Nexteer Automotive, a global leader in intuitive motion control, has surpassed producing one million units of its energy efficient and cost effective brush electric power steering (BEPS) system on July 7.
The addition of BEPS to Nexteer’s broad portfolio has increased the company’s product reach and led to rapid growth in the Chinese automotive market. Developed at its Engineering Center in Michigan, the premium BEPS system was optimized for local requirements at the Nexteer China Application Technology Center in Suzhou to provide advanced steering performance to customers like SGM Wuling and Changan. Nexteer’s production of BEPS systems began in 2013 and has grown to an average monthly output of more than 75,000 units in 2015.
“Emerging markets have traditionally used hydraulic steering systems, but at the cost of reduced performance and lower fuel economy,” said Laurent Bresson, president and chief operating officer of Nexteer. “Our millionth brush EPS system indicates a deeper penetration in electric steering technology preference and allows Nexteer to diversify its customer and revenue base. We remain focused on driving innovation in electronic power steering leading to improved performance, an enhanced competitive position, and strong business visibility for Nexteer.”
As a leading supplier of EPS systems, Nexteer has fitted its EPS systems to a full range of vehicles from small A-B segments to full-size pickups and from sports cars to light commercial vehicles. The addition of BEPS expanded Nexteer’s application opportunities, allowing the company to pursue select domestic OEM applications in China and other developing markets.
EPS uses a combination of electric motors, actuators, sensors and controllers to give drivers the best steering control for all driving conditions. It also gives road feedback to the driver – known as “steering feel.” Since Nexteer’s first EPS system debuted in 1999, an estimated 3 billion gallons of fuel have been saved by the adoption of the technology. Nexteer’s BEPS system is modular, compact, fits many applications and seamlessly integrates with OEMs’ vehicle systems. The brush-motor based unit brings a new twist to the entry level vehicle segment by introducing key advanced steering features typically found only in higher output brushless EPS systems.
“Adoption of the affordable Brush EPS system has been phenomenal. OEM customers who thought high-end EPS systems were too expensive are now reconsidering after learning about fuel economy and emissions gains that result from our product,” said Steve Spicer, global product line executive of electric steering. “Changing to an electric power steering system is one of the greatest single efficiency gains an OEM can make. The Nexteer Brush EPS system also enables advanced driver assistance functionality like active return to center and lane keeping.”
