Schaeffler’s Integrated Rear-Wheel Steering Goes into Mass Production, Secures Multiple Customer Nominations through 2027

Schaeffler’S rear-wheel steering system is used in card and light commercial vehicles and belongs to Schaeffler’s “Generate Motion” product family. Photo: Schaeffler

(IN BRIEF) Schaeffler’s Powertrain & Chassis division began volume production of its mechatronic rear-wheel steering system in Q1 2025 at its Kysuce, Slovakia plant, manufacturing components for seven vehicle programs across Europe, China and North America. With three further nominations secured through 2027, the system underscores Schaeffler’s customer-focused strategy of local production. Following its merger with Vitesco Technologies, Schaeffler has increased vertical integration by developing its own power pack and inductive sensor technologies, shortening development times and enhancing system expertise. The rear-wheel steering’s compact planetary roller gear design delivers high efficiency and low friction, translating to improved agility, stability and tighter turning capabilities. Awarded the 2025 Automotive News PACE Award, the system will be showcased at IAA MOBILITY 2025 in Munich from September 9–12.

(PRESS RELEASE) BÜHL, 9-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Schaeffler’s Powertrain & Chassis division successfully commenced volume production of its advanced mechatronic rear-wheel steering system for a leading German automaker in the first quarter of 2025. This marks another milestone in bringing innovative chassis technologies directly to vehicle manufacturers.

Schaeffler’s customer-centric manufacturing approach ensures production facilities are situated close to automakers. Today, variants of the rear-wheel steering module are rolling off assembly lines in three regions—Europe, China and North America—servicing seven distinct vehicle programs. Looking ahead, the company has already secured three additional customer nominations for this system through 2027. Since late 2022, the rear-wheel steering unit has been in continuous volume manufacture for automakers worldwide.

The recent merger with Vitesco Technologies has bolstered Schaeffler’s vertical integration. By incorporating in-house power pack assemblies and inductive displacement sensors—developed through expanded electronics and sensor expertise—the division has streamlined its development cycle and enriched its system know-how.

At the heart of the rear-wheel steering is a compact, two-component design: a high-precision mechanical planetary roller gear and a dedicated power pack housing the electronics, electric motor and control software. The planetary roller gear translates the motor’s rotation into steering motion with exceptionally low friction, delivering superior efficiency compared to competing solutions.

Drivers benefit from enhanced agility in corners, improved high-speed stability and a tighter turning radius—ideal for maneuvering in confined urban environments or parking spaces.

In April 2025, Schaeffler’s rear-wheel steering earned the Automotive News PACE Award, recognizing its outstanding innovation, technological advancement and business performance in the North American market.

From September 9 to 12 at IAA MOBILITY 2025 in Munich, Schaeffler will exhibit this rear-wheel steering system alongside its expanded chassis portfolio under the theme “The Motion Technology Company,” at Booth B40 in Hall B3.

For further information on our participation in the trade fair, please visit our website.

Media Contact:

Steffen Nieländer
Head of Commmunications Powertrain & Chassis
Tel.: +49 7223 941-5974
E-Mail: steffen.nielaender@schaeffler.com

SOURCE: Schaeffler AG