Against this
backdrop, the Company was able to register gains in sales of 9% and earnings of
15%. The gains were the result of the Company's participation in one of the most
rapidly growing segments in the overall automotive marketplace -- sport utility
vehicles and light trucks -- and the Company's ability to increase the value of
components supplied per vehicle through ongoing aggressive marketing and
engineering programs. The Company's acquisition of PFPD in 1995 accounted for
approximately 40% of the sales gain, or $52 million. After adjusting for the
acquisition and the 1994 disposition of a marine and industrial business, sales
increased 7%.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   22
 
     The following table shows net sales by product grouping:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     THREE MONTHS
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,            ENDED MARCH 31,
                                            ----------------------------------     -----------------
                                              1993         1994         1995        1995       1996
                                            --------     --------     --------     ------     ------
                                                                                     (MILLIONS OF
                                                  (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)                DOLLARS)
<S>                                         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
Powertrain Systems........................  $  418.4     $  529.9     $  544.8     $140.4     $139.0
Automatic Transmission Systems............     307.6        378.5        454.4       98.6      119.3
Morse TEC.................................     202.3        239.9        257.6       70.4       66.0
Air/Fluid Systems.........................      83.7         97.3        107.6       28.0       33.8
                                              ------       ------       ------     ------     ------
                                             1,012.0      1,245.6      1,364.4      337.4      358.1
Interbusiness eliminations................     (26.6)       (22.2)       (35.3)      (9.6)      (9.2)
                                              ------       ------       ------     ------     ------
Total.....................................  $  985.4     $1,223.4     $1,329.1     $327.8     $348.9
                                              ======       ======       ======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
     Powertrain Systems' sales grew by 3% in 1995 (8% excluding a 1994
disposition). In the 4WD transfer case business, the TOD(TM) transfer case for 
the Ford Explorer yielded higher volume due to Ford's increased capacity for 
this sport utility vehicle. Increased features over the transfer case model it
replaced also improved the Company's revenue per unit. Volume increases in large
transfer cases for full-size pickup truck applications were, in part, offset by
the discontinuance of the automatic locking hub business, due to technological
changes. In 1995, the Company sold 452,000 small transfer cases and 395,000
large transfer cases compared with 398,000 and 343,000, respectively, in 1994.
Revenue from manual transmissions declined by $29 million to $148 million in
1995 because of the loss of the GM S-Truck business combined with declines in
volume for the principal remaining North American applications
- -- high-performance five-speed and six-speed sporty cars such as the Ford
Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird and Dodge Viper. See "-- Other
Financial Condition Matters -- North American Manual Transmission Business" for
a discussion of the Company's decision to seek a buyer for the North American
manual transmission business.
 
     The Automatic Transmission Systems group realized a $75.9 million increase
in sales over 1994, up 20%. Of the increase, $52 million resulted from the
acquisition of the PFPD business in April 1995. The remainder of the increase
(6% over 1994) resulted from volume gains in North America, Germany and Korea,
which were offset by approximately $2.3 million in price reductions to
customers. In Korea, the volume increase was market driven. In North America and
Europe, the volume gains were the result of the Company's increased content per
vehicle. This group sells to the widest array of OEMs and is most susceptible to
trends in the marketplace. In 1995, it benefited from the move to four- and
five-speed automatic transmissions from three-speed models, which increases the
Company's componentry even if market volumes are flat. During 1995, the Company
saw the first of what it believes will be an increasing number of five-speed
transmission models, again affording the opportunity to improve volume without
being dependent upon overall market growth. The acquisition of the PFPD business
should also lead to opportunities to bundle components into a system, thereby
increasing the Company's content per vehicle. PFPD also offers a promising
product line in engine connecting rods, a new area for the Company.
 
     The Morse TEC group continued its sales growth in 1995 with a 7% gain. Two
percentage points of the gain resulted from favorable exchange rates for the
yen. The remainder is the result of increased volume and improved product mix.
The group realized a full year of sales of the MORSE GEMINI(TM) Transmission 
Chain System, which it began providing for the Chrysler LH series in mid-1994.
However, monthly volumes for the Chrysler LH fell in 1995 versus 1994. In 1995,
the group was selected to provide the MORSE GEMINI(TM) system for all of GM's 
FWD automatic transmission applications beginning in 1997. The transmission
chain business benefited from increased sales of sport utility vehicles, which
use the Morse HY-VO(R) chain. Engine timing systems sales also grew as Ford
expanded its modular engine program to the Taurus/Sable as well as the new
F-Series pickup truck, which was introduced in the beginning of 1996. The
modular engine series uses a Morse engine timing system, consisting of chains,
sprockets, tensioners and snubbers. Previously the Company provided only a
single chain. The modular engine series at Ford now consists of 2.5 liter and
3.0 liter V-6s and 4.6 liter and 5.2 liter V-8s.


 


                                       20
<PAGE>   23
 
     Air/Fluid Systems realized an 11% sales increase in 1995. The group
received a full year of benefit of providing 100% of certain Chrysler
transmission solenoid requirements for its front-wheel drive vehicles. The group
also increased its volume of Ford EGR valves (required for emission regulations)
and began providing the clutch coil incorporated in the Company's TOD(TM) 
transfer case. With the recent acquisitions of SUM and the Coltec Divisions, the
Air/Fluid Systems business is expected to contribute a greater portion of
consolidated revenues in 1996 and beyond.
 
     Because of the nature of the OEM marketplace, the Company's sales tend to
be concentrated among a small number of large customers. In 1995, the Company's
top ten customers constituted about 86% of total consolidated sales compared
with 83% in 1994. Ford, the Company's largest customer, accounted for 41% of
sales in 1995 and 39% of sales in 1994. GM accounted for 25% of 1995 sales and
27% of 1994 sales. Chrysler accounted for 9% of total consolidated sales in
1995. These sales represent a variety of different products to a number of OEM
divisions worldwide.
 
     Gross margin in 1995 slipped to 21.4% versus 22.5% in 1994. Four factors
were responsible for the decline. First, the decline in volume in the manual
transmission business had a material impact on margins. Excluding the manual
transmission business, gross margin would have been 23.5% in 1995 versus 24.5%
in 1994. Next, raw material prices increased at a faster rate than the Company's
ability to pass through such increases. For example, aluminum went from $0.63
per pound at the beginning of 1994 to $0.97 at the beginning of 1995 to $0.77 at
the end of 1995. Aluminum is a key component of the Company's transfer cases and
cases for solenoids. The Company's contracts with OEMs have economic
pass-through clauses, but these do not provide for 100% recovery, and in many
cases, recovery takes place on a delayed basis. The Company has sought to
minimize its exposure to material cost fluctuations through pass-through
clauses, and through the use of alternative materials where feasible. The third
factor affecting the margin comparison is price reductions to customers where
the Company has not been able to achieve offsetting cost reductions. The timing
required to implement and get approval for cost reduction proposals is partially
responsible for this factor. The final significant factor in the margin
comparison is that the acquired PFPD business has a relatively lower margin than
the Company as a whole.
 
     Annual price reductions to customers appear to have become a permanent
feature of the Company's business environment. Price reductions granted in 1995
totaled approximately $8.0 million. Contractual price reductions can in some
cases be offset by economic pass-through of material costs and credit for other
product features or savings realized by the customer. To maintain margins, the
Company has a three-part strategy. The first is to reduce costs by continual
improvement in the Company's production processes and by price reductions from
suppliers. The next is to update product designs to reduce cost and/or improve
productivity by the OEM customer in the final application. Finally, the Company
makes an ongoing effort to develop new products whose benefits support the
pricing.
 
     The increase in sales, offset by the margin decline, translated into EBIT
of $125.4 million, a $3.8 million, or 3%, increase over 1994. Other trends
affecting EBIT include higher depreciation from increased capital spending in
recent years. Depreciation increased $7.1 million, or 12%, in 1995. Selling,
general and administrative expenses increased by $5.7 million, or 6%, in 1995.
As a percentage of sales, such expenses declined to 7.4% in 1995 from 7.5% in
1994. Included in the 1995 expenses was $36.7 million in R&D spending, a 9%
increase over 1994. The Company continued to invest in R&D at a rate in excess
of 2.7% of sales, recognizing that a key corporate strategy is to position the
Company on the leading technological edge. Examples of new products resulting
from the R&D investments in recent years include the TODTM transfer case, the
MORSE GEMINITM Transmission Chain System and the new Ford one-way clutch/drum
system, which the Company will begin to produce in mid-1996. In 1994, the
Company provided approximately $5.2 million of additional accruals for
environmental and other liabilities. No similar accruals were provided for in
1995.
 
     Equity in affiliate earnings and other income jumped to $18.6 million in
1995 compared with $10.6 million in 1994. The Company's 50%-owned joint venture
in Japan, NSK-Warner, continued to outperform the Japanese automotive
marketplace. The Company's share of earnings for this venture increased to $19.0
million in 1995 versus $13.9 million in 1994. The venture experienced 16% sales
growth in 1995 to $352
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   24
 
million. Earnings were up approximately 25% in local currency, with the rest of
the increase attributable to the strong yen in 1995. The remainder of the
increase resulted from the net loss in 1994 of $3.5 million from the disposition
of certain non-core investments and assets. No similar losses were realized in
1995.
 
     Interest expense was essentially flat between the two years at around $14
million. Higher debt levels resulting from acquisitions during 1995 were offset
by lower interest rates on foreign debt outstanding. The Company benefited from
the general decline in foreign interest rates throughout 1995 and improved
spreads versus nominal borrowing rates in 1995. As a result of the above items,
pre-tax earnings were $111.2 million in 1995, a 3% increase over $107.7 million
in 1994.
 
     Income taxes totaled $37.0 million in 1995, an effective rate of 33.3%,
versus an effective rate of 40.2% in 1994. A significant reason for the improved
tax rate was substantially higher credits against taxes otherwise payable,
particularly for R&D spending and foreign credits. The Company has available
approximately $22 million of foreign tax credits, which can be offset only
against foreign source income. Other factors affecting the nominal tax rate were
the level of affiliate earnings, which are recognized on an after-tax basis, and
goodwill amortization, which is nondeductible.
 
  1994 Compared with 1993
 
     The overall growth in the North American automotive market was 11% in 1994.
Europe was up slightly and Japan was essentially flat. Compared with these
market trends, Company sales of $1.2 billion increased 24% from 1993. Each of
the Company's four business groups contributed to the overall increase.
 
     The Powertrain Systems group increased sales by $111.5 million, or 27%,
over the prior year. This increase was driven by substantial volume growth in
both transfer cases and manual transmissions. Transfer case sales volume growth
resulted from increased installations in pickup trucks, as Ford Explorer sport
utility sales were essentially flat at full capacity. The increase in manual
transmission sales resulted from gains in GM pickup truck installations, sporty
car installations and the introduction of the new Ford Mustang.
 
     The Automatic Transmission Systems group reported sizable growth in United
States sales in 1994, while European sales increased only marginally as the
region was emerging from a recession. The group's products are on a large
variety of models from all major OEMs, so the group benefited from industry
growth. A higher rate of four-speed automatic transmission applications, which
require more of the Company's components, also caused sales to increase.
 
     The Company's Morse TEC group continued its sales growth in 1994 with
increased volume of transmission chain and engine timing chain components and
systems. The group introduced the MORSE GEMINI(TM) Transmission Chain System in
mid-1994 on the Chrysler LH series, yielding substantial incremental 1994 sales.
The timing system for the Ford modular engine program was expanded to the 2.5
liter V-6 Duratec model for the Contour/Mystique vehicles in mid-1994. The group
also benefited from the increased popularity of 4WD vehicles, most of which use
the Company's chain in their transfer cases.
 
     Air/Fluid Systems group sales have increased with the improving demand for
various solenoids and valves. The group provided 100% of Chrysler's requirements
for certain transmission solenoids.
 
     Gross margin in 1994 of 22.5% improved over the prior year's 21.9%. This
translated to a greater gain in EBIT. EBIT of $121.6 million in 1994 increased
61.1% over the 1993 level of $75.5 million, and the EBIT margin increased to
10.0% from 7.7%. The EBIT gains were the result of ongoing cost reduction
programs, as well as operating leverage due to the somewhat fixed nature of
certain elements of the cost structure. The Company continues to focus on its
manufacturing processes for opportunities to reduce cost.
 
     As in 1993, the Company has adapted to the industry-wide practice of
continuous price reduction pressures from its customers, causing the Company to
give actual price reductions, as well as forego some recovery of inflationary
costs.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from $83.5 million
in 1993 to $92.1 million in 1994, but decreased as a percentage of sales from
8.5% in 1993 to 7.5% in 1994. The Company provided approximately $5.2 million of
additional accruals for environmental and other liabilities in 1994 and $3.3
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   25
 
million in 1993. Overall selling, general and administrative spending increased
at a much lower rate than the rate at which the level of business increased.
 
     Depreciation increased from $57.9 million in 1993 to $60.9 million in 1994.
The increase can be attributed to higher capital expenditures over the past two
years.
 
     Equity in affiliate earnings and other income for both 1994 and 1993 was
$10.6 million. Even though the Japanese economy was essentially flat, the
Company's portion of its Japanese joint venture's earnings increased $4.5
million to $13.9 million in 1994. The increase in earnings from affiliates was
partially offset by a net loss of $3.5 million attributed to the sales of
certain non-core investments and assets in 1994.
 
     Interest expense and finance charges decreased $4.5 million from $18.4
million in 1993 to $13.9 million in 1994. The decrease was due to lower debt
levels, resulting from higher operating cash flows in 1994 and proceeds from the
IPO.
 
     Pre-tax income improved $50.6 million, or 88.6% from the prior year income
of $57.1 million. The improvement can be attributed to the large increase in
sales volume, the improved margins and the decrease in interest expense and
finance charges offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative
expenses.
 
     Income taxes increased from $24.3 million in 1993 to $43.3 million in 1994.
However, the effective tax rate for 1994 decreased to 40.2% compared to 42.6% in
1993. The income tax rate for both 1994 and 1993 exceeded the U.S. statutory
rate due to state taxes, foreign taxes that exceed U.S. rates and the
nondeductibility of goodwill amortization.
 
     In 1993, the Company recorded a $130.8 million charge, net of tax benefit
of $76.8 million, for the cumulative effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 106,
"Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions."
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
 
     The following discussion compares the Company's financial condition at
March 31, 1996 to its financial condition at December 31, 1994, the period
covered in this Prospectus. The Company was able to maintain its strong
financial position in 1995 and the first quarter of 1996 despite spending over
$46 million for acquisitions in 1995. At March 31, 1996 total debt was $134.6
million, compared with $107.3 million at December 31, 1994. Cash from operations
was sufficient to fund $104.1 million of capital spending as well as the
acquisitions referred to above. Total cash from operations over the period was
$129.3 million. At March 31, 1996, debt represented 18% of the Company's
capitalization as compared with 17% at December 31, 1994.
 
     In April 1995, the Company acquired PFPD, a maker of forged sintered
transmission and engine components, including races and connecting rods. The
price was $28 million plus certain working capital. In early 1995, the Company
acquired the remaining 47% of its Italian chain joint venture for $5 million. In
December, the Company acquired SUM, a French maker of control components such as
solenoids and sensors, for $13 million. The results of PFPD were included in
consolidated results beginning in May 1995. No results of operation were
included for SUM in 1995, but its accounts were included in the December 31,
1995 balance sheet.
 
