Schaeffler has begun volume production of its rear-wheel steering system at its Kysuce, Slovakia plant for a German automaker. This system is part of Schaeffler’s “Generate Motion” product family and targets both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

The rear-wheel steering system is now being produced for seven vehicle models across Europe, China and North America. Schaeffler reports that it has received three additional customer nominations for this system by 2027, with a total of six nominations lined up.

The system features a planetary roller gear, and a power pack that integrates electronics, an electric motor and software. The planetary roller gear is designed to convert the electric motor’s rotary motion into steering movement for the push rod with low friction and high efficiency. An integrated inductive displacement sensor and an in-house developed power pack are integrated within the system.

Schaeffler says that the system improves driving agility in turns while enhancing vehicle stability and safety at high speeds. The compact design allows a smaller turning radius for improved maneuverability, especially useful in tight spaces or during parking.

Following the merger with Vitesco Technologies, Schaeffler notes increased vertical integration as a key differentiator, citing gains in electronics and sensor expertise.

“The expertise gained in electronics and sensor technology as well as the greater real net output ratio due to additional components shortens development cycles and strengthens our system expertise,” said Clément Feltz, Head of Chassis Systems at Schaeffler. “Compared with its competitors, Schaeffler’s rear-wheel steering system offers a unique technological selling point thanks to the planetary roller gear, which converts the rotary motion of the electric motor to the steering motions of the push rod with low friction and very high efficiency.”

Source: Schaeffler