Schaeffler Technologies Debuts eSolutions Concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Schaeffler Technologies – a global automotive manufacturer of high-precision products and systems for engines, transmissions and chassis applications – debuted its eSolutions concept to the North American automotive industry during its press conference this morning at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The eSolutions concept provides detailed insight into Schaeffler Technologies' broad product range for energy efficiency and forward-looking mobility, and includes components that enable hybrid and electric vehicles.

The company's eSolutions true-to-size concept showcases Schaeffler Technologies' suite of products and technologies that enhance efficiencies in hybrid and electric vehicles. The concept displays products for the:

• Engine: two-cylinder engine (model);
• Transmission: double clutch transmission (model);
• Hybrid: hybrid module (clutch with electric motor);
• Rear axle: ACTIVeDRIVE electric axle and eWheelDRIVE wheel hub motor;
• Electrical system: batteries (model), power electronics (model for ACTIVeDRIVE) and AFT PROtronic electronic control system (for ACTIVeDRIVE); and
• Chassis: electric roll stabilization system, rear-axle steering and self-leveling suspension.

"In 2020, more than 50 percent of vehicles will have an electric drive," said Prof. Peter Gutzmer, chief technology officer, Schaeffler Technologies. "As a result, we're working to develop the products and technologies that will both drive and support a successful evolution of electrification. Our eSolutions concept offers a glimpse of Schaeffler Technologies' range of product offerings developed to help the automotive industry successfully transition into the electric arena."

To demonstrate Schaeffler Technologies' commitment to advanced vehicle development,  the eSolutions concept will showcase its electronic roll stabilization system, which eliminates the hydraulic pump to reduce fuel consumption, cut energy consumption and eliminate fluid leaks. The system consists of an electronic motor with an engine control unit (ECU) and a rotational gear with a high-ratio and compensation module to improve response time, handling and driver comfort. For many vehicles, the system can be used with a 12V system without super-capacitors. Currently in the testing phase, the electronic roll stabilization system promises a 1 to 3 percent fuel economy improvement over hydraulic systems.

Additionally, the company will display its ACTIVeDRIVE electric axle, an active electric differential (eDifferential) mounted on the front or rear axle. This component combines an electric drive with the option of controlling the drive power in each wheel individually. This facilitates torque vectoring (distribution of torque between the right and left wheels), which is beneficial for driving dynamics, safety and comfort.

The NAIAS event – one of the world's premier automotive exhibitions – opens to the media and industry officials on Monday, Jan. 9. It will open to the public from Saturday, Jan. 14 through Sunday, Jan. 22. For the second consecutive year Schaeffler Technologies will have a presence at NAIAS as an event sponsor and exhibitor. Its 5,000-square-foot exhibit housing its eSolutions concept will be in room W2-60 and open to journalists and invited guests.

With its brands INA, LuK and FAG, Schaeffler Technologies is a renowned supplier to the automotive industry. The company is among the innovation leaders in the world with more than 5,500 employees at 40 locations worldwide developing new products, technologies and processes, which result in more than 1,600 patent applications annually. Serving as a development partner with system expertise for the entire drivetrain, Schaeffler Technologies manufactures precision products for engines, transmissions and chassis applications that ensure reduced energy consumption and lower emissions, as well as increased driving comfort and safety.

To serve the North American automotive market, Schaeffler Technologies 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 Technologies