     Capital expenditures totaled $93 million in 1995, compared with $99 million
for 1994. Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 1996 were $11 million
compared to $15 million for the first quarter of 1995. Major spending programs
included the Ford large transfer case, expansion of the MORSE GEMINI(TM)
Transmission Chain Systems program, continued spending on the Ford modular
engine timing system, the Chrysler solenoid program, the Ford one-way
clutch/drum program in Germany and the purchase of the Seneca, South Carolina,
plant for future Mercedes-Benz transfer case business. Spending in the first
three months of 1996 was at a ratio of 0.6 times depreciation versus a ratio of
1.4 times depreciation in full year 1995 and 1.6 times depreciation in full year
1994. The Company remains committed to be a net investor in its continuing
businesses. The Company believes that the decline during the first three months
of 1996 is a function of timing and expects 1996 capital spending to be similar
to 1995 levels. The Company believes that the combination of cash flow from its
operations and available credit facilities will be adequate to satisfy cash
needs for 1996.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   26
 
     At March 31, 1996, working capital, excluding notes payable, increased by
$25.1 million, reflecting the working capital of acquisitions. Receivables sold
under the receivables transfer agreement increased by $10 million to $85 million
over this period. Net fixed assets increased by $51 million over the 15-month
period, reflecting the $104 million of capital spending and fixed assets of
acquisitions offset by $86 million of depreciation. Investments and advances
increased by $13 million reflecting the NSK-Warner earnings net of dividends.
Other ventures entered into in this period have not yet required a significant
amount of investment. These ventures include:
 
     - Divgi-Warner Private, Ltd. ("Divgi-Warner"), a 60%-owned venture making
       transfer cases and manual transmissions for the Indian market.
 
     - Huazhong Warner Transmission Company Ltd. ("Huazhong Warner"), a
       60%-owned manufacturer of manual transmissions for light-truck
       applications for the central Chinese market.
 
     - Warner Ishi Europe, a 50%-owned venture that makes turbochargers in
       Europe.
 
     - Borg-Warner Automotive - Taiwan Co., Ltd., a 100%-owned subsidiary that
       makes chains in Taiwan.
 
     Other balance sheet changes included an increase in other assets of $14
million due principally to recognition of $10 million in intangible pension
assets. Goodwill was relatively unchanged despite $18 million in amortization
due to goodwill related to acquisitions. Retirement-related liabilities
increased by only $11 million despite a decline in the discount rate related to
such liabilities. This was due to the earnings on pension assets offset by the
excess of annual expense associated with such liabilities over the related cash
disbursement.
 
     Equity increased by $69 million over the 15-month period. Earnings totaled
$86 million offset by $18 million in dividends. The currency translation
adjustment declined by $8 million due to less favorable rates for the U.S.
dollar, while the minimum pension liability adjustment improved by $3 million
due to earnings on pension assets.
 
OTHER FINANCIAL CONDITION MATTERS
 
  North American Manual Transmission Business
 
     In January 1996, the Company announced that its North American manual
transmission business would be offered for sale and that it had retained Lehman
Brothers Inc. to assist in the sale process. This decision resulted from the
recognition that all major North American OEMs have allied suppliers for their
significant rear-wheel drive manual transmission applications, leaving only one
niche open to the Company in North America. The niche served by the
Company -- sporty and performance cars -- suffered declines of 20-30% in 1995, a
trend the Company feels is long-term in nature. This business had sales of $148
million in 1995, $177 million in 1994 and $102 million in 1993. Although
profitable in 1994, the business lost money on an operating basis in 1995 and
the first quarter of 1996 due to declining volume. The business has a nominal
investment of approximately $60 million, including $21 million in working
capital. This amount does not reflect any retirement-related liabilities. Any
gain or loss on the sale is dependent on not only the purchase price agreed upon
by the parties but also an agreement as to which assets/liabilities will be
included in the transaction. The sale process is still ongoing. Despite the
announcement, the Company plans to continue to implement its strategy to
capitalize on manual transmission opportunities in developing markets such as
China and India.
 
  Environmental
 
     The Company and certain of its current and former direct and indirect
corporate predecessors, subsidiaries and divisions have been identified by the
United States. Environmental Protection Agency and certain state environmental
agencies and private parties as PRPs at 28 hazardous waste disposal sites under
the Superfund and equivalent state laws and, as such, may be liable for the cost
of clean-up and other remedial activities at these sites. Responsibility for
clean-up and other remedial activities at a Superfund site is typically shared
among PRPs based on an allocation formula. The means of determining allocation
among PRPs is generally set forth in a written agreement entered into by the
PRPs at a particular site. An allocated share assigned to a PRP is often based
on the PRP's volumetric contribution of waste to the site and the
characteristics of the waste material.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   27
 
     Based on information available to the Company, which, in most cases,
includes an estimate of allocation of liability among PRPs; the probability that
other PRPs, many of whom are large, solvent public companies, will fully pay the
cost apportioned to them; currently available information from PRPs and/or
federal or state environmental agencies concerning the scope of contamination
and estimated remediation costs; estimated legal fees; and other factors, the
Company has established a reserve in its financial statements for indicated
environmental liabilities of approximately $11 million at March 31, 1996. The
Company expects this amount to be expended over the next three to five years.
 
   
     In connection with the Spin-Off, the Company and BW-Security entered into a
Distribution and Indemnity Agreement which provided for, among other matters,
certain cross-indemnities designed principally to place financial responsibility
for the liabilities of businesses conducted by BW-Security and its subsidiaries
with BW-Security and financial responsibility for liabilities of the Company or
related to its automotive businesses with the Company. The Company has been
advised that BW-Security believes that the Company is responsible for certain
liabilities relating to environmental matters retained by BW-Security at the
time of the Spin-Off. BW-Security has requested indemnification from the Company
for past costs of approximately $1.6 million and for future costs related to
these environmental matters. At the time of the Spin-Off, BW-Security maintained
a letter of credit for approximately $9 million with respect to such
environmental matters. Although there can be no assurance, based upon
information currently available to the Company, the Company does not believe
that it is required to indemnify BW-Security under the Distribution and
Indemnity Agreement with respect to such liabilities. In addition, the Company
does not currently have information sufficient to determine what its liability
would be if it is ultimately determined that it is required to indemnify
BW-Security with respect to such liabilities.
    
 
     The Company believes that none of these matters, individually or in the
aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or
future operating results, generally either because estimates of the maximum
potential liability at a site are not large or because liability will be shared
with other PRPs, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate
outcome of any such matter.
 
  Coltec Acquisition
 
   
     On June 17, 1996, the Company acquired the operations and substantially all
of the operating assets of the Coltec Divisions for $283 million in cash. The
Coltec Acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's revolving
credit facility.
    
 
PRO FORMA CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY OF THE COMPANY
 
   
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet reflects significant
changes from the Company's historical financial condition as of March 31, 1996.
Net working capital and net fixed assets would have increased $23 million and
$26 million, respectively, as a result of the Coltec Acquisition. Net working
capital acquired in the Coltec Acquisition excludes substantially all
operations-related accrued expenses incurred in the normal monthly operating
cycle. The Company believes that an increase in these types of liabilities will
occur with the operation of the Coltec Divisions and could result in a reduction
of net working capital position in the remainder of 1996. For purposes of the
pro forma financial statements, the excess of the purchase price over the value
of the assets was allocated to goodwill. Goodwill would have increased $238
million as a result of the Coltec Acquisition, from $312 million to $550
million. Goodwill is expected to be amortized over its estimated useful life.
For pro forma purposes, a 30-year amortization period has been used.
    
 
   
     The $283 million purchase price plus approximately $5 million in other
acquisition costs was financed with borrowings under the Company's $300 million
revolving credit facility; this would result in a $288 million increase in
long-term debt, from $90 million to $378 million. There would be no change in
the Company's stockholders' equity as a result of the Coltec Acquisition. The
resulting capital structure of $422 million in total debt and $604 million in
equity increases the Company's leverage ratio of debt to debt plus equity from
18% to 41%. The Company believes that it will be able to satisfy cash needs for
the remainder of 1996 and meet its long-term business growth objectives with
adequate sources of capital available through a combination of cash from
operations, borrowing capacity and access to capital markets.
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   28
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
   
     The Company is a leading, global Tier I supplier of highly engineered
systems and components, primarily for automotive powertrain applications. These
products are manufactured and sold worldwide, primarily to OEMs of passenger
cars, sport utility vehicles and light trucks. The Company, which operates 36
manufacturing facilities in 12 countries serving the North American, European
and Asian automotive markets, is an original equipment supplier to every major
OEM in the world. The Company has achieved its current leadership position and
is well positioned to benefit from emerging trends in the global automotive
markets as a result of several key competitive strengths, including: (i) the
ability to supply its customers globally; (ii) demonstrated technological
expertise in developing highly engineered systems and components; (iii) strong
relationships with all major OEMs; (iv) significant market shares in a number of
its key products; and (v) a strong presence in and focus on high-growth vehicle
categories and platforms.
    
 
     The Company maintains a global network of contacts within the automotive
industry and works with its customers in all stages of production, including
design, development, component sourcing, quality assurance, manufacture and
delivery. The Company believes that its industry contacts and early involvement
in the design and engineering of new products as a Tier I supplier affords the
Company a competitive advantage in securing new business and provides customers
significant cost reduction opportunities through the coordination of design,
development and manufacturing processes. Suppliers to OEMs that design,
engineer, manufacture and conduct quality control testing are generally referred
to as "Tier I" suppliers. The Company maintains an excellent reputation with the
OEMs for timely delivery and customer service and for providing world-class
quality at a competitive price. The Company has received more than 40 awards for
outstanding quality from its customers worldwide.
 
PRIOR HISTORY OF THE COMPANY
 
     The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1987 in connection with the
acquisition of Borg-Warner Corporation ("Old Borg-Warner") by an indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of BW-Security.
 
     The Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of BW-Security until January 27,
1993, at which time it was distributed to the stockholders of BW-Security in the
tax-free Spin-Off. The capital structure of the Company was established with
$480 million of equity and debt of $251 million.
 
     For additional information concerning the history of the Company and
BW-Security and a description of the benefits derived from the acquisition of
Old Borg-Warner by affiliates of MLCP and other investors, including the
Company's management, as well as certain obligations of the Company and
BW-Security to each other under agreements entered into in connection with the
Spin-Off, see "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Company's
Proxy Statement for the 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is
incorporated by reference herein. See "Incorporation of Certain Information by
Reference."
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
   
     The Company's business objective is to maintain its position as one of the
leading independent suppliers of highly engineered systems and components for
automotive powertrain applications. The Company pursues this objective in
several ways. First, the Company seeks to maintain its position and reputation
as a technological leader in its product groups. Second, the Company seeks to
maintain its price competitiveness by continuing to improve the efficiency of
its operations, including its production processes. Third, the Company believes
that it is well positioned to take advantage of certain trends within the global
automotive market. The Company believes that these trends include (i) a growing
demand for automatic transmissions with a greater number of speeds (the
Company's component content in an automatic transmission rises as the number of
speeds increases), (ii) a growing demand for 4WD vehicles, (iii) an increasing
demand for overhead cam engines, (iv) a growing demand for automatic
transmissions and air and fluid management systems in Europe and in Asia, (v)
the increasing tendency of OEMs to purchase integrated systems rather than
individual components, and (vi) demand in markets outside the United States for
air and fluid management products, particularly emission controls. Fourth, the
Company continues to pursue strategic joint ventures and selected acquisitions
within its existing or related lines of business. The Company continues to
maintain its strong presence in Europe and Asia as a result of its recent
acquisitions and joint ventures. The
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   29
 
Company believes its global presence will enable it to better withstand the
effect of cyclical downturns in the United States automotive market, while
serving its OEM customers as a global supplier. See " -- Recent Developments."
 
     Over the past several years, the Company has remained focused on and
committed to achieving its business objective. Sales have increased from $820
million in 1991 to $1.33 billion in 1995, reflecting a 12.8% compound annual
growth rate and outperforming the approximately 4% compound annual growth rate
of North American vehicle sales. The Company's sales outside the United States
are increasing and in 1995 represented 16% of consolidated sales. Including
unconsolidated joint ventures, 1995 sales outside the United States constituted
33% of total sales. The Company's sales have increased at a greater rate than
market growth as a result of higher content per vehicle and higher market share.
The Company's emphasis on providing systems and introduction of new technologies
has enabled it to substantially increase its content per vehicle. For example,
the timing system on the Ford modular engine consists of up to four chains as
well as sprockets, snubbers and tensioners as compared with a single timing
chain on the previous generation pushrod engine. The Company's market share
gains have been achieved during a period of OEM supplier consolidation which has
benefited the Company. Such growth in sales has been accompanied by growth in
profitability. Over the same period, EBIT increased from $22 million in 1991 to
$125 million in 1995, with EBIT margins rising from 2.6% in 1991 to 9.4% in
1995, and sales per employee rising from $128,000 in 1991 to $163,000 in 1995.
 
     Demonstrated Technological Expertise and Leadership.  The Company believes
that it is recognized throughout the global automotive industry as a leader in
technological innovation, expertise and excellence. A significant component of
the Company's business strategy is to maintain and enhance this reputation. In
order to achieve this, the Company is committed to being the technological
leader in its markets by developing and producing state-of-the-art products
using state-of-the-art processes. The Company is also able to parlay its
technological expertise into designing and developing complete systems for its
customers.
 
     The Company has 310 engineers dedicated to R&D and a significant long-term
commitment to R&D. The Company has obtained over 3,000 patents in its history
and currently has approximately 1,900 active domestic and foreign patents and
patent applications, pending or under preparation.
 
     Throughout its history, the Company has been an innovative technology
partner to the global automotive industry. The Company's engineering
achievements include the single-plate manual clutch, a "silent" chain engine
timing system, and high-volume HY-VO(R) chain for FWD and 4WD applications. In
transmissions alone, the Company's engineering achievements include the first
automatic transmission model sold worldwide and the world's first fully
electronic continuously variable transmission.
 
     Products developed and produced by the Company include the TOD(TM) transfer
case which allows vehicles to automatically shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD
when electronic sensors indicate it is necessary. Other products include the
MORSE GEMINI(TM) Transmission Chain System. Products expected to be introduced
in future model years include a complete air and fluid system. In addition, the
Company continues to develop integrated systems incorporating individual
components, such as the one-way clutch and drum assembly developed for Ford.
 
     Continuous Process Improvements and Production Efficiencies.  In recent
years, automotive OEMs have reduced the number of their suppliers and
transferred additional responsibility for design, engineering and quality
control to their remaining suppliers. In addition, there has been substantial
and continuing pressure from the major automotive OEMs to reduce costs,
including costs associated with outside suppliers such as the Company. As a
result, the OEMs have demanded annual selling price reductions from such
suppliers. Annual price reductions granted in 1995 totaled approximately $8.0
million. Although the Company believes that it produces a technologically
sophisticated product at a competitive cost, the Company must continually seek
to control and reduce costs in order to maintain its gross margins in light of
such price pressure. Continuing improvement in the efficiency of operations,
including production processes, is therefore another significant component of
the Company's strategy. Accordingly, the Company has adopted a "lean"
manufacturing philosophy that seeks to eliminate waste and inefficiency in its
operations. The Company's R&D staff works together throughout its worldwide
operations sharing ideas and accumulated knowledge regarding powertrain
applications and customer requirements. The Company also fosters an environment
of continuous
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   30
 
improvement by critically comparing its products and processes against those of
its competitors and customers in terms of quality, cost, safety, efficiency and
delivery.
 
     Global Industry Trends.  In the near term, the Company believes that it is
well positioned to take advantage of certain trends in the global automotive
industry that could permit the Company to increase sales and profits without
long-term growth in the global automotive industry. These trends include:
 
     - The air and fluid management systems market is one in which the Company
       believes there are significant growth opportunities driven by
       increasingly stringent air emissions regulations both in the United
       States and overseas.
 
