(January 24, 2011)

Precision bearings and automotive engine components manufacturer Schaeffler (UK) Ltd has published a new brochure outlining the Group’s comprehensive range of systems and components for internal combustion engine-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles and all-electric vehicles.

The new brochure, entitled ‘Driving Towards a Sustainable Future’, looks at a series of innovative engineering solutions developed by The Schaeffler Group, which are helping manufacturers of traditional internal combustion engine-powered vehicles to produce more compact, lightweight vehicles that deliver improved fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

Although the internal combustion engine (ICE) is likely to dominate the automotive landscape for the next decade, the increasing mismatch between energy consumption and available resources, together with tighter legal restrictions on pollution, is creating an increased demand for improvements to existing automotive technologies and the development of ‘greener’ alternatives.

Schaeffler is already successfully partnering with a number of major automotive manufacturers to co-develop more energy-efficient solutions for ICE-powered vehicles. These solutions include a lightweight balancer shaft and rolling bearing assembly; UniAir, the world’s first fully variable hydraulic valve control system, co-developed with Fiat Powertrain; the ball roller bearing; and the FAG wheel bearing, which provides simplified mounting and is 10 per cent lighter than its predecessor.

Another development project at Schaeffler involves the use of novel, optimised engine components, which when combined, achieve an overall 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Schaeffler’s CO2ncept-10% is a CO2 demonstration vehicle based on a Porsche Cayenne with a V8 engine.

In addition to tried-and-tested, optimised engine components, the vehicle is also equipped with several new powertrain and chassis components manufactured by Schaeffler. The project achieved an overall saving of 10 per cent in both fuel consumption and emissions when compared to existing production models.

Hybrid and electric vehicles

Schaeffler is also involved in the ongoing development of concepts and components for the next-generation of hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

The Group’s new hybrid demonstration vehicle, the Schaeffler Hybrid, is based on a Vauxhall Corsa and is a fully operational hybrid vehicle. Part of an advanced development project at Schaeffler, this vehicle enables practical comparisons to be made of a number of different vehicle configurations and driving conditions. As well as using a conventional volume-manufactured ICE, the Schaeffler Hybrid also incorporates a central electric motor and two wheel hub motors. The vehicle incorporates every Schaeffler brand, including INA, FAG, LuK, IDAM and AFT.

The brochure also describes how Schaeffler has developed innovative hybrid bearing technology to support the next-generation of all-electric vehicles. These innovations include high speed planetary gear sets, lightweight spur gear differentials, high speed ball bearings for electric motors and high frequency one-way clutches.

For more information on Schaeffler’s range of bearings and engine components for ICE-powered, hybrid and all-electric vehicles, please visit www.schaeffler.co.uk or telephone the marketing department on 0121 313 5870 and request a copy of the HEV1210 brochure.

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