Schaeffler Experts Present at the CTi Innovative Automotive Transmissions, Hybrid and Electric Drives Symposium

TROY, Mich., May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- New developments and advancements in transmission technology are necessary as automakers work to meet the standards of future transportation systems. Schaeffler's Philip George, director advanced development; Jeff Hemphill, chief technical officer; and Jitesh Modi, group leader and principal engineer, will discuss the latest transmission concepts and innovations at the 7^th International Car Training Institute's (CTi) Innovative Automotive Transmissions, Hybrid & Electric Drives symposium and exhibition held at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, Mich. from May 14 to 16.

"The CTi event is a great forum to discuss the latest trends and topics surrounding some of our key development areas, including transmissions, hybrid technology and electric drives," said Hemphill. "Coming together to share best practices and updated research findings is a key component in developing new transmission technologies to meet the upcoming needs of our customers."

During the conference, Modi will discuss Schaeffler's bearing solutions with low friction and weight optimization on Wednesday, May 15 from 4:20 to 5:50 p.m. during the Development Tools and Standardization session. During his "Optimization of Efficiency and Performance of Modern Transmissions Using Low Friction and High Performance Bearing Solutions" presentation, he will review bearing arrangements in modern transmissions for improved efficiency and optimum performance, as well as offer insight on how bearing performance can be enhanced through material technology optimization.

Presenting "The Role of the Automatic Transmission as an Integral Part of a Start-Stop Strategy" on Wednesday, May 15 from 4:40 to 5:20 p.m. in the Cooperation in Transmission Development track, George will review the key challenges of start-stop technology for planetary automatic transmissions. He will also discuss solutions involving high integration and additional functions, and the improved value proposition for start-stop on the U.S. cycle. 

Giving an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of automatic, continuously variable and dual-clutch transmissions, Hemphill will present "The Old Technology Fights Back – A Reconsideration of Competing Transmission Types" on Thursday, May 16 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. in the Reconsideration and Comparison of Transmission Concepts session. The presentation will provide an overview of recent technical improvements in each type of transmission, as well as his insight on the currently competitive landscape and future growth potential in this area.

Created and organized by CTi, the 7^th International Innovative Automotive Transmissions, Hybrid and Electronic Drives symposium and exhibition offers an international exchange of experiences and opinions between key automotive representatives. Participants, including OEMs, transmission manufacturers and suppliers from the United States, Europe and Asia, will discuss the latest in technical developments and applications for conventional and alternative drives. For more information, please visit the event website.

Schaeffler, with its product brands INA, LuK and FAG, is a leading provider of rolling bearing and plain bearing solutions and of linear and direct drive technology, as well as a renowned supplier to the automotive industry of high-precision products and systems for engines, transmissions, and chassis applications. The globally active group of companies generated sales of approximately 11.1 billion euros in 2012. With approximately 76,000 employees worldwide, Schaeffler is one of the largest German and European industrial companies under family ownership. With 180 locations in over 50 countries, Schaeffler has a worldwide network of manufacturing locations, research and development facilities, sales companies, engineering offices, and training centers.

To serve the North American automotive market, Schaeffler operates development centers in: Troy, Mich.; Fort Mill, S.C.; Wooster, Ohio; and Puebla, Mexico. The company's 400 North American engineers and technicians, who are supported by a team of more than 5,500 global engineers, drive development in the region utilizing state-of-the-art test and measurement equipment, computational tools and CAD systems. Schaeffler Automotive has headquarters in Fort Mill and manufacturing facilities in: South Carolina; Missouri; Ohio; Ontario, Canada; Puebla and Irapuato, Mexico. For more information, please visit www.schaeffler.us.

SOURCE Schaeffler