Nexteer Automotive Equips 2011 Ford Mustang with Electric Power Steering

SAGINAW, Mich., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Nexteer Automotive, the only tier one automotive supplier committed exclusively to wheel-to-wheel advanced steering and driveline systems, will manufacture and supply a high performance, fuel-efficient, rack-assisted electric power steering on the 2011 Ford Mustang, marking the first muscle car to feature this environmentally friendly EPS technology. The vehicle launches in spring 2010.

"This steering technology will turn a lot of heads," said Ted Seeger, global chief engineer – electric steering, Nexteer Automotive. "Although it seems counter-intuitive that a high-performance sports car includes a green, responsive electric power steering system, muscle-car enthusiasts will appreciate the enhanced steering feel and handling. It won't be long before more sports cars use EPS for these benefits and the increased fuel efficiency it provides."

Nexteer-brand EPS systems achieve up to 4 percent fuel savings compared to traditional hydraulic steering by eliminating the hydraulic pump, hoses and fluids and replacing them with a high-efficiency motor. The motor only draws power from the battery when the driver needs power-steering assistance, compared with hydraulic steering that draws power continuously from the engine. As a result of fuel savings, vehicle emissions are also reduced.  This on-demand power draw from EPS also delivers up to 3hp additional to the driven wheels, which is especially important to muscle car buyers.

Nexteer currently has column, pinion and rack-assisted EPS systems in mass production. Its broad portfolio enables it to provide cost-effective EPS solutions for a full range of vehicle segments, sizes and classes from small cars to large trucks.  

"We are planning $400 million in future investments for our operations, technology and equipment in the coming years, a majority of which is ear-marked for green steering technologies like EPS," said Mike Richardson, vice president – steering business unit, Nexteer Automotive.  "We have a global footprint that will be optimized to support our diverse customer base around the world, including NAFTA-produced EPS for Ford's Mustang."  

Since 1999, Nexteer Automotive (the former steering division of Delphi) has put more than 12 million EPS units on the road globally, saving nearly 800 million gallons of fuel.

About Nexteer Automotive

Nexteer Automotive is a multi-billion dollar global steering and driveline business solely dedicated to electric and hydraulic steering systems, steering columns and driveline products for original equipment manufacturers. Its 6,200 employees serve more than 60 customers in every major region of the world. The company has 22 manufacturing plants, six engineering centers and 14 customer service centers strategically located in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Nexteer Automotive's customers include GM, Fiat, Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and PSA Peugeot Citroen, as well as automakers in India, China and South America. www.nexteer.com

SOURCE Nexteer Automotive