Interview: Matthias Zink, Chief Executive, Automotive Business, Schaeffler

Tier 1 suppliers are under greater pressure than ever to develop clean technologies, and none more so than powertrain specialists.

The nature of the Tier 1 has changed over time to the point where most share a similar footprint to their global OEM customers, often with a presence in every continent. In many cases, suppliers have to develop technologies to meet the requirements of various CO2 emissions and fuel economy regulations, which often differ from region to region. German supplier Schaeffler is well placed to cope with these challenges, and is embracing the move towards e-mobility.

Matthias Zink has been a longstanding employee at Schaeffler, and is described by the company as a ‘renowned expert’ in transmission systems. He previously served as President of Schaeffler’s Transmission Technologies business unit, and is currently Chief Executive of Schaeffler’s Automotive business. Automotive World caught up with Zink to discuss how transmission systems – which have already become highly efficient – will be affected by e-mobility in future.