     - Light trucks and sport utility vehicles with four-wheel drive options are
       increasingly popular with vehicle purchasers. Since the Company is a
       major manufacturer of transfer cases and transmission chain for 4WD
       vehicles, the Company believes that it is well positioned to take
       advantage of this trend.
 
     - Fuel efficiency and customer demands are causing a shift from three-speed
       to four-speed and five-speed automatic transmissions as well as
       increasing demand for double overhead cam engines. Transmissions with a
       greater number of speeds require a higher content per transmission of the
       Company's automatic transmission components. Double overhead cam engines
       also require higher content per vehicle because they utilize complex
       timing systems as compared to pushrod engines.
 
     - The Company will seek to capitalize on the increasing tendency of the
       OEMs to purchase integrated systems rather than individual components.
 
     - Installations of automatic transmissions are projected to increase for
       automobiles sold in Europe and Asia. For example, in Europe, automatic
       transmissions are installed on only approximately 12% of the cars and
       light trucks sold as compared to approximately 80% installation on cars
       sold in North America. Because of the Company's experience in developing
       technologically advanced automatic transmission components, the Company
       believes it is well positioned to benefit from any such increase.
 
   
     Growth Through Joint Ventures and Acquisitions.  In addition to internal
growth, the Company expects to continue to grow through strategic joint ventures
and selected acquisitions. In the last 18 months, the Company has acquired its
partner's shares in its Regina-Warner joint venture to improve its engine timing
business in Europe, has acquired the Precision Forged Products Division of
Federal Mogul Corporation to enhance its systems capability in one-way clutches,
has acquired SUM in France to provide a local manufacturing and engineering base
for its air/fluid systems products in Europe and has acquired the Coltec
Divisions to significantly expand its global air and fluid systems management
business. The Company has also established joint ventures for transfer case and
manual transmission manufacturing in India with Divgi Metalwares Private, Ltd.
("Divgi") and for manual transmissions in China with Shiyan Automotive
Transmission Factory ("Shiyan").
    
 
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
   
     On June 17, 1996, the Company acquired the operations and substantially all
of the operating assets of the Coltec Divisions for $283 million in cash. The
Coltec Divisions have a broad base of air and fluid management products,
established OEM relationships, and three technologically advanced manufacturing
facilities. These operations produced combined sales of $255 million in 1995.
The Coltec Acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's
revolving credit facility. See " -- Air/Fluid Systems" and "Prospectus
Summary -- Pro Forma Financial Data."
    
 
   
     The Coltec Acquisition will provide the Company with a number of strategic
benefits. The air and fluid management systems market is one in which the
Company believes there are significant growth opportunities driven principally
by increasingly stringent air emissions regulations both in the U.S. and in
Europe. The Company also believes that since few suppliers control a large share
of the growing air and fluid management market, the Company has additional
opportunities to increase its market share because of its technological
expertise and broad range of products. By combining the Coltec Divisions'
component products with the Air/Fluid System's complementary system-based
products, the Coltec Acquisition positions the Company to
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   31
 
capitalize on the high-growth air and fluid management systems market and to
become a global supplier of complete, integrated air and fluid management
systems. The Coltec Acquisition will also serve to better balance the Company's
business mix by significantly expanding the Company's operations in the air and
fluid management systems business as Air/Fluid Systems pro forma sales will
represent approximately 22% of total consolidated sales, more than double the
Air/Fluid Systems sales in 1995 of 8%. Moreover, the Coltec Acquisition will
allow the Company to further strengthen its relationships with existing OEM
customers, especially Chrysler. Additionally, with the Company's 1995
acquisition of SUM, it is well positioned to begin manufacturing air and fluid
management systems in Europe.
 
   
     For 1996, the Company expects that the sales contribution from the Coltec
Divisions will be less than their 1995 sales because of the timing of certain
new and expiring programs. The Company also expects that there will be a similar
impact with respect to the earnings contribution from these operations in 1996
because of lower volume, a change in the product mix of the businesses, and
price reductions partially offset by cost reductions and productivity gains.
This trend is expected to continue through 1997, after which new programs are
expected to positively impact sales and earnings trends.
    
 
     One of the Company's strategic objectives has been to pursue strategic
joint ventures and selected acquisitions in its existing or related lines of
business. The Coltec Acquisition is evidence of the Company's commitment to the
realization of this objective. The Company continues to monitor additional
growth opportunities.
 
   
     The Coltec Divisions will add design and manufacturing capability in engine
air intake management products and systems, emission air pumps, and oil pumps to
the Company's Air/Fluid Systems existing product line. Complementary product
lines in transmission, steering and suspension solenoids and proprietary wet
friction materials and synchronizers have also been added to existing Company
capabilities. Facilities acquired in the Coltec Acquisition are located in
Warren, Michigan; Water Valley, Mississippi; Sallisaw, Oklahoma; Longview,
Texas; and Kettering, United Kingdom. The Company plans to expand Coltec's
historical focus on components for the North American market to systems
throughout the world, especially in Europe.
    
 
PRODUCTS
 
     The Company's products fall into four categories: Powertrain Systems,
Automatic Transmission Systems, Morse TEC and Air/Fluid Systems. Net revenues by
product grouping for the three years ended December 31, 1995 and the three month
periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 are as follows (in millions of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     THREE MONTHS
                                                                                         ENDED
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               MARCH 31,
                                            ----------------------------------     -----------------
                                              1993         1994         1995        1995       1996
                                            --------     --------     --------     ------     ------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
Powertrain Systems........................  $  418.4     $  529.9     $  544.8     $140.4     $139.0
Automatic Transmission Systems............     307.6        378.5        454.4       98.6      119.3
Morse TEC.................................     202.3        239.9        257.6       70.4       66.0
Air/Fluid Systems.........................      83.7         97.3        107.6       28.0       33.8
                                              ------     --------     --------     ------     ------
                                             1,012.0      1,245.6      1,364.4      337.4      358.1
Interbusiness eliminations................     (26.6)       (22.2)       (35.3)      (9.6)      (9.2)
                                              ------     --------     --------     ------     ------
Net sales.................................  $  985.4     $1,223.4     $1,329.1     $327.8     $348.9
                                              ======     ========     ========     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
The sales information presented above excludes the sales by the Company's
unconsolidated joint ventures. See "-- Joint Ventures" below. Such sales
totalled approximately $394 million in 1995, approximately $316 million in 1994,
approximately $312 million in 1993, approximately $101 million for the three
months ended March 31, 1995, and approximately $94 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1996.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   32
 
POWERTRAIN SYSTEMS
 
     The Company manufactures fully assembled transmission systems and
components for automotive applications. Major products include 4WD and all-wheel
drive transfer cases and manual transmissions.
 
     Transfer cases are installed on light trucks and sport utility vehicles. A
transfer case attaches to the transmission and distributes torque to the front
and rear axles for 4WD, improving vehicle control during off-road use and in a
variety of road conditions. Shifting from two-wheel drive to 4WD can be
accomplished mechanically through a lever or electronically through a
push-button activated motor.
 
     The Company has designed and developed an exclusive 4WD TOD(TM) transfer
case system, which allows vehicles to automatically shift from two-wheel drive
to 4WD when electronic sensors indicate it is necessary. The TOD(TM) transfer
case is a feature on the Ford Explorer, the best selling sport utility vehicle
in the United States in 1995 and will be available on the Ford Expedition, a new
sport utility vehicle.
 
     Sales of 4WD transfer cases represented 30%, 26% and 28% of the Company's
total revenues for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The Company believes that
it is the world's leading independent manufacturer of 4WD transfer cases,
producing approximately 847,000 transfer cases in 1995. The Company's largest
customer of 4WD transfer cases is Ford. The Company supplies substantially all
of the 4WD transfer cases for Ford, including those installed in the Ford
Explorer and the Ford F-150 pickup truck.
 
     The Company has entered into an agreement with Mercedes-Benz Project, Inc.,
a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG, for the Company to supply transfer cases for a
new 4WD vehicle, which will be produced beginning in 1997 at Mercedes-Benz's new
United States passenger vehicle manufacturing facility. Under the five-year
agreement, which has a three-year extension provision, the Company will develop
the technology and supply Mercedes-Benz with new two-speed, electronically
controlled, all-wheel drive transfer cases that are compatible with its
anti-skid braking system. In 1995, the Company purchased a 211,000 sq. ft.
facility in Seneca, South Carolina, to serve as the production facility for
manufacture of the Mercedes-Benz transfer case.
 
   
     The Company also designs and manufactures five- and six-speed rear-wheel
drive manual transmissions for passenger cars and light trucks. Sales of manual
transmissions accounted for 11%, 14% and 10% of the Company's total sales in
1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The Company believes that it was the leading
independent manufacturer of manual transmissions for cars and light trucks in
North America in 1995. The Company's five-speed manual transmission is used in
high performance cars such as the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro and the
Pontiac Firebird, and light trucks such as the Isuzu Rodeo and the SsangYong
Musso. The Company's six-speed manual transmission is used in the Dodge Viper,
the Camaro Z-28 and the Firebird Formula and Trans Am. The Company is the sole
supplier of manual transmissions for these cars.
    
 
     In January 1996, the Company announced its intention to seek a buyer for
its North American manual transmission business due to the decline in demand for
such products in North America and rising in-house supply of manual
transmissions by OEMs. See "Risk Factors -- Sale of Manual Transmission
Business."
 
     The Company signed agreements to establish joint ventures in India and
China in 1995 for the manufacture of 4WD transfer cases and manual
transmissions. See " -- Joint Ventures."
 
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS
 
     The Company engineers and manufactures components for automatic
transmissions, as well as the systems which combine such components, around the
world. Principal product lines include friction plates, one-way clutches,
transmission bands and torque converters for automatic transmissions.
 
     The Company manufactures over 100 different varieties of friction plates
incorporating asbestos-free, organic friction paper linings. The Company offers
over 20 proprietary friction material formulas, each developed to satisfy
specific customer requirements. The quality of the friction surface results in
high durability, smooth shifting quality, low noise and vibration and minimal
drag. The Company also manufactures over 16 varieties of transmission bands used
in automatic transmissions and over 100 types of one-way clutches for automotive
and aircraft applications. The Company believes that, with the inclusion of its
NSK-Warner joint venture, the Automatic Transmission Systems group is a leading
manufacturer and supplier of
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   33
 
friction elements and one-way clutches in North America, Europe and Asia. The
Company is a supplier to virtually every major automatic transmission
manufacturer in the world.
 
     In 1995, the Company completed the purchase of PFPD. PFPD is a manufacturer
of precision forged sintered metallurgy products, including races for one-way
clutches and engine connecting rods which utilize powdered metal technology.
This acquisition will allow the Company to incorporate products of PFPD with
existing products to become a supplier of one-way clutch systems.
 
MORSE TEC
 
     Morse TEC manufactures chain and chain systems, including HY-VO(R) FWD and
4WD chain, MORSE GEMINITM Transmission Chain Systems, timing chain and timing
chain systems, crankshaft and camshaft sprockets, chain tensioners and snubbers.
 
     HY-VO(R) chain is used in FWD transmissions and for 4WD transfer case
applications. The transmission chain is used to transfer power from the engine
to the transmission. The Company's MORSE GEMINITM Transmission Chain System,
which is used on Chrysler's LH models, emits significantly less chain pitch
frequency noise than conventional transmission chain systems. In 1997, GM will
be incorporating this system in its FWD vehicles. The chain in a transfer case
distributes power between the front and rear output shafts which, in turn,
drives the front and rear wheels. The Company believes it is the world's leading
manufacturer of chain for FWD transmissions and 4WD transfer cases. The Company
is an original equipment supplier to every major manufacturer who uses chain for
such applications.
 
     The Company manufactures complete engine timing chain systems and accessory
drives, including chain, sprockets, tensioners, snubbers, balance shaft gears
and precision gearing. Timing chain is installed around the crankshaft and
camshaft sprockets. The crankshaft turns and transfers power via the timing
chain to the camshaft. The camshaft, in turn, operates the intake and exhaust
valves in the engine cylinder head. The Company's timing chain system is used on
Ford's new modular family of overhead cam engines, including the Duratech
engine. The Company recently announced that it will be designing and producing a
similar timing chain system for Chrysler's new overhead cam engines beginning in
late 1997. The Company believes that it is the world's leading manufacturer of
timing chain.
 
AIR/FLUID SYSTEMS
 
     The Air/Fluid Systems business designs and manufactures sophisticated
mechanical, electro-mechanical and electronic components and systems for engine
air intake and exhaust management and fuel and vapor management, as well as for
electronically-controlled automatic transmissions and steering and suspension
systems. Key products for engine air intake management produced by the Company
include throttle bodies, intake manifolds, throttle position sensors and
complete engine induction systems. The Company's products for emissions control
and improved mileage include mechanical and electrical air pumps, air control
valves and pressure feedback exhaust gas re-circulation valves. The fuel
management and vapor recovery products include roll valves, canister purge
solenoids, and complete vapor recovery systems. The Company also produces oil
pumps and proprietary wet friction materials for synchronizers, transfer cases
and manual transmissions.
 
     In 1995, the Company completed the purchase of SUM, a designer and
manufacturer of electro-mechanical and electronic automotive components located
in Tulle, Cedex, France. This acquisition provides a manufacturing and
engineering base for the expansion of the Company's air and fluid management
products in Europe.
 
   
     The Coltec Divisions add design and manufacturing capability in engine air
intake management products and systems, emission air pumps, and oil pumps to the
Company's Air/Fluid Systems product line. Complementary product lines in
transmission, steering and suspension solenoids and proprietary wet friction
materials and synchronizers have also been added to existing Company
capabilities. Facilities acquired in the Coltec Acquisition are located in
Warren, Michigan; Water Valley, Mississippi; Sallisaw, Oklahoma; Longview,
Texas; and Kettering, U.K. The Company plans to expand Coltec's historical focus
on components for the North American market to systems throughout the world,
especially in Europe. See "-- Recent Developments."
    
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   34
 
JOINT VENTURES
 
     The Company has eight ventures in which it has a less-than-100% ownership
interest. Results from three of these ventures, in which the Company is the
majority owner, are consolidated as part of the Company's results. The Company's
ownership interest in the remaining five joint ventures ranges from 20% to 50%.
The results of NSK-Warner, Warner-Ishi Corporation, Beijing Warner Gear Co.,
Ltd. and Korea Powertrain Ltd. are reported using the equity method.
 
     In 1995, the Company entered into a joint venture with Divgi to produce
transfer cases, manual transmissions and automatic locking hubs in India. The
venture, Divgi-Warner, is expected to begin operations in the second half of
1996 and is 60%-owned by the Company and 40%-owned by Divgi.
 
     In 1995, the Company entered into a joint venture with Shiyan to produce
manual transmissions in China. The venture, Huazhong Warner, is 60%-owned by the
Company and 40%-owned by Shiyan.
 
