Prof. Peter Pleus, President of Schaeffler Group Automotive, passed the award on to the team in the Engine Systems Business Division in Herzogenaurach. "We are very proud of this award", said Prof. Peter Pleus, "since it is proof of our innovative force and manufacturing quality that are based on the achievements of our creative and quality-conscious employees".
Various rolling bearing solutions that were used in the Porsche 356 laid the foundation for the long partnership between both companies. Porsche was also one of Schaeffler's first customers as Schaeffler began producing innovative diaphragm spring clutches with the LuK brand in the mid-1960s. It was also during this decade that Schaeffler laid the basis for its expertise in the combustion engine by developing high-precision valve train components. Among other vehicles, these components were tested in the Porsche 917 Le Mans racing car.
Schaeffler was again selected as one of Porsche's high-tech development partners as the company put the technologically avant-garde Porsche 959 on the road in the mid-1980s. One of these developments was Schaeffler's hydraulic chain tensioner. This new component proved how effective it was in the most innovative sports car of the time.
Porsche also sets the benchmark with Schaeffler's support in variable valve trains. Switchable bucket tappets and camshaft phasing units are the key components of the valve control system known as Porsche VarioCam Plus, which is synonymous with efficient and powerful engine technology.
The list of references for the successful cooperation between Porsche and Schaeffler in the engine, transmission and chassis is also very long. Schaeffler's components for the classic drive train with an internal combustion engine now also include hybrid modules. In addition, the company has been expanding its innovative range of products for electric mobility for quite some time.
"The collaboration with Porsche has been very fruitful for both companies, both in terms of development and manufacturing", says Prof. Peter Pleus. "Both Schaeffler and Porsche are borne by a spirit of innovation and the highest standards of quality. Accordingly, we are very proud of the Porsche Supplier Award, which is an incentive for our team to develop pioneering innovations in the future".