Environmentally friendly system improves fuel economy, handling and steering feel
SAGINAW, Mich. – Nexteer Automotive, a tier one automotive supplier committed exclusively to wheel-to-wheel advanced steering and driveline systems, today announced it will provide the 2013 Ram 1500 with its 12-volt electronic power steering (EPS) system. Nexteer’s highly acclaimed 12-volt EPS system not only improves fuel economy, but enhances handling and steering feel as well.
“The 12-volt EPS system featured on the 2013 Ram 1500 is truly a significant technology milestone for Nexteer,” said Mike Richardson, senior vice president of global steering business unit and chief technology officer at Nexteer. “This industry-leading technology has led the way for Nexteer’s EPS systems to be standard on more than 90 percent of North American full-size pickups by 2013.”
Nexteer was first to market in 2010 with a 12-volt, high-volume EPS technology for the full-size pickup truck segment. The company’s EPS system offers the largest rack-load available in a 12-volt system.
EPS is a crucial technology for automakers as they strive to meet the 2016 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations. Additionally, EPS systems can integrate with other on-board electronics to improve overall safety and driving performance. Since EPS tuning is software based, the vehicle’s steering characteristics can be programmed and customized to each model based on automakers specific requirements.
“Our EPS system is rapidly becoming the steering system of-choice for global automakers for its advanced capabilities and cost-effective solutions for a full range of vehicle segments, sizes and classes,” added Richardson. “From compact cars to full-size trucks, Nexteer’s EPS systems will be steering the global automotive market.”
Nexteer booked nearly $10 billion worth of new business over the past two years. In 2011, EPS accounted for 60 percent of new customer contracts. The demand for EPS will continue to grow, paving the way for Nexteer to become the North American EPS market leader by 2016.
Since 1999, Nexteer has put more than 17 million EPS systems on the road globally, saving more than 1.5 billion gallons of fuel.
ABOUT NEXTEER
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 serves more than 60 customers in every major region of the world. The company has 20 manufacturing plants, five engineering centers and 15 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.
CONTACT
Nexteer Automotive:
Luis Canales
Director of Global Communications
989-757-3086 (office)
luis.canales@nexteer.com
Max Muncey
The Quell Group
248-649-8900 (office)
248-952-7094 (cell)
mmuncey@quell.com