Turbochargers – an essential part of modern cars, allowing for increased engine power and efficiency. Most car manufacturers use turbochargers in their engines, and the market is dominated by several major international manufacturers who have become leaders over the decades. This article reviews the world's most important turbocharger manufacturers – their history, product range, advantages, and disadvantages – and provides a comparison based on reliability, performance, and adaptability.
Garrett Motion (formerly known as Honeywell Turbo Technologies) – one of the most renowned turbocharger manufacturers in the world. The company was founded in the USA in 1936 by engineer Cliff Garrett, and in 1954, it introduced the first turbocharger for a heavy-duty Caterpillar diesel engine. For many years, Garrett's turbo division operated as part of the Honeywell corporation until it became an independent company again in 2018. Today, Garrett produces turbochargers for a very wide range of applications – from small passenger cars to large trucks and construction equipment – and is also actively involved in the world of motorsports.
Garrett's product range includes both traditional and advanced models. The most famous series are the Garrett GT and GTX, widely used in car enthusiasts' tuning and racing projects. In recent years, the company has also introduced a new high-performance G-series, designed for modern engines with minimal turbo lag. Many Garrett turbochargers feature variable geometry technology, which helps improve engine response at low RPMs.
Advantages: Very wide selection of turbochargers and advanced technologies, proven reliability when working with many car manufacturers, strong position in motorsports (focus on performance). Disadvantages: Higher cost for some top-tier models, more complex construction means repairs or servicing can be more expensive.
BorgWarner – another market leader, originating from the merger of several historical manufacturers. This American company combined the long-standing experience of the German KKK (Kühnle, Kopp & Kausch) and the US manufacturer Schwitzer. In 1998–1999, BorgWarner acquired these brands and in 2003 formed a unified division, BorgWarner Turbo Systems. Since then, the company has supplied turbochargers to many European, Asian, and US car manufacturers. BorgWarner turbos are installed in both passenger cars (e.g., many Volkswagen/Audi engines use KKK series turbos, such as the K03 and K04 models) and heavy-duty equipment.
BorgWarner is also known for its high-end products for the tuning and racing markets. For example, the specialized EFR (Engineered for Racing) series with ceramic bearings and integrated valves is designed for maximum speed and efficiency. The "AirWerks" series turbos (S200, S300, S400) are also popular for high-power projects. Thanks to inherited innovations and a broad engineering foundation, BorgWarner is today one of the most reliable suppliers in both the OEM sector and motorsports.
Advantages: High reliability and quality of original equipment, wide application (from compact cars to trucks), advanced technologies (e.g., ball/ceramic bearings, twin-scroll turbos) that help achieve better performance. Disadvantages: Some of the most advanced models are expensive, and due to specialized construction, replacing certain parts or compatibility can be more complex for non-factory installations.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries – a Japanese industrial giant that has been producing turbochargers for nearly half a century. In 1957, MHI began manufacturing turbos for industrial diesel engines and later expanded into the passenger car market. Mitsubishi turbochargers are widely used in many Japanese car manufacturers' models. For example, the TD04 and TD05 series turbos were installed in Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX, and some Volvo models. MHI also supplies larger turbos for trucks and buses.
MHI is known for innovations focused on smooth operation and durability. The company pays great attention to turbocharger efficiency – its engineers have created extremely quiet and low-vibration turbos. As a result, Mitsubishi turbos are valued for their low noise levels and relatively small turbo lag – quick acceleration without significant delay. The company has manufacturing plants and research centers not only in Japan but also in Europe (Netherlands), aiming to meet global market demands.
Advantages: Japanese quality and manufacturing culture ensure reliability, turbos are known for smooth operation, low noise, and quick response. Disadvantages: MHI is more focused on original equipment manufacturers, so its name is less known among tuning enthusiasts; also, the selection of models for high-performance segments (motorsports) is narrower than in Garrett or BorgWarner's range.
IHI Corporation (formerly Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries) – another long-standing Japanese turbocharger manufacturer. IHI's turbo division began operations in the 1950s, and over the years, the company has produced an impressive number – over 100 million turbochargers. IHI products are used not only in passenger cars but also in heavy-duty equipment: agricultural machinery, ship engines, locomotives, and industrial equipment. For example, IHI VF series turbos were installed in Subaru WRX STI sports models, while larger IHI turbo models are found in tractors or ship engines.
Like MHI, IHI grew out of the heavy industry sector, so the priority is durability and technical solutions that can withstand extreme conditions. The company continuously introduces innovations – it produces not only traditional turbochargers but also specialized turbos for new areas, such as hydrogen fuel cell systems (this area has earned IHI innovation awards in Japan). This shows the manufacturer's ability to adapt to changing technologies and market needs.
Advantages: Extensive experience with heavy-duty engines ensures high reliability and longevity, a wide range of products – from small to very large turbochargers, as well as an innovative approach (e.g., projects with alternative fuels). Disadvantages: Less focus on promoting the brand in motorsports or among tuning enthusiasts, some of their models (especially larger ones) are not easily available on the broader market, as they are designed for more specific needs.
Holset – a turbocharger manufacturer of British origin, owned since 1973 by the US diesel engine company Cummins. The company was founded in 1952, combining parts of the surnames of two engineers – Brian Holset and Paul Croset (thus the name "Holset"). Holset specializes in high-performance turbochargers for trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty equipment. This manufacturer's turbos, such as the popular HX35 and HX40 series, are widely used in the heavy transport sector and are known for their durability and resistance to high loads.
As a Cummins division (called Cummins Turbo Technologies), Holset invests heavily in turbocharger technologies for diesel engines. Particularly important are their variable geometry turbos for truck engines, which help maintain optimal pressure across various RPM ranges. Holset turbochargers are designed to withstand continuous operation under extreme conditions – for example, in long-haul trucks or construction equipment, where engines run under high loads for extended periods. Due to these properties, the Holset name has become a standard of quality in the commercial transport sector.
Advantages: Exceptional durability and reliability under extreme conditions, ability to provide very high boost pressure in large-volume engines, excellent choice for diesel engine optimization. Disadvantages: Large size and significant turbo lag at low RPMs – these turbos are not suitable for small gasoline engines; also, Holset is practically not used in the passenger car sector, so the selection in this area is limited.
Volkswagen – one of the largest European automotive manufacturing corporations, encompassing several brands: Audi, Škoda, Seat, Porsche (partially), and others. While the Volkswagen Group is known for its wide range of technological solutions, many wonder whether the corporation itself manufactures turbos or if it purchases them from specialized suppliers? The short answer: traditionally, Volkswagen does not manufacture turbos independently – almost all turbochargers installed are sourced from global manufacturers such as BorgWarner (KKK), Garrett, or IHI. Occasionally, products from MHI or other local partners are also used.