NSK Showcases Green Auto Products at Tokyo Motor Show

Bearings manufacturer exhibits automotive-related technology to illustrate CO2 emissions reductions and improved auto safety

ANN ARBOR, MI, Oct. 30 -- NSK's green automotive technology is the centre of attention at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show being held from October 24 to November 4.

With a theme embracing of, "Changing Eco, Changing Safety," the NSK exhibit features products and technologies from the rapidly changing automotive market, and detail how the company will help reduce CO2 emissions and improve safety in the future. The latest NSK products for use in electric control, low fuel consumption, compactness and lightness and safety are in the spotlight.

"NSK's continued development and adoption of green technologies in the auto sector is an important part of our sustainability focus," says Steve Beckman, NSK Vice President, Automotive Business Unit. "By focusing on increasing efficiency and fuel economy, NSK is actively contributing to the worldwide reduction of CO2 emissions. As a world-leading bearing manufacturer, we know that our expertise and products are promoting positive change within the auto sector."

NSK is highlighting five key technologies for a more environmentally friendly auto sector, all of which are currently available and in use with U.S.-based NSK customers:

  1. Ultra high-speed ball bearings for the motor and generator in
  next-generation hybrid cars. These ball bearings can achieve a revolution
  of 30,000 rpm or more, or 1.5 times that of conventional bearings. This
  product will increase the fuel efficiency, power and compactness of
  next-generation hybrid automobiles.

  2. Low-friction torque ball bearings for hybrid cars, designed
  exclusively for transmissions, reduce frictional loss (energy loss) by
  50-65% compared to conventional bearings. This product has enhanced the
  fuel economy of the Toyota Prius, the worldwide leader in low fuel
  consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.

  3. NSK is the first company in the world to integrate the brush motor and
  the entire mechatronics (ECU, torque sensor board, gearbox, and torque
  sensor coil) into one unit to achieve the shortest column length for
  small vehicles in the world. This advance contributes to smooth
  maneuverability and improved fuel economy, as well improved safety.

  4. Highly reliable hub unit bearing for BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia,
  India, China) where the demand for automobiles is on the rise. The hub
  unit (integrated unit of the hub that is installed on the tire wheel and
  the part that is installed on the chassis) offers high reliability of
  automobiles even in rugged road conditions such as snow, desert, or muddy
  water, and under a heavy load of passengers or cargo.

  5. NSK developed the world's smallest roller (1.5 mm in diameter) with
  maximum rotation 1.5 times that of conventional products. The compact and
  light cages and rollers are designed to meet the needs of increasingly
  diverse and faster transmissions such as belt CVTs, ATs, and hybrid
  automobile transmissions. This product meets the need to improve fuel
  economy and reduce the size and weight of automobiles.

NSK's CSR and Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) efforts have earned the company recognition on international SRI indices including the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, the FTSE4Good Global Benchmark Index, the Ethibel Sustainability Index, the Morningstar Japan SRI Index and the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations list from the World Economic Forum.

About NSK Corporation

NSK Corporation is a member of the NSK Ltd. Group of companies headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. As one of the world's leading bearing manufacturers, it produces and distributes over 100,000 different types of bearings, linear motion and automotive component products.

In the United States, NSK operates with strategically located manufacturing and distribution centers that supply the original equipment, auto manufacturing, and aftermarket distribution channels. Its network of authorized distributors has the expertise, inventory and delivery systems to meet industry needs, working in partnership with NSK sales and engineering teams to ensure those needs are met with precision and speed. For more information, visit www.us.nsk.com.