Braking specialist Knorr-Bremse has announced the intent to acquire fellow German company, Tedrive Steering Systems, aiming to supply its customers with highly integrated systems and new functionalities in the field of autonomous driving.
Tedrive steering systems include rack-and-pinion and recirculating ball steering gear systems, as well as intelligent Hydraulic Steering Assist (iHSA) with electric steering actuation.
In combination with iHSA, in the future Knorr-Bremse will reportedly be able to offer extended automated driving functionalities such as active lane keeping, functionalities specific to platooning, or autonomous yard manoeuvring.
“For us as a manufacturer of braking systems, entering the steering market is the logical next step in expanding our systems expertise,” explained Dr Peter Laier, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Systems division.
“Through the smart connection of systems and subsystems we will be able to generate added value for our customers, be they commercial vehicle manufacturers or operators, in the development, production and operation of their vehicles.
“This is particularly important against the backdrop of increasingly widespread driver assistance systems and the automation of driving functions – developments that not only offer greater safety but also reduce total vehicle operating costs.
“Coming from the global market leader in electronic brake control systems, our new generation of Global Scalable Brake Control products is designed to support the complex control procedures required for autonomous driving. Together with the steering expertise of Tedrive, this core competency of Knorr-Bremse opens up additional opportunities to supply our customers with highly integrated and efficient system solutions.”
(image L-R: Thomas Brüse, Bernd Spies and Reiner Greiss)