     Management of the unconsolidated joint ventures is shared with the
Company's respective joint venture partners. Certain information concerning the
Company's joint ventures is set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            PERCENTAGE                                  
                                                              OWNED      LOCATION                          FISCAL 1995
                                                  YEAR        BY THE        OF             JOINT              SALES
      JOINT VENTURE              PRODUCTS       ORGANIZED    COMPANY     OPERATION    VENTURE PARTNER    ($ IN MILLONS)
- --------------------------  ------------------  ---------   ----------   ---------   -----------------   -----------------
<S>                         <C>                 <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>                 <C> 
Unconsolidated
  NSK-Warner K.K..........  Friction products     1964        50%          Japan       Nippon Seiko K.K.        $ 337
  Warner-Ishi
    Corporation...........  Turbochargers         1980        50%          U.S.        Ishikawajima-            $  15
                                                                                       Harima Heavy
                                                                                       Industries Co.,
                                                                                       Ltd.
  Beijing Warner
    Gear Co., Ltd.........  Manual                1992        39%          China       Beijing Gear             $  34
                            transmissions                                              Works
  Korea Powertrain,
    Ltd...................  Torque converters     1993        20%          Korea       Pyeong HWA               $   8
                                                                                       Clutch Industries
                                                                                       Co. Ltd.
  Warner-Ishi
    Europe, S.P.A.........  Turbochargers         1995        50%          Italy       Ishikawajima-              N/A
                                                                                       Harima Heavy
                                                                                       Industries Co.,
                                                                                       Ltd.
Consolidated
  Borg-Warner
  Automotive Korea,
  Inc.....................  Friction products     1987        60%          Korea       Hyundai Motor            $  25
                                                                                       Company,
                                                                                       NSK-Warner K.K.
  Divgi-Warner
    Private, Ltd..........  Transfer cases,       1995        60%          India       Divgi Metalworks           N/A
                            manual                                                     Private, Ltd.
                            transmissions, and
                            automatic locking
                            hubs
  Huazhong Warner
    Transmission
    Company Ltd...........  Manual                1995        60%          China       Shiyan Automotive          N/A
                            transmissions                                              Transmission
                                                                                       Factory
</TABLE>
 
     See Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 28 of
the Company's Annual Report (incorporated herein by reference) for geographic
information. See "Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference."
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   35
 
CUSTOMERS
 
     Approximately 86% of the Company's total sales in 1995 were to automotive
OEMs, with the remaining 14% of the Company's sales to a diversified group of
industrial, construction and agricultural vehicle manufacturers, auto parts
manufacturers and to distributors of automotive aftermarket and replacement
parts.
 
     The Company's worldwide sales in 1995 to Ford and GM constituted
approximately 41% and 25%, respectively, of its 1995 consolidated sales. Sales
to Chrysler constituted approximately 9% of total consolidated sales in 1995.
The Coltec Acquisition would have increased Chrysler sales to approximately 13%
of sales. Approximately 27% of consolidated sales for 1995 were outside the
United States, including exports. However, a substantial portion of such sales
were to foreign OEMs of vehicles that are, in turn, exported to the United
States. See Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the
Company's Annual Report. If sales from unconsolidated joint ventures were
included in 1995 consolidated sales, worldwide sales to Toyota would be
approximately 10% of such sales.
 
     The Company's automotive products are sold directly to OEMs pursuant to the
terms and conditions of the OEM's purchase orders, and deliveries are subject to
periodic authorizations based upon the production schedules of the OEMs. The
Company ships its products directly from its plants to the OEMs.
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
     Each of the Company's four business groups has its own sales function
headed by a Vice-President of Sales. Account executives for each group are
assigned to service specific OEM customers for one or more of a business group's
products. Such account executives spend the majority of their time in direct
contact with OEM purchasing employees and engineers and are responsible for
servicing existing business and for identifying and obtaining new business.
Because of their close relationship with the OEMs, account executives are able
to identify and meet customers' needs based upon their knowledge of the
Company's products and design and manufacturing capabilities. Upon securing a
new order, account executives are responsible for negotiating the terms of the
purchase contract.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
     Each of the Company's business groups has its own R&D organization.
Approximately 310 employees, including engineers, mechanics and technicians, are
engaged in R&D activities at Company facilities worldwide. The Company also
operates testing facilities such as prototype, measurement and calibration, life
testing and dynamometer laboratories.
 
     By working closely with the OEMs and anticipating their future product
needs, the Company's R&D personnel conceive, design, develop and manufacture new
proprietary automotive systems and components. R&D personnel also work to
improve current products and production processes. The Company believes its
commitment to R&D will allow it to obtain new orders from its OEM customers.
 
     Consistent with its strategy of developing technologically innovative
products, the Company spent approximately $36.7 million, $33.8 million and $25.2
million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, on R&D activities. Not included in
the reported R&D activities were customer-sponsored R&D activities that were
approximately $11.3 million, $11.2 million and $16.1 million in 1995, 1994 and
1993, respectively.
 
     The Company makes a significant annual investment in R&D activities to
develop new and improved products and manufacturing processes. There can be no
assurance that R&D activities will yield new or improved products or products
which will be purchased by the OEMs, or new and improved manufacturing
processes.
 
PATENTS AND LICENSES
 
     The Company has approximately 1,900 active domestic and foreign patents and
patent applications, pending or under preparation, and receives royalties from
licensing patent rights to others. While it considers its patents on the whole
to be important, the Company does not consider any single patent, group of
related patents or any single license essential to its operations in the
aggregate. The expiration of the patents individually and in the aggregate is
not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   36
 
or future operating results. The Company owns numerous trademarks, some of which
are valuable but none of which are essential to its business in the aggregate.
 
     The "Borg-Warner Automotive" trade name, and the housemark adopted in 1984
are material to the Company's business. During 1994, the Company and BW-Security
entered into an Assignment of Trademarks and License Agreement (the "Trademark
Agreement") whereby BW-Security assigned certain trademarks and trade names
(including the "Borg-Warner Automotive" trade name) to the Company (which
trademarks and trade names had been previously licensed to the Company) for use
in the automotive field. Pursuant to the Trademark Agreement, the Company agreed
to pay an additional $7.5 million to BW-Security upon the occurrence of certain
events, including a change of control of the Company.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The Company competes worldwide with a number of other manufacturers and
distributors which produce and sell similar products. Price, quality and
technological innovation are the primary elements of competition. The Company's
competitors include vertically integrated units of the Company's major OEM
customers, as well as a large number of independent domestic and international
suppliers. Many of these companies are larger and have greater resources than
the Company.
 
     A number of the Company's major OEM customers manufacture for their own use
products which compete with the Company's products. Although these OEM customers
have indicated that they will continue to rely on outside suppliers, the OEMs
could elect to manufacture products to meet their own requirements or to compete
with the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company's business will not
be adversely affected by increased competition in the markets in which it
operates.
 
     The competitive environment has changed dramatically over the past few
years as the Company's traditional United States OEM customers, faced with
intense international competition, have expanded their worldwide sourcing of
components with the stated objective of better competing with lower-cost
imports. As a result, the Company has experienced competition from suppliers in
other parts of the world enjoying economic advantages such as lower labor costs,
lower health care costs, and, in some cases, export subsidies and/or raw
materials subsidies.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
   
     As of December 31, 1995, the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries had
approximately 8,600 salaried and hourly employees (as compared with 7,800
employees at December 31, 1994), of which approximately 7,100 were United States
employees. The Coltec Acquisition, with 681 non-union employees in the Holley
Automotive division, 221 non-union employees in the Coltec Automotive division,
and 90 non-union employees in the Performance Friction Products division,
increased the total number of the Company's employees worldwide to approximately
9,600. Approximately 59% of the Company's current domestic hourly workers are
unionized. The Company's Muncie, Indiana plant has approximately 1,665 employees
represented by the UAW. Approximately 810 hourly employees at the Company's
Ithaca, New York, plant are represented by the International Association of
Machinists. The collective bargaining agreement covering the Muncie, Indiana
plant expires in March 1998 and the collective bargaining agreement covering the
Ithaca, New York plant expires in October 1998. Pursuant to the requirements of
the National Labor Relations Act, a union representation election involving
approximately 630 hourly workers at the Company's Bellwood, Illinois facility
was held on June 14, 1996. A majority of the hourly workers voting in the
election voted against union representation. The labor organization appearing on
the ballot was the UAW. The hourly workers at the Company's European facilities
are also unionized. The Company believes its present relations with employees to
be satisfactory. See "Risk Factors -- Labor Relations."
    
 
RAW MATERIALS
 
     The Company believes that its supplies of raw materials for manufacturing
requirements in 1996 are adequate and are available from multiple sources. It is
common, however, for customers to require their prior approval before certain
raw materials or components can be used, thereby reducing sources of supply that
would otherwise be available. Manufacturing operations are dependent upon
natural gas, fuel oil, propane and electricity.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   37
 
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND PROCEEDINGS
 
     The Company's operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign
laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharge
to waters and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and
disposal of waste and other materials. The Company believes that its business,
operations and facilities have been and are being operated in compliance in all
material respects with applicable environmental and health and safety laws and
regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and criminal sanctions
for violations. However, the operation of automotive parts manufacturing plants
entails risks in these areas, and there can be no assurance that the Company
will not incur material costs or liabilities. In addition, potentially
significant expenditures could be required in order to comply with evolving
environmental and health and safety laws, regulations or requirements that may
be adopted or imposed in the future.
 
     The Company believes that the overall impact of compliance with regulations
and legislation protecting the environment will not have a material effect on
its financial position or future operating results, although no assurance can be
given in this regard. Capital expenditures and expenses in 1995 attributable to
compliance with such legislation were not material.
 
     The Company and certain of its current and former direct and indirect
corporate predecessors, subsidiaries and divisions have been identified by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency and certain state environmental
agencies and private parties as PRPs at 28 hazardous waste disposal sites under
the Superfund and equivalent state laws and, as such, may be liable for the cost
of clean-up and other remedial activities at these sites. Responsibility for
clean-up and other remedial activities at a Superfund site is typically shared
among PRPs based on an allocation formula. The means of determining allocation
among PRPs is generally set forth in a written agreement entered into by the
PRPs at a particular site. An allocated share assigned to a PRP is often based
on the PRP's volumetric contribution of waste to a site and the characteristics
of the waste material.
 
     Based on information available to the Company which, in most cases,
includes: an estimate of allocation of liability among PRPs; the probability
that other PRPs, many of whom are large, solvent public companies, will fully
pay the costs apportioned to them; currently available information from PRPs
and/or federal or state environmental agencies concerning the scope of
contamination and estimated remediation costs; estimated legal fees; and other
factors, the Company has established a reserve for indicated environmental
liabilities with a balance of approximately $11 million at March 31, 1996. The
Company expects this amount to be expended over the next three to five years.
 
   
     In connection with the Spin-Off, the Company and BW-Security entered into a
Distribution and Indemnity Agreement which provided for, among other matters,
certain cross-indemnities designed principally to place financial responsibility
for the liabilities of businesses conducted by BW-Security and its subsidiaries
with BW-Security and financial responsibility for liabilities of the Company or
related to its automotive businesses with the Company. The Company has been
advised that BW-Security believes that the Company is responsible for certain
liabilities relating to environmental matters retained by BW-Security at the
time of the Spin-Off. BW-Security has requested indemnification from the Company
for past costs of approximately $1.6 million and for future costs related to
these environmental matters. At the time of the Spin-Off, BW-Security maintained
a letter of credit for approximately $9 million with respect to such
environmental matters. Although there can be no assurance, based upon
information currently available to the Company, the Company does not believe
that it is required to indemnify BW-Security under the Distribution and
Indemnity Agreement with respect to such liabilities. In addition, the Company
does not currently have information sufficient to determine what its liability
would be if it is ultimately determined that it is required to indemnify
BW-Security with respect to such liabilities.
    
 
     The Company believes that none of these matters, individually or in the
aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or
future operating results, generally either because estimates of the maximum
potential liability at a site are not large or because liability will be shared
with other PRPs, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate
outcome of any such matter.
 
PROPERTIES
 
   
     The Company's 36 manufacturing facilities are strategically located in the
United States, with two facilities in Germany and one facility in each of
Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Korea and Wales. The
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   38
 
Company also has numerous sales offices, warehouses and technical centers. The
Company's executive offices, which are leased, are located in Chicago, Illinois.
In general, the Company believes that its properties are in good condition and
are adequate to meet its current and reasonably anticipated needs. In 1995, the
Company purchased a 211,000 sq. ft. facility in Seneca, South Carolina, to
establish the production facility for manufacture of the Mercedes-Benz transfer
case.
 
   
     The Coltec Acquisition increased by three the number of manufacturing
facilities the Company operates by adding new facilities in Mississippi,
Oklahoma and Texas. See " -- Air/Fluid Systems."
    
 
     The following is additional information concerning the major manufacturing
plants operated by the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless
otherwise noted, these plants are owned by the Company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1995
                                                                                   PERCENT OF
                                                                                    CAPACITY
                                       LOCATIONS                              UTILIZATION(1)(2)(3)
            ----------------------------------------------------------------  --------------------
<S>         <C>                                                               <C>
U.S.:       Blytheville, Arkansas (leased); Bellwood, Dixon and Frankfort,
            Illinois; Muncie, Indiana; Sterling Heights, Coldwater, Livonia
            and Romulus, Michigan; Ithaca, New York (2 plants); Gallipolis,
            Ohio; and Cary, North Carolina..................................           114%
Non-U.S.:   Canada, France, Germany (2 plants), Italy (leased), Japan, Korea
            and Wales.......................................................            83%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) The figure shown in each case is a weighted average of the percentage
    utilization of each major plant within the category, with an individual
    plant weighted in proportion to the number of employees employed when such
    plant runs at 100% capacity. Capacity utilization at the 100% level is
    defined as operating five days per week, with two eight-hour shifts per day
    and normal vacation schedules.
 
   
(2) During 1995, the Company acquired facilities in South Carolina, France,
    India, China and Taiwan and, in connection with the Coltec Acquisition,
    acquired facilities in Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas from the Coltec
    Divisions, none of which are included in the capacity utilization.
    
 
(3) Table excludes 50% or less owned joint ventures in China, Japan, Italy,
    Korea and Illinois.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     The Company is presently, and from time to time, subject to claims and
suits arising in the ordinary course of its business. In certain such actions,
plaintiffs request punitive or other damages that may not be covered by
insurance. The Company believes that it has established adequate provisions for
litigation liabilities in its financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. These provisions include both legal fees and
possible outcomes of legal proceedings.
 
     Centaur Insurance Company ("Centaur"), Old Borg-Warner's discontinued
property and casualty insurance subsidiary and currently a wholly owned
subsidiary of BW-Security, ceased writing insurance in 1984 and has been
operating under rehabilitation since September 1987. Rehabilitation is a process
supervised by the Illinois Director of Insurance to attempt to compromise
liabilities at an aggregate level that is not in excess of Centaur's assets. In
rehabilitation, Centaur's assets are currently being used to satisfy claim
liabilities under direct insurance policies written by Centaur. Any remaining
assets will be applied to Centaur's obligations to other insurance companies
under reinsurance contracts. The foregoing has resulted in several lawsuits
seeking substantial dollar amounts being filed against BW-Security, and in some
cases the Company, for recovery of alleged damages from the failure of Centaur
to satisfy its reinsurance obligations. All of these lawsuits, except one to
which the Company is not currently a party, have been settled. The defense of
this litigation is being managed by BW-Security and the Company is indemnified
by BW-Security for any losses or expenses arising out of the litigation.
 
