Schaeffler, a German manufacturer of machine and car parts, has commenced production of ball screw drives (KGTs) for a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer.
KGTs are integral to advanced steering and braking systems which includes electric parking brakes, electromechanical brakes and in steering systems, where they contribute to improved manoeuvrability, safety and comfort.
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Since 2007, the company has produced over 140 million KGTs for various automotive applications.
The KGTs are also pivotal in lane-keeping and park assist systems, providing high efficiency, low energy requirements, and superior noise and vibration reduction.
The high load-carrying capacity of Schaeffler’s KGTs enables their use in light commercial vehicles, allowing for easier steering in small trucks, vans, and pickups.
Schaeffler Powertrain & Chassis CEO Matthias Zink said: “Schaeffler has almost 20 years of experience in the volume production and ongoing development of ball screw drives. In this context, it benefits from its manufacturing excellence and worldwide customer proximity, especially in China.
“The sustained success of our reliable ball screw drive is clear proof that customers are won over by the quality of our precise mechanical components. We are also proud, as a leading Motion Technology Company, to be a reliable partner for our Chinese customers in the growing market for braking and steering systems.”
KGTs are designed to turn rotational motion into linear motion without slippage, using integrated balls as rolling elements. This results in nearly frictionless movement, enhancing the efficiency of the systems.
Schaeffler’s production of automotive KGTs extends beyond steering systems to brakes and drive and power transmission systems.
In February 2025, Schaeffler launched its latest production line for KGTs in Xiangtan, China to cater to the local market’s growing demand for high-quality steering system components.
Schaeffler also operates additional manufacturing facilities in France, South Korea, Mexico, and Slovakia.
Schaeffler Group Chassis Solutions Business Unit head Timo Schmidt added: “When developing the KGT for the steering systems of premium vehicles and SUVs, Schaeffler is taking account of the more stringent requirements in respect of smooth and quiet running and the larger vehicle weight.”
The next generation of vehicles will be fitted with electromechanical service brakes that brake each individual wheel intelligently and quietly and will thus make a further contribution to brake-by-wire technology. We have received our first nomination from a customer for KGTs for electromechanical brake systems and are already preparing for the start of production.”
