Schaeffler rear-wheel steering system goes into series production

The new mechatronic rear-wheel steering system by Schaeffler has celebrated its series-production premiere, bringing enhanced agility on bends and superior inner-city maneuverability to the new electric SUV of a renowned vehicle manufacturer.

By adding steering functionality to the rear axle, Schaeffler’s new technology improves handling in city traffic, enhances lane-change stability, and makes the vehicle easier to park. “Schaeffler has developed from a supplier of components for chassis systems to a provider of complete steering systems,” said Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler AG. “We have built up extensive capabilities around steering systems in recent years because we see this as a strategic growth area for our business.”

The key to Schaeffler’s new rear-wheel steering system is the planetary roller gear – a world’s first based on precision mechanical engineering from the company’s in-house industrial technology operations. The result is a highly compact system that is lightweight, quiet in operation, and optimized for easy vehicle integration. This innovative steering system has been well received by the market, with the first customer onboard and various other auto makers likewise committed to using it in their vehicles. In fact, further vehicle models featuring the steering system by Schaeffler are due to go into production before the end of 2023 as well as in 2024.