     It is the opinion of the Company that the various asserted claims and
litigation in which the Company is currently involved will not materially affect
its financial position or future operating results, although no assurance can be
given with respect to the ultimate outcome for any such claim or litigation.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   39
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
   
     Set forth below are the names, ages, positions and certain other
information concerning the executive officers of the Company as of June 30,
1996.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     NAME                    AGE            POSITION WITH COMPANY
    ---------------------------------------  ---   ---------------------------------------
    <S>                                      <C>   <C>
    John F. Fiedler........................  58    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
    Robin J. Adams.........................  43    Vice President and Treasurer
    William C. Cline.......................  46    Vice President and Controller
    Gary P. Fukayama.......................  49    Executive Vice President
    Christopher A. Gebelein................  50    Vice President -- Business Development
    Laurene H. Horiszny....................  40    Vice President, Secretary and General
                                                   Counsel
    Geraldine Kinsella.....................  48    Vice President -- Human Resources
    Fred M. Kovalik........................  59    Executive Vice President
    Ronald M. Ruzic........................  57    Executive Vice President
    Terry A. Schroeder.....................  48    Vice President
    Robert Welding.........................  47    Vice President
    Matthias B. Bowman.....................  47    Director
    Albert J. Fitzgibbons, III.............  50    Director
    Paul E. Glaske.........................  62    Director
    James J. Kerley........................  73    Director
    Alexis P. Michas.......................  38    Director
    Donald C. Trauscht.....................  62    Director
    Ivan W. Gorr...........................  66    Director
</TABLE>
    
 
     Mr. Fiedler has been Chairman of the Board of Directors since March 1996
and has been Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 1995. He was
President of the Company from June 1994 to March 1996 and was Chief Operating
Officer of the Company from June 1994 to December 1994. Mr. Fiedler was
Executive Vice President of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in charge of the
North American Tire division, from 1991 to 1994. He is a director of Navistar,
Inc.
 
     Mr. Adams has been Vice President and Treasurer of the Company since May
1993. He was Assistant Treasurer of the Company from 1991 to 1993 and Assistant
Treasurer of BW-Security from 1991 to 1993.
 
     Mr. Cline has been Vice President and Controller of the Company since May
1993. He was Assistant Controller of BW-Security from 1987 to 1993.
 
     Mr. Fukayama has been Executive Vice President of the Company since
November 1992. He has been Group President of the Company and President of
Borg-Warner Automotive Air/Fluid Systems Corporation since May 1996. He was
President and General Manager of Borg-Warner Automotive Automatic Transmission
Systems Corporation from January 1995 to May 1996. He was President and General
Manager of Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation,
Automatic Transmission Systems from November 1992 to December 1994. He was
President and General Manager of the Friction Products Business Group of
Borg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation from
February 1991 to October 1992.
 
     Mr. Gebelein has been Vice President -- Business Development of the Company
since January 1995. He was General Manager of Corporate Development of Inland
Steel Industries from 1987 to 1994.
 
     Ms. Horiszny has been Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of the
Company since May 1993. She was Assistant General Counsel of the Company from
December 1991 to 1993, and Senior Attorney of the Company from 1988 to December
1991.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   40
 
     Ms. Kinsella has been Vice President -- Human Resources of the Company
since May 1993. She was Vice President -- Human Resources of Borg-Warner
Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation, Automatic Transmission
Systems from November 1990 to May 1993.
 
     Mr. Kovalik has been Executive Vice President of the Company and President
and General Manager of Borg-Warner Automotive Powertrain Systems Corporation
since March 1994. He was General Manager of Heavy and Medium Duty Transmissions
of Eaton Corporation from April 1992 to February 1994; Marketing
Manager-Transmissions of Eaton Corporation from February 1991 to April 1992 and
Manager-Manufacturing and Quality of Eaton Corporation from February 1989 to
1991.
 
     Mr. Ruzic has been Executive Vice President of the Company and President
and General Manager of Borg-Warner Automotive Morse TEC Corporation since
October 1992. He was President and General Manager of Borg-Warner Automotive
Transmission & Engine Components Corporation, Morse Chain Systems from December
1989 to 1992.
 
     Mr. Schroeder has been Vice President of the Company since April 1995 and
Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Borg-Warner Automotive Air/Fluid
Systems Corporation since May 1996. He was President and General Manager of the
Company's Control Systems Group from December 1993 to May 1996. Mr. Schroeder
was Vice President and Director of Business Development for ITT Cannon
("Cannon") from February 1993 to November 1993, and General Manager of Cannon's
Components Group in North America and Asia from 1991 to February 1993.
 
     Mr. Welding has been Vice President of the Company and President of
Borg-Warner Automotive Automatic Transmission Systems Corporation since May
1996. He was Vice President -- Operations of Borg-Warner Automotive Automatic
Transmissions System Corporation, Bellwood Plant, from November 1993 to May
1996. He was Vice President -- Operations of Borg-Warner Automotive Automatic
Transmission Systems Corporation, Frankfort Plant, from November 1990 to October
1993.
 
   
     Mr. Bowman has been Vice Chairman of Investment Banking for Merrill Lynch
Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S") since 1993, and has been
President and a Director of MLCP since 1994. He has been a Managing Director of
the Investment Banking Division of MLPF&S since 1978.
    
 
   
     Mr. Fitzgibbons has been a Partner and a Director of Stonington Partners,
Inc., an investment management firm, since 1993, and has been a Director of MLCP
since 1988. He was a Partner of MLCP from 1993 to 1994 and Executive Vice
President of MLCP from 1988 to 1993. He was also a Managing Director of the
Investment Banking Division of MLPF&S from 1978 to July 1994. He is a Director
of BW-Security, Dictaphone Corporation, Eckerd Corporation and United Artists
Theatre Circuit, Inc.
    
 
     Mr. Glaske has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since April 1992
and President since July 1986 of Blue Bird Corporation, a leading manufacturer
of school buses, motor homes and a variety of other vehicles. Mr. Glaske is also
a Director of Trust Company Bank of Middle Georgia.
 
     Mr. Kerley was Chairman of the Board of Rohr, Inc. ("Rohr"), a manufacturer
of aircraft engine components from January 1993 until his retirement from the
Board in December 1994. Mr. Kerley was interim President and Chief Executive
Officer of Rohr from January 1993 until May 1993. From September 1981 until his
retirement in December 1985, he was Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of
Emerson Electric Company, a manufacturer of electronic, electrical and other
products. Mr. Kerley is also a director of Sterling Chemicals, Inc., ESCO
Electronics, Inc. and DT Industries, Inc.
 
   
     Mr. Michas has been a Partner and a Director of Stonington Partners, Inc.,
an investment management firm, since 1993, and has been a Director of MLCP since
1989. He was a Partner of MLCP from 1993 to 1994 and Senior Vice President of
MLCP from 1989 to 1993. He was also a Managing Director of the Investment
Banking Division of MLPF&S from 1991 to 1994 and a Director in the Investment
Banking Division of MLPF&S from 1990 to 1991. He is also a Director of Blue Bird
Corporation, BW-Security, Dictaphone Corporation, Eckerd Corporation, Pathmark
Stores, Inc. and Supermarkets General Holding Corporation.
    
 
     Mr. Trauscht was Chairman of the Board from December 1992 until December
1995; Chief Executive Officer from January 1992 to October 1995; and President
from January 1992 to April 1995 of BW-Security.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   41
 
Mr. Trauscht was Chief Operating Officer and President from September 1991 to
January 1992; Chief Operating Officer and Vice President from 1990 to 1991; and
Vice President -- Finance and Strategy of BW-Security from 1987 to 1990. Mr.
Trauscht was President of the Company from December 1990 and Chief Operating
Officer from September 1991 to September 1992. Mr. Trauscht is also a Director
of BW-Security, Baker Hughes Incorporated, ESCO Electronics Corporation, Thiokol
Corporation, Blue Bird Corporation, and IMO Industries, Inc.
 
     Mr. Gorr was Chairman and CEO of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company from 1989
until his retirement in 1994 and President of the Company from 1982 until 1989.
Mr. Gorr is a director of Amcast Industrial Corporation, Arvin Industries, Inc.,
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, Fifth Third Bancorp and OHM Corporation.
 
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
   
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock as of June 30, 1996 by (i) directors of the
Company, (ii) each of the named executive officers of the Company, (iii) each
person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the
outstanding Common Stock (based on publicly available information), (iv) all of
the Company's directors and executive officers as a group, and (v) each Selling
Stockholder. Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that the
beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power over such shares. The
table does not reflect the potential sale of additional shares if the
Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised. The percentage ownership has
been calculated based on 23,570,068 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of
June 30, 1996. The Selling Stockholders will participate proportionately in any
sales pursuant to the over-allotment options based on their participation in the
Offerings.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      OWNERSHIP PRIOR TO                          OWNERSHIP AFTER THE
                                         THE OFFERINGS                                 OFFERINGS
                                   -------------------------                   -------------------------
                                    SHARES OF                    SHARES TO      SHARES OF
               NAME                COMMON STOCK   PERCENTAGE      BE SOLD      COMMON STOCK   PERCENTAGE
- ---------------------------------- ------------   ----------     ---------     ------------   ----------
<S>                                <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
ML Entities(1)....................   9,071,154       38.5%       4,500,000       4,571,154       19.4%
FMR Corp.(2)......................   1,637,400        6.9%          --           1,637,400        6.9%
AIM Management Group Inc.(3)......   1,198,000        5.1%          --           1,198,000        5.1%
John F. Fiedler...................      25,000         *            --              25,000         *
Fred M. Kovalik(4)................      12,500         *            --              12,500         *
Matthias B. Bowman(5).............           0         *            --                   0         *
Donald C. Trauscht(6).............       5,500         *            --               5,500         *
James J. Kerley(7)................       2,000         *            --               2,000         *
Gary P. Fukayama(8)...............      56,000         *            --              56,000         *
Ronald M. Ruzic(9)................      73,668         *            --              73,668         *
Albert J. Fitzgibbons, III(10)....           0         *            --                   0         *
Alexis P. Michas(11)..............           0         *            --                   0         *
Paul E. Glaske....................           0         *            --                   0         *
Ivan W. Gorr......................           0         *            --                   0         *
Terry Schroeder(12)...............       5,000         *            --               5,000         *
All directors and executive
  officers of the Company as a
  group (18 persons)(13)..........     253,395         *            --             253,395         *
All Management Investors as a                                    
  group (10 persons)..............      66,835         *            --              66,835         *
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 *  Less than 1%.
 
   
(1)  Shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by ML Entities are owned of
     record as follows: 35,573 shares by Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1986; 177,866
     shares by Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1987; 444,664 shares by Merchant
     Banking L.P. No. I; 444,664 shares by ML Venture Partners II, L.P.;
     5,895,020 shares by Merrill Lynch Capital Appreciation Partnership No.
     VIII,
    
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   42
 
     L.P.; 149,872 shares by ML Offshore LBO Partnership No. VIII; 146,543
     shares by ML Employees LBO Partnership No. I, L.P.; and 1,776,952 shares by
     ML IBK Positions, Inc. MLCP is the general partner of Merrill Lynch LBO
     Partners No. II, L.P., which is the general partner of Merrill Lynch
     Capital Appreciation Partnership No. VIII, L.P., and the investment general
     partner of ML Offshore LBO Partnership No. VIII. Merrill Lynch Capital
     Appreciation Partnership No. VIII, L.P. and ML Offshore LBO Partnership No.
     VIII are record holders of shares of Common Stock. MLCP has a 0.4% economic
     interest in each of such record holders. Except for such economic interest,
     MLCP expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
 
   
(2)  Information based upon a Schedule 13G dated February 14, 1996; in the
     Schedule 13G, FMR Corp. indicated that it had sole voting power with
     respect to 109,600 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to
     1,637,400 shares.
    
 
   
(3)  Information based upon a Schedule 13G dated February 12, 1996; in the
     Schedule 13G, AIM Management Group indicated that it had shared voting
     power and shared dispositive power with respect to 1,198,000 shares.
    
 
   
(4)  Total includes 12,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of options within
     the next 60 days.
    
 
   
(5)  Mr. Bowman is a limited partner of the following ML Entities which, in the
     aggregate, are the holders of record of 6,699,686 shares: Merrill Lynch
     Capital Appreciation Partnership No. VIII, L.P., ML Employees LBO
     Partnership No. I, L.P., Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1986, Merrill Lynch
     KECALP L.P. 1987 and Merchant Banking L.P. No. 1). In addition, Mr. Bowman
     is an advisor to or a director and/or an officer of the ultimate general
     partner of such ML Entities. Mr. Bowman expressly disclaims beneficial
     ownership of all shares held by such ML Entities.
    
 
   
(6)  Total includes 2,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of options within
     the next 60 days.
    
 
   
(7)  Total includes 1,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options within
     the next 60 days.
    
 
   
(8)  Total includes 47,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options within
     the next 60 days.
    
 
   
(9)  Total includes 58,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options within
     the next 60 days.
    
 
   
(10)  Mr. Fitzgibbons is a director of the Company as well as MLCP, which
      manages Merrill Lynch Capital Appreciation Partnership No. VIII, L.P. and
      ML Offshore LBO Partnership No. VIII. Mr. Fitzgibbons disclaims beneficial
      ownership of shares beneficially owned by the partnerships identified in
      footnote 1, above, and Merrill Lynch & Co. ("ML&Co.")
    
 
   
(11)  Mr. Michas is a director of the Company as well as MLCP, which manages
      Merrill Lynch Capital Appreciation Partnership No. VIII, L.P. and ML
      Offshore LBO Partnership No. VIII. Mr. Michas disclaims beneficial
      ownership of shares beneficially owned by the partnership identified in
      footnote 1, above, and ML&Co.
    
 
   
(12)  Total includes 5,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options within
      the next 60 days.
    
 
   
(13)  Total includes 220,006 shares issuable upon the exercise of options within
      the next 60 days.
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   43
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Company has three authorized classes of capital stock: Preferred Stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"); Common Stock; and Non-Voting
Common Stock. The shares of such stock which are authorized and outstanding as
of June 30, 1996 are as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      NUMBER OF       NUMBER OF
                                                                        SHARES          SHARES
                                                                      AUTHORIZED     OUTSTANDING*
                                                                      ----------     ------------
    <S>                                                               <C>            <C>
    Common Stock....................................................  50,000,000      23,447,424
    Non-Voting Common Stock.........................................  25,000,000         122,644
    Preferred Stock.................................................   5,000,000               0
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
* Shares subject to exercisable but unexercised options are not treated as
  outstanding.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     The Common Stock and the Non-Voting Common Stock have the same terms except
as to voting rights and certain conversion features.
 
     Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote in the
election of directors and all other matters submitted to a vote of the Company's
stockholders. Holders of Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights. The
Non-Voting Common Stock has no voting rights, other than those required by law.
 
     As to conversion rights, certain institutional investors who are subject to
regulatory requirements that forbid or limit their right to own general voting
stock may convert their Common Stock into Non-Voting Common Stock on a
share-for-share basis as needed to satisfy the applicable regulatory
requirements, or directly purchase Non-Voting Common Stock because of such
regulatory requirements. Thereafter, the Non-Voting Common Stock may be
converted into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis in certain circumstances
as permitted by the applicable regulatory requirements.
 
     Subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding shares of Preferred
Stock, holders of shares of Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock, treated as
a single class, are entitled to receive, pro rata based on the number of shares
held, cash dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the
Company from funds legally available for such purpose. See "Dividend Policy."
 
     In the event of a liquidation of the Company, holders of shares of Common
Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock, treated as a single class, are entitled to
receive, pro rata based on the number of shares held, all of the assets
available for distribution to stockholders after payment of all prior claims,
including any preferential liquidation rights of any Preferred Stock then
outstanding.
 
     Holders of shares of Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock have no
preemptive rights to subscribe to additional shares of any such class or other
securities of the Company. All outstanding shares of Common Stock and Non-Voting
Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
 
     The Shares being offered in the Offerings are fully paid and non-assessable
and are not subject to any future call or assessment.
 
