Schaeffler to Show Concept Car at NAIAS that Meets 2025 CAFE Requirements and U.S. Consumer Needs

DETROIT and HERZOGENAURACH, GERMANY -- Dec. 22, 2014: At the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit (January 12 - 25 2015), Schaeffler will show its concept car that meets the 2025 CAFE requirements. CAFE stands for Corporate Average Fuel Economy and describes the increasingly more restrictive fuel economy regulations in the United States. The car – named Efficient Future Mobility North America – was developed as part of Schaeffler's Mobility for Tomorrow strategy.

"With the Schaeffler Efficient Future Mobility North America vehicle, we are once again demonstrating how our innovative technologies can make significant improvements in terms of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions," said Prof. Peter Gutzmer, chief technology officer, Schaeffler.

The vehicle is based on a modern, all-wheel-drive, midsize SUV with an automatic transmission. Last year during NAIAS, Schaeffler showed the first phase of the concept car that demonstrated its low-cost strategy to meet CAFE 2020 guidelines.

"At NAIAS 2015, we are announcing the second phase of the concept car that includes its mild hybridization with 48 volt," explains Prof. Gutzmer. "In this way, we can achieve the strict requirements of CAFE 2025 with a cost-conscious approach."

In addition to the 48 volt hybridization, Schaeffler incorporated other innovations, including: a permanent engaged starter; a four-wheel drive disconnect clutch; a thermal management module; as well as extensive damping and friction reduction measures in the drive train.

"With this car, Schaeffler shows the impressive optimization potential that can be achieved through a holistic approach," says Jeff Hemphill, CTO, Schaeffler North America. "In this way, Schaeffler is making important contributions to the environmentally friendly mobility of tomorrow."

Further details of the concept car will be announced at Schaeffler's NAIAS press conference on Monday, Jan. 12 at 7:20 a.m. in the Ambassador Ballroom (room 360) of the Cobo Center in Detroit.

Additional examples of Schaeffler's Mobility for Tomorrow strategy will be on display in the company's Technology Suite, including its Formula-E racing car. This car was specially created for the electrically operated Monoposto Racing Series and has already raced in Asia and South America. Upcoming performances will be in Miami on March 4 and Long Beach in April 2015. Schaeffler is the technology partner of the German ABT team, whose driver, Lucas di Grassi, leads the championship from its beginning.