Since it first supplied ball bearings to the Japanese market in 1916, NSK has broadened its range and contributed to all different fields of industry. NSK automotive products are now a globally respected brand. Source: NSK Ltd.

Tokyo, Japan - October 26, 2010

Formation of an NSK Ltd-Toshiba Joint Venture to Develop an Automotive Steering System

NSK Ltd. (NSK; Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; President and CEO: Norio Otsuka) and Toshiba Corporation (Toshiba; Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; Director, President and CEO: Norio Sasaki) are pleased to announce their formation of a joint venture, ADTech Corporation, to develop an automotive steering system, and the commencement of the joint venture's activities.

NSK automotive products are now a globally respected brand. Source: NSK Ltd.

Together with the progress of the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles, which has been the catalyst for fundamental changes in automotive technology, there has also been a rapid growth in the need for electrically-power assisted steering systems.

Steering Column & Intermediate Shafts. NSK's original plastic technology used in various types of steering columns contributes to improved safety due to its excellent impact-absorbing characteristics. Source: NSK Ltd.

Such systems are also increasingly required to offer higher levels of safety and reliability, and to be compact and to reduce their power requirements.

Norio Otsuka, President and CEO of NSK Ltd. Photo: NSK Ltd.

In order to accommodate this changing business environment in the automotive steering field, NSK and Toshiba established ADTech Corporation on September 30, 2010, and this joint venture has since entered full operation.

Norio Sasaki, President and CEO of Toshiba Corporation Photo: Toshiba Corporation

The joint venture's objective is the effective development of an automotive steering system that fuses NSK's experience in electronic, mechanical, and other in-car safety technologies with Toshiba's advanced electronics and software technologies.


Details of New Joint Venture

Company name
ADTech Corporation

Representative
Kazutaka Motoda, President and Representative Director

Location
1-6-3 Ohsaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Date established
September 30, 2010

Description of business
Development and related undertakings for in-car safety systems in response to the transition to EVs

Employees
Approx. 60

Capital
200 million yen

Equity investment ratio
NSK 51%, Toshiba 49%


http://www.nsk.com   

NSK Technology Underpins the Evolution of the Automobile

NSK Automotive Product business continues to be focused on the future of the automobile.

NSK automotive products are now a globally respected brand. Source: NSK Ltd.

The company is developing essential products that offer high reliability, lightweight, low fuel consumption and compactness.

NSK automotive products are now a globally respected brand. Source: NSK Ltd.

The hub unit bearings that support a vehicle's wheels are extremely durable, and they have seals that protect against the intrusion of water and mud.

Electric Power Steering (1-2) Source: NSK Ltd.

Through the incorporation of the latest technologies, NSK is responding to the need to make even greater contributions to weight reduction, lower fuel consumption, and safety, and to respond to the trend towards greater modularity.

Electric Power Steering (2-2) Source: NSK Ltd.

NSK's EPS (Electric Power Steering) system is a compact and lightweight design that reduces vehicle weight and improves fuel efficiency.

NSK automotive products are now a globally respected brand. The hub unit bearings that support a vehicle's wheels are extremely durable, and they have seals that protect against the intrusion of water and mud. Source: NSK Ltd.

In contrast to hydraulic systems, EPS systems have a clean construction with minimal oil and dust contamination.
This:

• eliminates oil wastage

• reduces power losses, because it is electrically driven

• allows for very accurate control

EPS systems provide superior stability based on the precision with which the driver's intentions are transmitted to the steering, and they offer both comfort and safety.

Hub Unit Bearings. NSK offers compact and lightweight hub unit bearings with built-in ABS sensors. Source: NSK Ltd.

A large number of other bearings are used in automobiles, including in electrical components such as wipers and air conditioners, and in automatic and manual transmissions.

Operations of the Half Toroidal CVT POWERTOROS Unit. Source: NSK Ltd.

NSK creates new products and technologies in response to the changing times and to current needs.
For example, it commenced development of a Half Toroidal CVT POWERTROS Unit at the earliest opportunity.

Power is transmitted by this lubricating oil film, which is only 1/1,000mm thick. Source: NSK Ltd.

NSK will continue to address and meet the sweeping changes in the business environment, keeping abreast of new technological trends and further enhancing its global strengths.

http://www.nsk.com/company/overview/automotive.html  


About NSK Ltd.


NSK was founded in November 8, 1916 and produced the first ball bearings made in Japan.
Since then, the company has spearheaded the development of bearings in Japan.

NSK now offers a full range of bearings and sells them worldwide.
NSK bearings have contributed greatly to the growth of many industries and to the advancement of mechanical technology.

NSK Ltd., Main Manufacturing Sites in Japan Source: NSK Ltd.

Now, the company has the largest share of the bearings market in Japan and is one of the largest bearing suppliers in the world.

NSK has used its expertise in precision machining technology, refined through years of bearing manufacturing, to diversify into:

• automotive products

• precision machinery and parts

• mechatronic products

Since the 1960s, NSK has been aggressively developing its overseas markets.
At present, the company has 113 sales sites in 28 countries, and 63 production site in 13 countries.

NSK Ltd., Global Network Source: NSK Ltd.

NSK strives to enhance development capabilities, productivity, sales forces, and management abilities throughout its global network, aiming for further advancement of its motion and control technologies.

Capital
67,100 million Japanese Yen (as of March 31,2010)

Head Office
Nissei Bldg., 1-6-3 Ohsaki, Shinagawa-Ku,
Tokyo, 141-8560, Japan

Phone
+81-3-3779-7111

Representative
Norio Otsuka, President & CEO

Number of Employees
24,633 (as of March 31,2010)

Annual Net Sales
587,600 million Japanese Yen (Year ended Mar. 31,2010)

http://www.nsk.com/company/profile.html  



ASTROMAN Magazine - 2009.10.25

Driven by Innovation

http://www.astroman.com.pl/index.php?mod=magazine&a=read&id=590