Two Schaeffler Technologies Named Automotive News PACE Award Finalists

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Mar 15, 2017, 09:00 ET

TROY, Mich., March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Underscoring the company's commitment to mobility innovation, Schaeffler has been named an Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award finalist for the ninth time in 11 years.

In fact, for the 2017 competition, two of the global auto supplier's technologies – its electromechanical active roll stabilizer and automatic transmission one-way clutch assembly – have made the finalist list. Winners will be announced on April 3 at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit.

"Our 'Mobility for Tomorrow' strategy is driven by the demand for next-generation innovations, so we're especially honored to have two finalist technologies this year," said Jeff Hemphill, chief technology officer for Schaeffler Americas. "The market has been quick to respond to the performance advantages offered by our electromechanical active roll stabilizer and automatic transmission one-way clutch assembly."

Electromechanical Active Roll Stabilizer
Schaeffler's electromechanical active roll stabilizer is the first mechatronic anti-roll system in the market. Apart from reduction of fuel consumption and emissions compared to hydraulic systems, its "plug-in-play" feature simplifies the assembly process. Integrated into the vehicle's existing chassis control systems, the highly-dynamic and precise regulation allows the electromechanical active roll stabilizer to increase driving stability in curves, as well as agility and ride comfort on bad roads. In November 2015, the 48-volt version of system was applied in a luxury SUV, marking the world's first 48-volt chassis application, which illustrates the trend of higher voltage automotive applications. It is the only electro-mechanical system on the market.

Automatic Transmission One-way Clutch Assembly
By utilizing industry-leading riveting and stamping technologies, Schaeffler has transformed the automatic transmission one-way clutch. The result: a completely new design that is lighter, more durable and more cost-effective than traditional transmission one-way clutches. By stamping the majority of the unit's components, Schaeffler's innovation not only meets the demanding performance specifications of today's transmissions with their ever-increasing number of gear ratios, but also reduces the weight and inertia by 13 percent while delivering lash-free shifting. Schaeffler anticipates its automatic transmission one-way clutch assembly will be installed in more than 11 percent of all rear-wheel drive vehicles by 2022.

This is the ninth time in the past 11 years that Schaeffler has been named a finalist or winner in the PACE Awards:

2017: finalist for its electromechanical active roll stabilizer and automatic transmission one-way clutch assembly systems;

2016: finalist for its laser etching process as applied to clutch plates;

2015: finalist for its torque converter with piston back pressure compensation;
2014: won for its torque converter with centrifugal pendulum absorber;
2012: won for its UniAir fully variable engine valve lift system and also earned an Innovation Partnership Award along with Fiat Powertrain and Chrysler Group;
2011: won for its lightweight balance shaft with roller bearings;
2010: finalist for its face spline wheel hub;
2009: winner for its dry double clutch; and
2007: finalist for its tandem ball bearing.

The PACE Award program, now in its 23rd year, honors superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers. This prestigious award is recognized around the world as the industry benchmark for innovation.

About Schaeffler
The Schaeffler Group is a leading global integrated automotive and industrial supplier. The company stands for the highest quality, outstanding technology, and strong innovative ability. The Schaeffler Group makes a key contribution to "Mobility for tomorrow" with high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission, and chassis applications as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications. The technology company generated sales of approximately EUR 13.2 billion in 2015. With around 85,000 employees, Schaeffler is one of the world's largest family companies and, with approximately 170 locations in over 50 countries, has a worldwide network of manufacturing locations, research and development facilities, and sales companies.

Schaeffler is a recognized development partner for global automakers and suppliers. 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 600 North American engineers and technicians, who are supported by a team of more than 6,700 global R&D engineers, drive development in the region by 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.