Nexteer supplies electric power steering (EPS) to new Chevrolet Aveo

Oct. 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Paris, 25 October, 2011 – Specialist electric power steering supplier Nexteer Automotive is supplying its Generation 2 column EPS to the new Chevrolet Aveo, which achieves a class-leading five-star score in the latest, more demanding, Euro NCAP crash tests. The high score illustrates how Nexteer’s fuel-saving EPS systems also support the highest safety standards, even in the most affordable compact cars.

“Nexteer Automotive is supporting vehicle manufacturers’ work to produce cars that are safer, more fuel efficient and more comfortable to drive,” said Laurent Bresson, Vice President Global Sales and Marketing and Chief Operating Officer, Nexteer Automotive International Division. “Nexteer’s focus on EPS has allowed us to develop a best-in-class steering system that exploits advances in materials and manufacturing processes, combining refinement and premium steering feel with better fuel economy and high safety standards.”

Nexteer produces the EPS system at its manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China, shipping to Chevrolet’s three Aveo factories in Korea and China. The Aveo is exported throughout Asia and to Europe and Nexteer supplies 100% of the models fitted with EPS.

“Nexteer is assisting the migration from hydraulic to electrical power steering that is taking place all around the world, providing customers with the best possible partner in the development of global car platforms,” said Bresson. “Car buyers value the improved fuel economy, CO2 emissions and assistance technologies that EPS brings and Nexteer people have the expertise to design, programme and manufacture steering systems that achieve best-in-class levels of safety, performance and comfort.”

Replacing a hydraulic system with an on-demand electrically powered system from Nexteer reduces fuel consumption by up to 6 per cent, which corresponds to around 8g/km of CO2. This can be up to 30 percent of a carmaker’s CO2 reduction target for 2015.

Electric power steering remains among the most complex systems in vehicles. Nexteer pioneered the introduction of EPS for volume applications, launching the technology in 1999. The company’s global network of technical centres and production facilities employs more than 9,800 people, with in-house design of all key components and control software. The company has 20 manufacturing sites located throughout the world, which have supplied more than 15 million EPS systems to vehicle manufacturers.

About Nexteer Automotive
Nexteer Automotive is a multi-billion dollar global steering and driveline business solely dedicated to electric and hydraulic steering systems, steering columns and driveline products for original equipment manufacturers. Its 9,800 workforce serve more than 60 customers in every major region of the world. The company has 20 manufacturing plants, six engineering centers and 14 customer service centers strategically located in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Nexteer Automotive's customers include GM, Fiat, Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and PSA Peugeot Citroen, as well as automakers in India, China and South America. www.nexteer.com