USA – It is less than a year since German automotive components giant Schaeffler merged with Vitesco Technologies Group to form a single “motion technology company”. Retaining the Schaeffler name, the new company is now in the process of combining the two product lines of Schaeffler and Vitesco together under a single brand. At the company’s stand at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo – held between 28 April and 1 May in Anaheim, California – the two companies’ portfolios were nearly indistinguishable. It marked the first time that the newly-merged company presented itself as a supplier of comprehensive system solutions to the North American commercial vehicle market.

Taking centre stage was a mocked-up vehicle chassis, meant to demonstrate the breadth of Schaeffler’s expertise in propulsion technologies as well as its industrial capabilities. Thomas Heck, who is head of SBU Battery Assembly and a key account manager at Schaeffler, guided Truck & Bus Builder through the various components of this hybrid “dynamic performance vehicle” demonstrator, starting at the rear end with the single-speed electric axle. This prototype, featuring stamped parts, an axle housing, a traction motor, and power electronics all designed and developed in-house, is set to enter production in a couple of years’ time. A two-speed version with transmissions also developed by Schaeffler will be introduced shortly after, extending the range of applications from light vehicles up to Class 6 or medium-duty.