Schaeffler exec: Suppliers will play bigger role in engines

Suppliers' responsibilities in vehicle development are growing. Peter Gutz-mer, chief technology officer at Schaeffler AG, aims to develop valuable products in a wider range of functions. Gutzmer, 59, spoke with Automobilwoche Staff Reporter Klaus-Dieter Floerecke. Automobilwoche is a sibling publication of Automotive News. The interview was conducted in German and translated into English.

Q: What is suppliers' role in improving engine technology?

A: In general, there is more work in development networks. This has resulted in a sharp increase in the suppliers' share of the development of new engine lines. The vehicle manufacturers continue to provide adaptations in their vehicle platforms and in the overall systems. But as a whole, suppliers must provide more development expertise and take over greater development responsibility. This trend will continue as a result of the growing complexity.

Can you give an example?

An example is our fully variable electrohydraulic UniAir valve control. We supply this system to Fiat-Chrysler. But this only works if we network intensively very early on with the customer, starting during the specification phase, clarifying who will cover particular areas and who will take over particular work packages.

Is engine downsizing still important?

Yes. If you look at the internal combustion engine, three- and four-cylinder engines will determine the future, combined with other systems such as electrification. The two-cylinder engines will likely remain a niche application with a role in range extenders. For internal combustion engines, we see further increases in performance and torque. This will primarily be achieved with turbochargers or complementary charging systems.

Will this result in more sales of high-tech, high-value components?

Yes, we are preparing for the eventuality that our customers' demand for development work will continue to rise. The complexities are growing. We want to try to increase the value that we create with a wider range of functions.

Can you provide more details?

For example, an electrical actuator is added onto the camshaft adjuster. In the case of the dual clutch, the product is enhanced with electric actuation. We try to find common areas where the actuator's control and electrical equipment can complement and benefit each other.

The turbocharger plays a major role in downsizing. As a manufacturer of turbochargers, or as a provider of turbocharger rolling bearings, how do you see the competition from superchargers?

With small loads and at low rotational speeds, the turbocharger is at a serious disadvantage in its response compared with superchargers. But we do not believe that the bulk of future engines will be equipped with superchargers. Here we have developed a tailor-made, roller-bearing solution. And it even functions at temperatures of up to [1,832 degrees Fahrenheit] found in turbochargers. We are also working on another solution to optimize the response of turbochargers. At the same time, the actuating elements and electromechanical expertise are important. In the future, we expect turbocharger systems with electrically supported drives.

What is the importance of the AFT and IFT engineering subsidiaries, now known as Schaeffler Engineering, and how is the unit integrated within the company as a whole?

Here we will create a team that forms an interface between Schaeffler and customers on system development to meet the requirements for integrating systems. But we will also present our own ideas to the customer, such as our wheel-hub drive. Because of our expertise, we can develop everything from software packages, as we have with our wheel-hub drive eWheelDrive, to prototype control devices and electronics.

Will most of your future technology development work be done in Europe or will it move to high-growth markets?

We will continue to maintain the basic areas in Germany that require a great deal of knowledge and expertise. That is why we entered into a joint research project with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Other companies are entering into such partnerships as well. That means that basic development will take place where the development expertise and the centers of the auto and engine manufacturers are located. And for us, that essentially means Germany, Japan and the United States.