Schaeffler Honored with Two PACE Awards for Automotive Innovations

TROY, Mich., April 4, 2017 -- Showcasing its success in developing next generation automotive innovations, Schaeffler was recently honored with two Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Awards. This is the ninth time in 11 years that the global automotive supplier – with an average of 60 products on every global vehicle – has been named a PACE Award winner or finalist.

Driven by its "Mobility for tomorrow" strategy, Schaeffler's electromechanical active roll stabilizer and automatic transmission one-way clutch assembly received top honors at the annual event held April 3 at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit.

"For years, we've dedicated ourselves to identifying, understanding and developing innovative solutions for the trends that will drive the next level changes within the global auto industry," said Jeff Hemphill, chief technology officer for Schaeffler Americas. "Schaeffler is honored to have earned two 2017 PACE Awards for our electromechanical active roll stabilizer and automatic transmission one-way clutch assembly, as it recognizes our relentless pursuit of pioneering solutions."

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.

The 23rd annual PACE Awards were presented by Automotive News, EY and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). The competition was open to suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. The Automotive News PACE Award is accepted around the world as the industry benchmark for innovation. For complete details of the Automotive News PACE Award, visit www.autonews.com/pace.

About Schaeffler
The Schaeffler Group is a global automotive and industrial supplier. Top quality, outstanding technology, and exceptionally innovative spirit form the basis for the continued success of the company. By delivering 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 Schaeffler Group is already shaping "Mobility for tomorrow" to a significant degree. The technology company generated sales of approximately EUR 13.3 billion in 2016. With around 86,600 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.

SOURCE Schaeffler

CONTACT: Lynn Kier, Vice President Communications and Marketing, Schaeffler Group USA Inc., Fort Mill, SC, USA, (803) 578-2929, lynn.kier@schaeffler.com