     The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is Chemical Mellon
Shareholder Services.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
   
     The Company is a party to a registration rights agreement (the
"Registration Rights Agreement") with holders of approximately 10,919,777 shares
and substantially all of the currently outstanding Non-Voting Common Stock.
Stockholders who are parties to the Registration Rights Agreement and who also
hold at least 15% of the "registrable securities," but in no event less than
1,000,000 shares of Common Stock, will have the right to demand, on up to four
occasions, that the Company effect the registration of such securities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). One such demand has
previously been exercised and this Offering will constitute the second of these
four demands. The Registration Rights Agreement also provides for incidental
registration rights in circumstances in which the Company is registering
securities
    
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   44
 
under the Securities Act and the concurrent registration of registrable
securities can be accomplished, in the good faith judgment of the Company,
without an adverse effect on the Company. For purposes of the Registration
Rights Agreement, "registrable securities" means Common Stock received in the
Spin-Off, or obtained upon conversion of securities received in the Spin-Off,
that has not been previously transferred pursuant to a registration under the
Securities Act or pursuant to Rule 144. The Registration Rights Agreement
contains customary provisions with respect to the timing of registrations
required thereunder, the allocation of registration expenses and
indemnification. The Registration Rights Agreement terminates pursuant to its
terms on July 27, 2002.
 
   
     Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, each holder of at least 1%
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock who is a party thereto is required to
agree for a period beginning seven days before, and ending 180 days after, the
effective date of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part,
not to effect any public sale or distribution, including any sale pursuant to
Rule 144 under the Securities Act, of Common Stock or any securities convertible
into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or any rights or warrants to acquire
Common Stock. In addition, the Company and each of the executive officers and
directors of the Company, as well as certain other stockholders, will agree, for
a period beginning seven days before, and ending 180 days after the effective
date of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, not to
sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock or securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, or any rights
or warrants to acquire Common Stock without the prior written consent of the
Representatives. Upon consummation of the Offering, it is expected that the
lock-up agreements will cover an aggregate of approximately 6,369,495 shares of
Common Stock.
    
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Board of Directors to
establish one or more series of Preferred Stock and to determine, with respect
to any series of Preferred Stock, the terms and rights of such series, including
(i) the designation of the series, (ii) the number of shares of the series,
which number the Board may thereafter (except where otherwise provided in the
Preferred Stock designation) increase or decrease (but not below the number of
shares thereof then outstanding), (iii) whether dividends, if any, will be
cumulative or non-cumulative and the dividend rate of the series, (iv) the dates
at which dividends, if any, will be payable, (v) the redemption rights and price
or prices, if any, for shares of the series, (vi) the terms and amounts of any
sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series,
(vii) the amounts payable on shares of the series in the event of any voluntary
or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the affairs of the
Company, (viii) whether the shares of the series will be convertible into shares
of any other class or series, or any other security, of the Company or any other
corporation, and, if so, the specification of such other class or series or such
other security, the conversion price or prices or rate or rates, any adjustments
thereof, the date or dates as of which such shares shall be convertible and all
other terms and conditions upon which such conversion may be made, (ix)
restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class
or series, and (x) the voting rights, if any, of the holders of such series. The
authorized shares of Preferred Stock, as well as shares of Common Stock, will be
available for issuance without further action by the Company's stockholders,
unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock
exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company's securities may be
listed or traded.
 
     Although the Board has no intention at the present time of doing so, it
could issue a series of Preferred Stock that could, depending on the terms of
such series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover
attempt. The Board will make any determination to issue such shares based on its
judgment as to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The
Board, in so acting, could issue Preferred Stock having terms that could
discourage an acquisition attempt or other transaction that some, or a majority,
of the Company's stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in
which stockholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then current
market price of such stock.
 
THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
 
     The Company is a Delaware corporation subject to Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"). Section 203 provides that,
subject to certain exceptions specified therein, a corporation
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   45
 
shall not engage in any business combination with any "interested stockholder"
for a three-year period following the time that such stockholder became an
interested stockholder unless (i) prior to such time, the board of directors of
the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction
which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, (ii) upon
consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an
interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the
voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction
commenced (excluding certain shares), or (iii) at or subsequent to such time,
the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the
corporation and by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding
voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder. Except as
specified in Section 203 of the DGCL, an interested stockholder is defined to
include (x) any person that is the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding
voting stock of the corporation, or is an affiliate or associate of the
corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of
the corporation, at any time within three years immediately prior to the
relevant date and (y) the affiliates and associates of any such person. Under
certain circumstances, Section 203 of the DGCL makes it more difficult for an
"interested stockholder" to effect various business combinations with a
corporation for a three-year period, although the stockholders may elect to
exclude a corporation from the restrictions imposed thereunder. The Certificate
of Incorporation does not exclude the Company from the restrictions imposed
under Section 203 of the DGCL.
 
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION; BYLAWS
 
     The Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws contain certain provisions
that could make more difficult the acquisition of the Company by means of a
tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise.
 
     Classified Board.  The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that
the Company's Board of Directors will be divided into three classes of
directors, with the classes to be as nearly equal in number as possible. As a
result, approximately one-third of the Board of Directors will be elected each
year. The classification of directors will have the effect of making it more
difficult for stockholders to change the composition of the Company's Board. The
Certificate of Incorporation provides that, subject to any rights of holders of
Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the
number of directors will be fixed in the manner provided in the Bylaws. The
Bylaws provide that, subject to any rights of holders of Preferred Stock to
elect directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors will be
fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by
directors constituting a majority of the total number of directors that the
Company would have if there were no vacancies on the Board, but must consist of
not more than seventeen nor less than three directors. In addition, the
Certificate of Incorporation provides that, subject to any rights of holders of
Preferred Stock, and unless the Board otherwise determines, any vacancies will
be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors,
though less than a quorum.
 
     Removal of Directors.  Under the DGCL, unless otherwise provided in the
Certificate of Incorporation, directors serving on a classified board may be
removed by the stockholders only for cause. In addition, the Certificate of
Incorporation and the Bylaws provide that directors may be removed only for
cause and only upon the affirmative vote of holders of at least 80% of the
voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors ("Voting Stock"), voting together as a
single class.
 
     Stockholders Action.  The Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws
provide that, subject to the rights of any holders of Preferred Stock to elect
additional directors under specified circumstances, stockholder action can be
taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be taken
by written consent in lieu of a meeting. The Bylaws provide that, subject to the
rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors
under specified circumstances, special meetings of stockholders can be called
only by the Board pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total
number of directors. Stockholders are not permitted to call a special meeting or
to require that the Board call a special meeting of stockholders. Moreover, the
business permitted to be conducted at any special meeting of stockholders is
limited to the business brought before the meeting pursuant to the notice of
meeting given by the Company.
 
     Advance Notice Procedures.  The Bylaws establish an advance notice
procedure for stockholders to make nominations of candidates for election as
directors, or bring other business before an annual meeting of
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   46
 
stockholders of the Company (the "Stockholders Notice Procedure"). The
Stockholders Notice Procedure provides that only persons who are nominated by,
or at the direction of, the Board, or by a stockholder who has given timely
written notice to the Secretary of the Company prior to the meeting at which
directors are to be elected, will be eligible for election as directors of the
Company. The Stockholders Notice Procedure also provides that at an annual
meeting only such business may be conducted as has been brought before the
meeting by, or at the direction of, the Chairman of the Board or by a
stockholder who has given timely written notice to the Secretary of the Company
of such stockholder's intention to bring such business before such meeting.
Under the Stockholders Notice Procedure, for notice of stockholder nominations
to be made at an annual meeting to be timely, such notice must be received by
the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first
anniversary of the previous year's annual meeting (or, if the date of the annual
meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from
such anniversary date, not earlier than the 90th day prior to such meeting and
not later than the later of (x) the 60th day prior to such meeting and (y) the
10th day after public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the number of directors to be
elected is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the
nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors
made by the Company at least 70 days prior to the first anniversary of the
preceding year's annual meeting, a stockholder's notice will be timely, but only
with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it
is received by the Company not later than the 10th day after such public
announcement is first made by the Company. Under the Stockholders Notice
Procedure, for notice of a stockholder nomination to be made at a special
meeting at which directors are to be elected to be timely, such notice must be
received by the Company not earlier than the 90th day before such meeting and
not later than the later of (x) the 60th day prior to such meeting and (y) the
10th day after the public announcement of the date of such meeting is first
made. In addition, under the Stockholders Notice Procedure, a stockholder's
notice to the Company proposing to nominate a person for election as a director
or relating to the conduct of business other than the nomination of directors
must contain certain specified information. If the Chairman of the Board or
other officer presiding at a meeting determines that a person was not nominated,
or other business was not brought before the meeting, in accordance with the
Stockholders Notice Procedure, such person will not be eligible for election as
a director, or such business will not be conducted at such meeting, as the case
may be.
 
     Liability of Directors; Indemnification.  The Certificate of Incorporation
provides that a director will not be personally liable for monetary damages to
the Company or its stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
Company or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for
paying a dividend or approving a stock repurchase or redemption in violation of
Section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit. The Certificate of Incorporation also
provides that each current or former director, officer, employee or agent of the
Company, or each such person who is or was serving or who had agreed to serve at
the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including
the heirs, executors, administrators or estate of such person), will be
indemnified by the Company to the full extent permitted by the DGCL, as the same
exists or may in the future be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment,
only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader
indemnification rights than said law permitted the Company to provide prior to
such amendment). The Certificate of Incorporation also specifically authorizes
the Company to enter into agreements with any person providing for
indemnification greater or different than that provided by the Certificate of
Incorporation.
 
     Amendment.  The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the outstanding
shares of Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, is required to amend
provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation relating to the prohibition of
stockholder action without a meeting; the number, election and term of the
Company's directors; and the removal of directors. The Certificate of
Incorporation further provides that the Bylaws may be amended by the Board or by
the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock, voting together as a single class.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   47
 
     The description set forth above is intended as a summary only and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the forms of the Certificate of
Incorporation and the Bylaws, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. See "Available
Information."
 
        CERTAIN UNITED STATES TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-U.S. SHAREHOLDERS
 
     The following is a general discussion of certain United States federal
income and estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of shares of
Common Stock by a person that is a "Non-U.S. Shareholder." For purposes of this
discussion, a "Non-U.S. Shareholder" means any person other than (i) an
individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a
corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the
laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, or (iii) an
estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income
taxation regardless of its source.
 
   
     This discussion is for general information only and does not consider all
aspects of United States federal tax consequences that may be relevant to a
particular Non-U.S. Shareholder in light of such shareholder's particular tax
position, and does not deal with state, local or foreign tax consequences. This
discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, existing
(and where noted, proposed) Treasury regulations, and judicial and
administrative interpretations as of the date hereof, all of which are subject
to change. Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors
with respect to the United States federal, state and local tax consequences of
owning and disposing of the Common Stock, as well as any tax consequences
arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction. Proposed Treasury
Regulations that are proposed to be effective after December 31, 1997 would
change in certain respects some of the certification and reporting requirements
discussed below. It is not certain whether, or in what form, such proposed
regulations will be finalized.
    
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     In the event that dividends are paid on the Common Stock, any such
dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Shareholder will be subject to withholding of
United States federal income tax at a rate of 30% of the amount of the dividend
(or a lower rate prescribed by an applicable income tax treaty). However, if the
dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade or
business by the Non-U.S. Shareholder and the Non-U.S. Shareholder properly files
Internal Revenue Service Form 4224 (or such other applicable form required by
the Internal Revenue Service) with the Company or its dividend-paying agent,
then the dividend (i) will not be subject to income tax withholding, and (ii)
except to the extent that an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise,
will be subject to United States federal income tax at progressive rates of tax.
In the case of a Non-U.S. Shareholder that is a corporation, such effectively
connected dividend income may also be subject to the branch profits tax (which
is generally imposed on a foreign corporation on the repatriation from the
United States of effectively connected earnings and profits) at a 30% rate (or a
lower rate prescribed by an applicable income tax treaty).
 
     A Non-U.S. Shareholder that is eligible for a reduced rate of United States
withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any
excess amounts currently withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with
the Internal Revenue Service.
 
     The Company is required to report annually to the Internal Revenue Service
and each Non-U.S. Shareholder the amount of dividends paid to, and the income
tax withheld with respect to, such shareholder. Such information may also be
made available by the Internal Revenue Service to the tax authorities of the
country in which the Non-U.S. Shareholder resides.
 
DISPOSITION OF COMMON STOCK
 
     Generally, a Non-U.S. Shareholder will not be subject to United States
federal income tax on the gain realized upon the disposition of such
shareholder's shares of Common Stock unless (i) the Company is or has been a
"U.S. real property holding corporation" for federal income tax purposes (which
the Company does not believe that it is or is likely to become) and the Non-U.S.
Shareholder held, directly or indirectly, at any time during the five-year
period ending on the date of disposition, more than 5% of any class of stock of
the Company that is regularly traded on an established securities market within
the meaning of the applicable
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   48
 
Treasury regulations, (ii) the gain is effectively connected with a United
States trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S. Shareholder and, if an
income tax treaty applies, attributable to a United States permanent
establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Shareholder, (iii) the Non-U.S.
Shareholder is an individual who holds the Common Stock as a capital asset, such
shareholder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable
year of the disposition and either the Non-U.S. Shareholder has a "tax home" in
the United States for United States federal income tax purposes or the sale is
attributable to an office or other fixed place of business maintained by the
Non-U.S. Shareholder in the United States; or (iv) the Non-U.S. Shareholder is
subject to tax pursuant to the provisions of United States tax law applicable to
certain United States expatriates.
 
ESTATE TAX
 
     Shares of Common Stock owned or treated as owned by an individual who is
not a citizen or resident (as specifically defined for United States federal
estate tax purposes) of the United States at the time of his or her death will
be includable in the individual's gross estate for United States federal estate
tax purposes and thus subject to United States federal estate tax, unless an
applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.
 
UNITED STATES INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX
 
     United States information reporting requirements (other than the reporting
of dividend payments for purposes of the 30% income tax withholding discussed
under "-- Dividends") and backup withholding tax generally will not apply to a
dividend payment made outside the United States to a Non-U.S. Shareholder, if
the dividend either is subject to the 30% withholding discussed above or is
subject to a reduced rate of such withholding tax under an applicable income tax
treaty. Otherwise, information reporting and backup withholding tax at a 31%
rate may apply to dividends paid on the Common Stock to a Non-U.S. Shareholder
who fails to certify its non-U.S. status under penalties of perjury in the
manner required by United States law or otherwise fails to establish an
exemption.
 
     In addition, the payment of the proceeds of the sale of shares of Common
Stock to or through the United States office of a broker will be subject to
information reporting and possible 31% backup withholding unless the owner
certifies its non-U.S. status under penalties of perjury or otherwise
establishes an exemption. The payment of the proceeds of the sale of shares of
Common Stock to or through the foreign office of a broker generally will not be
subject to this backup withholding tax. In the case of the payment of proceeds
from the disposition of shares of Common Stock through a foreign office of a
broker that is a United States person or a "U.S. related person," existing
regulations require information reporting but not backup withholding on the
payment unless the broker has documentary evidence in its files that the owner
is a Non-U.S. Shareholder and the broker has no actual knowledge to the
contrary. For this purpose, a "U.S. related person" is (i) a "controlled foreign
corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes, or (ii) a foreign
person, 50% or more of whose gross income from all sources for the three-year
period ending with the close of its taxable year preceding the payment (or for
such part of the period that the broker has been in existence) is derived from
activities that are effectively connected with the conduct of a United States
trade or business. Proposed Treasury regulations which have not been finally
adopted contain a similar rule with respect to information reporting by a broker
that is a United States person or a "U.S. related person." However, under the
proposed regulations, such a person may only rely on documentary evidence to
avoid information reporting if the foreign office "effects" the sale at such
foreign office. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a
payment to a Non-U.S. Shareholder will be allowed as a refund or a credit
against such Non-U.S. Shareholder's United States federal income tax, provided
that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
 
     These information reporting and backup withholding rules are under review
by the Internal Revenue Service, and their application to the Common Stock could
be changed by future regulations.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   49
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a purchase agreement (the
"U.S. Purchase Agreement") among the Company, the Selling Stockholders, and each
of the underwriters named below (the "U.S. Underwriters") and concurrently with
the sale of 900,000 Shares to the International Underwriters (as defined below),
the Selling Stockholders have agreed to sell to each of the U.S. Underwriters,
and each of the U.S. Underwriters has severally agreed to purchase, the
aggregate number of Shares set forth opposite its name below.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    NUMBER OF
                                   UNDERWRITERS                                      SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
            Incorporated.........................................................
Lehman Brothers Inc...............................................................
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.................................................
                                                                                    ---------
          Total...................................................................  3,600,000
                                                                                    =========
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), Lehman
Brothers Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated are acting as
representatives (the "U.S. Representatives") of the several U.S. Underwriters.
    
