Schaeffler Continues Optimising Powertrain Components for Efficient Combustion and Hybrid Applications

Schaeffler Continues Optimising Powertrain Components for Efficient Combustion and Hybrid Applications

(IN BRIEF) Schaeffler has reached two major production milestones for engine components: eight billion finger followers produced at its Homburg plant over 30 years, and 160 million roller tappets for the HEMI engine manufactured at its Hirschaid plant over 25 years. The company said the milestones reflect its precision engineering and manufacturing expertise in efficient powertrain solutions, including components used in internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains and range extender applications. Schaeffler’s finger followers help convert camshaft rotation into precise, low-loss valve lift, supporting lower friction, longer engine life and functions such as variable valve lift and cylinder deactivation. The HEMI roller tappet is designed for engines with selective cylinder deactivation and uses hydraulic control to maintain zero valve lash and enable valve closure during cylinder deactivation.

(PRESS RELEASE) HOMBURG/HIRSCHAID, 10-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Schaeffler has reached two major production milestones for proven engine components used in efficient and high-performance powertrain systems.

At the company’s plant in Homburg, the eight-billionth finger follower has rolled off the production line during the site’s 30th year of manufacturing the component.

At the same time, Schaeffler’s plant in Hirschaid is marking 25 years of production of roller tappets for the HEMI engine, with a total of 160 million units manufactured over that period.

The milestones underline Schaeffler’s long-standing expertise in precision engineering and large-scale manufacturing for efficient powertrain technologies.

Schaeffler said it is actively shaping the transformation of the automotive industry, not only by developing and producing new solutions for software-driven, autonomous and electrified mobility, but also by continuously optimising components for high-performance and efficient internal combustion engines used in hybrid powertrains.

Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis at Schaeffler AG, said the company is proud to celebrate both a production milestone and a product anniversary for two precision components that have been in production for more than a quarter of a century.

He thanked employees in Hirschaid and Homburg, saying their dedication and commitment made the achievements possible and form an important part of the products’ success stories.

Schaeffler has manufactured finger followers for automotive valve trains since 1996.

The components are used in conventional internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains and range extender applications.

The finger follower was developed as part of efforts to reduce friction compared with the traditional bucket tappet.

Today, it serves as a key transmission element in the valve trains of many modern internal combustion engines.

Schaeffler said the component has a significant impact on fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.

The finger follower converts the rotational movement of the camshaft into a precise, low-loss lift of the engine valve.

It combines accurate motion with low-friction contact conditions, helping increase engine life and enabling modern functions such as variable valve lift and cylinder deactivation.

Schaeffler said its finger follower stands out in volume production through consistently high quality compared with competing products.

The company’s Hirschaid plant has been manufacturing roller tappets for the HEMI engine since 2001, covering the entire value chain.

The site is supported by Schaeffler plants in Homburg, Lahr and Brașov.

The roller tappet for the HEMI engine is particularly popular in North America.

Following the renewed strength of demand for V8 engines, Schaeffler has seen increased customer demand for the component.

From August 2026, Schaeffler’s plant in Ingolstadt will also support production to help meet the higher demand.

HEMI stands for hemispherical and refers to combustion engines with hemispherical combustion chambers.

Because of this design, the valves in the cylinder head are positioned at an angle opposite each other, supporting optimal fuel flow and particularly efficient combustion.

The roller tappet for the HEMI engine was developed specifically for internal combustion engines with selective cylinder deactivation to reduce fuel consumption.

Its main function is to maintain precise, clearance-free valve lash.

The component also compensates for mechanical wear and thermal expansion by using engine oil pressure to continuously maintain valve lash at zero millimetres.

When a cylinder is to be deactivated, the switchable roller tappet is hydraulically unlocked within milliseconds, allowing the engine valve to remain closed.

During this process, the roller tappet performs what is known as a lost-motion stroke.

Unlike conventional roller tappets, the HEMI roller tappet includes a hydraulically actuated mechanical locking mechanism controlled by the engine management system.

Through these production milestones, Schaeffler is highlighting the continued relevance of precision engine components in modern powertrains, including hybrid applications, while reinforcing its role as a supplier of efficient, durable and technically advanced automotive systems.

Schaeffler Group – We pioneer motion: The Schaeffler Group has been driving forward groundbreaking inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for 80 years. With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable – over the entire life cycle. Schaeffler describes its comprehensive range of products and services by means of eight product families: From bearing solutions and all types of linear guidance systems through to repair and monitoring services. Schaeffler is with around 110,000 employees and more than 250 locations in 55 countries, one of the world’s largest family-owned companies and one of Germany’s most innovative companies.

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SOURCE: Schaeffler