Schaeffler, the OE and aftermarket component manufacturer behind the LuK clutch, INA tensioner,  FAG wheel bearing and Ruville engine, cooling and suspension components ranges, has shown how it is leading the way in the field of environmentally friendly automobility.  The supplier recently took first place for its E-Clutch in the environmental and business category at the GreenTec Awards in Berlin.

Schaeffler’s innovative technology won over the high-ranking jury made up of 71 representatives from industry, science, industry associations and the media. In the automobility category, awards are presented to particularly innovative and environmentally-friendly technologies, which make the most convincing case in terms of weight reduction, optimisation of fuel consumption, increasing the length of the life cycle, production and materials. The E-Clutch facilitates the functions start-stop and sailing in manual transmissions. This reduces CO2 emissions by 3 to 8 percent under real operating conditions.

Dr. Roland Welter, Vice President of the Overall Systems Clutches product line at Schaeffler in Bühl, Germany commented, “There is a great deal of customer interest and it is important that we now put the system into volume production as soon as possible.” He added, “If all goes to plan, Schaeffler would like to start production in 2018.” Welter was in Berlin to accept the prize and expressed his gratitude to the entire Schaeffler team.