 
     The Company and the Selling Stockholders have also entered into a purchase
agreement (the "International Purchase Agreement") with certain underwriters
outside the United States and Canada (the "International Underwriters" and,
together with the U.S. Underwriters, the "Underwriters") for whom Merrill Lynch
International Limited, Lehman Brothers International (Europe) and Morgan Stanley
& Co. International Limited are acting as representatives (the "International
Representatives" and, together with the U.S. Representatives, the
"Representatives"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
International Purchase Agreement, and concurrently with the sale of 3,600,000
Shares to the U.S. Underwriters, the Selling Stockholders have agreed to sell to
the International Underwriters, and the International Underwriters severally
have agreed to purchase, an aggregate of 900,000 Shares. The public offering
price per Share and the underwriting discount per Share are identical under the
U.S. Purchase Agreement and the International Purchase Agreement.
 
     In the U.S. Purchase Agreement, the several U.S. Underwriters have agreed,
subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all of the
Shares being sold pursuant to each such Agreement if any of the Shares being
sold pursuant to such Agreement are purchased and in the International Purchase
Agreement the several International Underwriters have agreed, subject to the
terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all the Shares being sold
pursuant to such agreement if any of the Shares being sold pursuant to such
agreement are purchased. Under certain circumstances, the commitments of
non-defaulting Underwriters may be increased. The closings with respect to the
sale of the Shares to be purchased by the U.S. Underwriters and the
International Underwriters are conditioned upon one another.
 
     The U.S. Underwriters propose initially to offer the Shares to the public
at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and
to certain dealers (who may include U.S. Underwriters) at such price less a
concession not in excess of $          per Share. The U.S. Underwriters may
allow, and such dealers may re-allow, a discount not in excess of $          per
Share to certain other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public
offering price, concession and discount may be changed.
 
     The Selling Stockholders have granted to the U.S. Underwriters options to
purchase up to an aggregate of 540,000 additional Shares, and the International
Underwriters options to purchase up to an aggregate of 135,000 Shares, in each
case exercisable for 30 days after the date hereof, to cover over-allotments, if
any, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. To the extent
that the U.S. Underwriters exercise these options, each of the U.S. Underwriters
will have a firm commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
approximately the same percentage of such Shares that the number of Shares to be
purchased by it
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   50
 
shown in the foregoing table bears to the total number of Shares initially
offered to the U.S. Underwriters hereby.
 
     The U.S. Underwriters and the International Underwriters have entered into
an Intersyndicate Agreement (the "Intersyndicate Agreement") that provides for
the coordination of their activities. Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement,
sales may be made between the U.S. Underwriters and the International
Underwriters of such number of Shares as may be mutually agreed. The price of
any Shares so sold shall be the public offering price, less an amount not
greater than the selling concession.
 
     Under the terms of the Intersyndicate Agreement, the U.S. Underwriters and
any dealer to whom they sell Shares will not offer to sell or sell Shares to
persons who are non-United States or non-Canadian persons or to persons they
believe intend to resell to persons who are non-United States or non-Canadian
persons, and the International Underwriters and any dealer to whom they sell
Shares will not offer to sell or sell Shares to United States or Canadian
persons or to persons they believe intend to resell to United States or Canadian
persons, except, in each case, for transactions pursuant to the Intersyndicate
Agreement.
 
     The Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "BWA." Because the
Company is an affiliate of MLPF&S, one of the Underwriters, the U.S. Offering is
being conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of Schedule E
("Schedule E") of the By-Laws of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. (the "NASD"). In accordance with Schedule E, no NASD member participating
in the distribution is permitted to confirm sales to accounts over which it
exercises discretionary authority without prior specific written consent. In
addition, under the rules of the NYSE, MLPF&S is precluded from issuing research
reports that make recommendations with respect to the Common Stock for so long
as the Company is an affiliate of MLPF&S.
 
   
     Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, each holder of at least 1%
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock who is a party thereto is required to
agree, for a period beginning seven days before, and ending 180 days after, the
effective date of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part,
not to effect any public sale or distribution, including any sale pursuant to
Rule 144 under the Securities Act, of Common Stock or any securities convertible
into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or any rights or warrants to acquire
Common Stock. See "Risk Factors -- Shares Eligible for Future Sale." In
addition, each of the Company and the executive officers and directors of the
Company, as well as certain other stockholders, will agree, for a period
beginning seven days before, and ending 180 days after the effective date of the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, not to sell or
otherwise dispose of any Common Stock or securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, or any rights or warrants to
acquire Common Stock without the prior written consent of the U.S.
Representatives. Upon consummation of the Offering, it is expected that the
lock-up agreements will cover an aggregate of approximately 6,369,495 shares of
Common Stock.
    
 
     The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the U.S.
Underwriters and the International Underwriters against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
     Each of the U.S. Representatives or their affiliates from time-to-time
performs investment banking and other financial services for the Company. Lehman
Brothers Inc. is currently acting as financial advisor to the Company in
connection with the disposition of the North American manual transmission
business. For information regarding the ownership by the ML Entities of Common
Stock and the representation of affiliates of ML&Co. on the Board of Directors
of the Company, see "Management" and "Principal and Selling Stockholders."
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Shares offered hereby and certain other legal matters
relating to the Offerings will be passed upon for the Company by Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz, New York, New York. Certain legal matters will be passed
upon for the Underwriters by Shearman & Sterling, New York, New York. Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Shearman & Sterling occasionally act as counsel to MLCP
and other affiliates of ML&Co.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   51
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the Company's Annual Report
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
report, which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated
in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts
in accounting and auditing.
 
   
     The financial statements of NSK-Warner as of March 31, 1996 and 1995, and
for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 1996, have been
incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat
Marwick, independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference
herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
    
 
   
     The combined financial statements of the Coltec Automotive OEM Business
Group as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 1995, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
from the Company's Form 8-K dated June 17, 1996, have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, as indicated by their report, which is incorporated herein by
reference. The audited financial statements incorporated by reference have been
so incorporated in reliance upon the report of Arthur Andersen LLP given upon
the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
    
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
   
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The Registration
Statement, such reports, proxy statements and other information, may be
inspected and copied at the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; and at the regional offices of the
Commission at 7 World Trade Center (13th Floor), New York, New York 10048; and
Suite 1400, Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
Copies of such material can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549. The Commission also maintains an internet web site at http://www.sec.gov
that contains reports, proxy statements and other information. Additionally,
reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Company filed
pursuant to the Exchange Act are available for inspection at the NYSE, on which
the Common Stock is listed, located at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York,
10005.
    
 
     The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-3 under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of Common Stock being
offered in the Offerings. The Prospectus does not contain all of the information
set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto. For further
information with respect to the Company and the Common Stock, reference is
hereby made to such Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto.
 
               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
 
   
     Incorporated herein by reference are (i) the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 (including the portions of
the Company's annual report to stockholders incorporated by reference therein),
as amended by the Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) filed on June 28, 1996, as
further amended by the Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 2) filed on July 1, 1996; (ii)
the Company's proxy statement dated March 22, 1996 for its Annual Meeting of
Stockholders held on April 23, 1996 (other than the sections entitled
"Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation" and "Performance
Graph" which shall not be so incorporated); (iii) the Company's Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 1996; and (iv) the Company's Current Reports on Form
8-K dated January 19, 1996 and June 17, 1996.
    
 
     All reports and other documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of the Offerings shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing such documents. Any statement contained herein or in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to
be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained herein, or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   52
 
     The Company will furnish, without charge, to each person to whom a
Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of
the foregoing documents incorporated herein by reference other than exhibits to
such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference
therein). Requests for such documents should be submitted in writing to
Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc., 200 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
60604, Attention: Leslie Cleveland Hague, Director of Communications/Investor
Relations, or by telephone at (312) 322-8607 or (312) 322-8547.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   53
[Top half of page: Chart listing the Company's headquarters and advanced
engineering centers in North America, Europe and Asia for each of the Company's
four operating groups (Powertrain Systems, Automatic Transmission Systems,
Morse TEC and Air/Fluid Systems).]








[Bottom half of page: Pictures of the vehicles comprising the Company's Top
Vehicle Programs including the Ford Explorer, Mercedes S-Class, Ford Taurus,
Ford F-150, SsangYong Musso, Chrysler FWD Cars and Mini-Vans, Chrysler FWD LH
Vehicles and Range Rover.]



                                      51




















<PAGE>   54
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
     NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS, NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE HEREBY, AND INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS NOT
HEREIN CONTAINED, IF GIVEN OR MADE, MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SHARES OR AN OFFER TO SELL,
OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SHARES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO
ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER
THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE
FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE
DATE HEREOF.
 
         ------------------------
 
            TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE
                                        ----
<S>                                     <C>
Prospectus Summary....................     3
Risk Factors..........................    11
Use of Proceeds.......................    15
Price Range of Common Stock...........    15
Dividend Policy.......................    15
Capitalization........................    16
Selected Historical Financial Data....    17
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results
  of
  Operations..........................    18
Business..............................    26
Management............................    37
Principal and Selling Stockholders....    39
Description of Capital Stock..........    41
Certain United States Tax Consequences
  for Non-U.S. Shareholders...........    45
Underwriting..........................    47
Legal Matters.........................    48
Experts...............................    49
Available Information.................    49
Incorporation of Certain Information
  by Reference........................    49
</TABLE>
    
============================================ 
 

============================================
   
               4,500,000 SHARES
    
 
         [BORG WARNER AUTOMOTIVE LOGO]

 
                  COMMON STOCK
            ------------------------
 
                     PROSPECTUS
 
            ------------------------
 
                MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
 
                  LEHMAN BROTHERS
 
                MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                       INCORPORATED
 
   
                  JULY  , 1996
    
============================================ 



<PAGE>   55
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

                   PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 3, 1996


PROSPECTUS
- ----------
 
   
                                4,500,000 SHARES
    
 
                        [BORG WARNER AUTOMOTIVE LOGO]
                                  COMMON STOCK
                            ------------------------
 
   
     All of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be sold by certain
stockholders (the "Selling Stockholders") of Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. (the
"Company"). See "Principal and Selling Stockholders." The Company will not
receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares offered hereby.
    
 
   
     Of the 4,500,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby, 900,000 shares are
being offered outside the United States and Canada by the International
Underwriters (the "International Offering") and 3,600,000 shares are being
offered in a concurrent offering in the United States and Canada by the U.S.
Underwriters (the "U.S. Offering" and, together with the International Offering,
the "Offerings"). The public offering price and the underwriting discount per
share are identical for the Offerings. See "Underwriting."
    
 
   
     The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the
"NYSE") under the symbol "BWA." On July 2, 1996, the last reported sale price of
the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $39.875 per share. See
"Price Range of Common Stock."
    
 
     FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" COMMENCING ON PAGE 11.
                            ------------------------
 
   THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
     AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS
        THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
           COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
     PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                                    
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>                  <C>                  <C>
==========================================================================================================
                                                                                           PROCEEDS TO
                                                  PRICE TO           UNDERWRITING            SELLING
                                                   PUBLIC             DISCOUNT(1)        STOCKHOLDERS(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Share...................................           $                   $                    $
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3)....................................      $                  $                   $
===========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1) The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
    several Underwriters against certain liabilities under the Securities Act of
    1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."
    
 
   
(2) The Company has agreed to pay certain expenses of the Offerings estimated at
    $1,000,000.
    
 
(3) The Selling Stockholders have granted the International Underwriters and the
    U.S. Underwriters options exercisable within 30 days after the date hereof
    to purchase up to 135,000 and 540,000 additional shares of Common Stock,
    respectively, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If such options are
    exercised in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and
    Proceeds to Selling Stockholders will be $          , $           , and
    $          , respectively. See "Underwriting."
   
                            ------------------------
    
 
     The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters, subject
to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to
approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and certain
other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or
modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be made in New York, New York on or
about July  , 1996.

                            ------------------------
 
MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
                                      LEHMAN BROTHERS
                                                            MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                                                                   INTERNATIONAL
                            ------------------------
 
                 The date of this Prospectus is July   , 1996.
<PAGE>   56
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a purchase agreement (the
"International Purchase Agreement") among the Company, the Selling Stockholders,
MLCP and each of the underwriters named below (the "International Underwriters")
and concurrently with the sale of 3,600,000 Shares to the U.S. Underwriters (as
defined below), the Selling Stockholders have agreed to sell to each of the
International Underwriters, and each of the International Underwriters has
severally agreed to purchase, the aggregate number of Shares set forth opposite
its name below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    NUMBER OF
                                  UNDERWRITERS                                       SHARES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ---------
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Merrill Lynch International Limited..............................................
Lehman Brothers International (Europe)...........................................
Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited.......................................
 
                                                                                    ---------
          Total..................................................................     900,000
                                                                                     ========
</TABLE>
 
     Merrill Lynch International Limited, Lehman Brothers International (Europe)
and Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited are acting as representatives
(the "International Representatives") of the several International Underwriters.
 
   
     The Company, the Selling Stockholders and MLCP have also entered into a
purchase agreement (the "U.S. Purchase Agreement") with certain underwriters
inside the United States and Canada (the "U.S. Underwriters" and, together with
the International Underwriters, the "Underwriters") for whom Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), Lehman Brothers Inc. and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated are acting as representatives (the "U.S.
Representatives" and, together with the International Representatives, the
"Representatives"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the U.S.
Purchase Agreement, and concurrently with the sale of 900,000 Shares to the
International Underwriters, the Selling Stockholders have agreed to sell to the
U.S. Underwriters and the U.S. Underwriters severally have agreed to purchase,
an aggregate of 3,600,000 Shares. The public offering price per Share and the
underwriting discount per Share are identical under the U.S. Purchase Agreement
and the International Purchase Agreement.
    
 
     In the International Purchase Agreement, the several International
Underwriters have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein,
to purchase all of the Shares being sold pursuant to each such Agreement if any
of the Shares being sold pursuant to such Agreement are purchased and in the
U.S. Purchase Agreement the several U.S. Underwriters have agreed, subject to
the terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all the Shares being
sold pursuant to such agreement if any of the Shares being sold pursuant to such
agreement are purchased. Under certain circumstances, the commitments of
non-defaulting Underwriters may be increased. The closings with respect to the
sale of the Shares to be purchased by the U.S. Underwriters and the
International Underwriters are conditioned upon one another.
 
     The International Underwriters propose initially to offer the Shares to the
public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus and to certain dealers (who may include U.S. Underwriters) at such
price less a concession not in excess of $          per Share. The International
Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess
of $          per Share to certain other dealers. After the initial public
offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may be changed.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   57
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
     The Selling Stockholders have granted to the U.S. Underwriters options to
purchase up to an aggregate of 540,000 additional Shares, and the International
Underwriters options to purchase up to an aggregate of 135,000 Shares, in each
case exercisable for 30 days after the date hereof, to cover over-allotments, if
any, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. To the extent
that the International Underwriters exercise these options, each of the
International Underwriters will have a firm commitment, subject to certain
conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of such Shares that
the number of Shares to be purchased by it shown in the foregoing table bears to
the total number of Shares initially offered to the International Underwriters
hereby.
 
     The U.S. Underwriters and the International Underwriters have entered into
an Intersyndicate Agreement (the "Intersyndicate Agreement") that provides for
the coordination of their activities. Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement,
sales may be made between the U.S. Underwriters and the International
Underwriters of such number of Shares as may be mutually agreed. The price of
any Shares so sold shall be the public offering price, less an amount not
greater than the selling concession.
 
     Under the terms of the Intersyndicate Agreement the U.S. Underwriters and
any dealer to whom they sell Shares will not offer to sell or sell Shares to
persons who are non-United States or non-Canadian persons or to persons they
believe intend to resell to persons who are non-United States or non-Canadian
persons, and the International Underwriters and any dealer to whom they sell
Shares will not offer to sell or sell Shares to United States or Canadian
persons or to persons they believe intend to resell to United States or Canadian
persons, except, in each case, for transactions pursuant to the Intersyndicate
Agreement.
 
     Each International Underwriter has agreed that (i) it has not offered or
sold and will not offer or sell in the United Kingdom by means of any document
any shares of Common Stock offered hereby other than to persons whose ordinary
business it is to buy or sell shares or debentures, whether as principal or
agent or any shares of Common Stock offered hereby in circumstances which do not
constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Act 1985,
(ii) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the
Financial Services Act of 1986 with respect to anything done by it in relation
to the Common Stock in, from, or otherwise involving the United Kingdom, and
(iii) it has only issued or passed on and will only issue or pass on to any
person in the United Kingdom any document received by it in connection with the
issuance of Common Stock to a pawn who is of a kind described in Article 9(3) of
the Financial Services Act 1986 (Investment Advertisements) (Exemptions) Order
1988 or is a person to whom the document may otherwise lawfully be issued or
passed on.
 
     The Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "BWA." Because the
Company is an affiliate of MLPF&S, one of the underwriters, the U.S. Offering is
being conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of Schedule E
("Schedule E") of the By-Laws of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. (the "NASD"). In accordance with Schedule E, no NASD member participating
in the distribution is permitted to confirm sales to accounts over which it
exercises discretionary authority without prior specific written consent. In
addition, under the rules of the NYSE, MLPF&S is precluded from issuing research
reports that make recommendations with respect to the Common Stock for so long
as the Company is an affiliate of MLPF&S.
 
     Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, each holder of at least 1%
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock who is a party thereto is required to
agree, for a period beginning seven days before, and ending 180 days after, the
effective date of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part,
not to effect any public sale or distribution, including any sale pursuant to
Rule 144 under the Securities Act, of Common Stock or any securities convertible
into or exchangeable for Common Stock or any rights or warrants to acquire
Common Stock. See "Risk Factors -- Shares Eligible for Future Sale." In
addition, each of the Company and the executive officers and directors of the
Company, as well as certain other stockholders, will agree, for a period
beginning seven days before, and ending 180 days after the effective date of the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, not to sell or
otherwise dispose of any Common Stock or securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, or any rights or warrants to
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   58
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
   
acquire Common Stock without the prior written consent of the U.S.
Representatives. Upon consummation of the Offering, it is expected that the
lock-up agreements will cover an aggregate of approximately 6,369,495 shares of
Common Stock.
    
 
     The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the U.S.
Underwriters and the International Underwriters against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
   
     Each of the U.S. Representatives or their affiliates from time-to-time
performs investment banking and other financial services for the Company. Lehman
Brothers Inc. is currently acting as financial advisor to the Company in
connection with the disposition of the North American manual transmission
business. For information regarding the ownership by the ML Entities of Common
Stock and the representation of affiliates of ML&Co. on the Board of Directors
of the Company, see "Management" and "Principal and Selling Stockholders."
    
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Shares offered hereby and certain other legal matters
relating to the Offerings will be passed upon for the Company by Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz, New York, New York. Certain legal matters will be passed
upon for the Underwriters by Shearman & Sterling, New York, New York. Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Shearman & Sterling occasionally act as counsel to MLCP
and other affiliates of ML&Co.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the Company's Annual Report
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
report, which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated
in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts
in accounting and auditing.
 
   
     The financial statements of NSK-Warner as of March 31, 1996 and 1995, and
for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 1996, have been
incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat
Marwick, independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference
herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
    
 
   
     The combined financial statements of the Coltec Automotive OEM Business
Group as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 1995, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
from the Company's Form 8-K dated June 17, 1996, have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, as indicated by their report, which is incorporated herein by
reference. The audited financial statements incorporated by reference have been
so incorporated in reliance upon the report of Arthur Andersen LLP given upon
the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
    
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
   
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The Registration
Statement, such reports, proxy statements and other information, may be
inspected and copied at the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; and at the regional offices of the
Commission at 7 World Trade Center (13th Floor), New York, New York 10048; and
Suite 1400, Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
Copies of such material can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549. The Commission also maintains an internet web site at http://www.sec.gov
that contains reports, proxy statements and other information. Additionally,
reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Company filed
pursuant to the Exchange Act are available for inspection at the NYSE, on which
the Common Stock is listed, located at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York,
10005.
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   59
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
     The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-3 under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of Common Stock being
offered in the Offerings. The Prospectus does not contain all of the information
set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto. For further
information with respect to the Company and the Common Stock, reference is
hereby made to such Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto.
 
     No action has been taken or will be taken in any jurisdiction by the
Company or any Underwriter that would permit a public offering of the Shares or
possession or distribution of this Prospectus in any jurisdiction where action
for that purpose is required, other than the United States. Persons into whose
possession this Prospectus comes are required by the Company and the
Underwriters to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions as to
the offering of the Shares and the distribution of this Prospectus.
 
               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
 
   
     Incorporated herein by reference are (i) the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 (including the portions of
the Company's annual report to stockholders incorporated by reference therein),
as amended by the Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) filed on June 28, 1996, as
further amended by the Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 2) filed on July 1, 1996; (ii)
the Company's proxy statement dated March 22, 1996 for its Annual Meeting of
Stockholders held on April 23, 1996 (other than the sections entitled
"Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation" and "Performance
Graph" which shall not be so incorporated); (iii) the Company's Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 1996; and (iv) the Company's Current Reports on Form
8-K dated January 19, 1996 and June 17, 1996.
    
 
     All reports and other documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of the Offerings shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing such documents. Any statement contained herein or in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to
be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained herein, or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.
 
     The Company will furnish, without charge, to each person to whom a
Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of
the foregoing documents incorporated herein by reference other than exhibits to
such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference
therein). Requests for such documents should be submitted writing to Borg-Warner
Automotive, Inc., 200 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604, Attention:
Leslie Cleveland Hague, Director of Communications/Investor Relations, or by
telephone at (312) 322-8607 or (312) 322-8547.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   60



                [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]







[Top half of page: Chart listing the Company's headquarters and advanced
engineering centers in North America, Europe and Asia for each of the Company's
four operating groups (Powertrain Systems, Automatic Transmission Systems,
Morse TEC and Air/Fluid Systems).]








[Bottom half of page: Pictures of the vehicles comprising the Company's Top
Vehicle Programs including the Ford Explorer, Mercedes S-Class, Ford Taurus,
Ford F-150, SsangYong Musso, Chrysler FWD Cars and Mini-Vans, Chrysler FWD LH
Vehicles and Range Rover.]




                                      51



















<PAGE>   61
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
     NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS, NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE HEREBY, AND INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS NOT
HEREIN CONTAINED, IF GIVEN OR MADE, MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SHARES OR AN OFFER TO SELL,
OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SHARES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO
ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER
THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE
FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE
DATE HEREOF.
 
   
     IN THIS PROSPECTUS, REFERENCE TO "DOLLARS" AND "$" ARE TO UNITED STATES
DOLLARS UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE.
    
 
            ------------------------
 
               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE
                                        ----
<S>                                     <C>
Prospectus Summary....................     3
Risk Factors..........................    11
Use of Proceeds.......................    15
Price Range of Common Stock...........    15
Dividend Policy.......................    15
Capitalization........................    16
Selected Historical Financial Data....    17
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results
  of Operations.......................    18
Business..............................    26
Management............................    37
Principal and Selling Stockholders....    39
Description of Capital Stock..........    41
Certain United States Tax Consequences
  for Non-U.S. Shareholders...........    45
Underwriting..........................    47
Legal Matters.........................    49
Experts...............................    49
Available Information.................    49
Incorporation of Certain Information
  by Reference........................    50
</TABLE>
    
===================================================== 
 


===================================================== 
   
                 4,500,000 SHARES
    
 

           [BORG WARNER AUTOMOTIVE LOGO]
 
                   COMMON STOCK

             ------------------------
 
                    PROSPECTUS
 
             ------------------------
 

                  MERRILL LYNCH
              INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
 
                LEHMAN BROTHERS
 
              MORGAN STANLEY  &  CO.
                     INTERNATIONAL

 
   
                JULY   , 1996
    
==================================================== 

<PAGE>   62
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     The following are the estimated expenses of the issuance and distribution
of the securities being registered, all of which will be paid by the Registrant.
 
   
<TABLE>
        <S>                                                             <C>
        Registration fee............................................    $   73,164.31
        NASD filing fee.............................................        21,217.50
        Blue Sky fees and expenses..................................        20,000.00
        Printing and related expenses...............................       400,000.00
        Legal fees and expenses.....................................       250,000.00
        Accounting fees and expenses................................       125,000.00
        Miscellaneous...............................................       110,618.19
                                                                        -------------
             Total..................................................    $1,000,000.00
                                                                         ============
</TABLE>
    
 
   
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
    
 
     Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL") provides that
a corporation has the power to indemnify its officers and directors against the
expenses, including attorney's fees, judgments, fines or settlement amounts
actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with the defense of any
action by reason of being or having been directors or officers, if such person
shall have acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that if such action
shall be in the right of the corporation, no such indemnification shall be
provided as to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have
been judged to have been liable to the corporation unless and to the extent that
the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or another court in which the
suit was brought, shall determine upon application that, in view of all of the
circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity.
 
     As permitted by Section 102 of the DGCL, the Registrant's Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate of Incorporation")
provides that no director shall be liable to the Registrant or its stockholders
for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director other than (i)
for breaches of the director's duty of loyalty to the Registrant and its
stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for the unlawful
payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions under Section
174 of the DGCL, and (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit.
 
     The Certificate of Incorporation provides for indemnification of its
directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, and allows
the Registrant to advance or reimburse litigation expenses upon submission by
the director, officer or employee of an undertaking to repay such advances or
reimbursements if it is ultimately determined that indemnification is not
available to such director or officer.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.
 
   
     The following documents are filed as a part of this Registration Statement.
Those exhibits previously filed and incorporated herein by reference are
identified below. For each such exhibit there is shown below the registration
statement number or periodic report and exhibit number of the document in the
previous filing. The registration statements were filed by Registrant unless
otherwise indicated.
    
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   63
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
  NO.                                       DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- -------        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>       <S>  <C>
   1.1    --   Form of U.S. Purchase Agreement among the Company, the Selling Stockholders, MLCP
               and the U.S. Underwriters.*
   1.2    --   Form of International Purchase Agreement among the Company, the Selling
               Stockholders, MLCP and the International Underwriters.*
   3.1    --   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit No. 3.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
               ended September 30, 1993).
   3.2    --   By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2 of the
               Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
               1993).
     5    --   Opinion of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.+
  23.1    --   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
  23.2    --   Consent of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz (contained in Exhibit 5).+
  23.3    --   Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick.
  23.4    --   Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
    24    --   Powers of Attorney.+
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
* To be filed by amendment.
    
 
   
+ Previously filed.
    
 
   
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
    
 
     (a), (c)-(e), (g), (j) Not applicable
 
     (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act") (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
 
     (f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the
underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements,
certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by
the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
     (h) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
     (i) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
          (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of a
     registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   64
 
     contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to
     Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to
     be part of registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
          (2) For the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
     be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
     offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
     deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   65
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS AMENDMENT TO THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED THEREUNTO
DULY AUTHORIZED IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO, STATE OF ILLINOIS, ON JULY 3, 1996.
    
                                          BORG-WARNER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
 
                                          By:       /s/ JOHN F. FIEDLER
                                              ---------------------------------
                                                      JOHN F. FIEDLER
                                               Chairman and Chief Executive
                                                           Officer
 
   
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS AMENDMENT
TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THEIR
CAPACITIES ON JULY 3, 1996.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   SIGNATURE                                          TITLE
- -----------------------------------------------    --------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>
             /s/  JOHN F. FIEDLER                  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and
 ----------------------------------------------    Director (Principal Executive Officer)
                JOHN F. FIEDLER

                       *
- ----------------------------------------------     Vice President and Treasurer (Principal
                ROBIN J. ADAMS                     Financial Officer)

                       *                           Vice President and Controller (Principal
- ----------------------------------------------     Accounting Officer)
               WILLIAM C. CLINE                  
 
                       *                           Director
- ----------------------------------------------     
              DONALD C. TRAUSCHT

                       *                           Director
- ----------------------------------------------     
               ALEXIS P. MICHAS

                       *                           Director
- ----------------------------------------------     
           ALBERT J. FITZGIBBONS III

                       *                           Director
- ----------------------------------------------     
               MATTHIAS B. BOWMAN

                       *                           Director
- ----------------------------------------------     
                PAUL E. GLASKE

                       *                           Director
- ----------------------------------------------     
                JAMES J. KERLEY

                       *                           Director
- ----------------------------------------------     
                 IVAN W. GORR



              /s/ JOHN F. FIEDLER                  As attorney-in-fact for the officers and/or
- -----------------------------------------------    directors marked by an asterisk.       
                JOHN F. FIEDLER
                                         
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   66
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
    NO.                    DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
  -------          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <C>       <S>    <C>
    23.1    --     Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
    23.3    --     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick
    23.4    --     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
</TABLE>
    

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
   
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement No. 333-06041 of Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. on Form S-3
of our report dated January 31, 1996 incorporated by reference in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. for the year ended December
31, 1995 and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the
Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement.
    
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
   
July 1, 1996
    

<PAGE>   1
 
                       [LETTERHEAD OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK]

 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
 
The Board of Directors
NSK-WARNER KABUSHIKI KAISHA
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
   
We consent to incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to Registration
Statement No. 333-06041 on Form S-3 of Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. of our
report dated April 26, 1996 relating to the balance sheets of NSK-Warner
Kabushiki Kaisha as of March 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of
earnings, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended March 31, 1996 incorporated by reference in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and to the reference
to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of such
Registration Statement.
    
 
KPMG PEAT MARWICK
Tokyo, Japan
 
   
June 28, 1996
    

<PAGE>   1
 

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4

 

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 
   
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-06041 of
Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated June 14, 1996 on
the combined financial statements of the Coltec Automotive OEM Business Group as
of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for the two years in the period ended December
31, 1995 included in Borg-Warner Automotive Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K
dated June 17, 1996 and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in
the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
    
 
   
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
    
 
   
Detroit, Michigan,
    
   
  June 28, 1996.
    


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