Press Release

Press Release

January 7, 2014

NSK Ltd.
Public Relations Department

NSK Develops an Advanced EPS for Modularization

Advanced Functions, Lighter and Safer

Advanced EPS for Modularization

Tokyo, Japan, January 7, 2014 - NSK Ltd. (NSK; Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; President and CEO: Norio Otsuka) today announced that it has developed an electric power steering (EPS) system that is optimized for modularization for application to multiple types of global vehicle models. This product is designed for a wide range of applications that respond to the diverse, advanced needs of each region for vehicle models produced globally. It is also lighter and safer and keeps cost increases to a minimum.

NSK is targeting 35 billion yen in sales for this product in 2017.

Product Features

(1) Providing Advanced Functions
NSK applies a microcomputer with two processors that monitor each other. In this way NSK has achieved a high-precision, high-speed failure detection function for improved EPS safety.
(2) Functional safety*
NSK applies a microcomputer with two processors that monitor each other. In this way NSK has achieved a high-precision, high-speed failure detection function for improved EPS safety.
* Functional safety : Measures taken to improve the safety of functions in order to reduce danger.
(3) Weight reduction
Through the miniaturization of heat dissipating heat sinks, the reduction of the number of components and simpler construction, NSK has been able to make the ECU smaller and lighter (24% lighter than the current type).
In addition, these changes have made the motor more compact for a total weight savings of about 10%.
(4) Minimum Cost Increases
In keeping the existing EPS hardware components and changing the software specifications only to meet diverse, advanced needs, NSK has been able to keep cost increases to a minimum and reduce development lead time.

Application

This product is perfect for global models, since the same EPS can be applied to both small- and medium-sized cars produced in a variety of specifications.

Product Benefits

  • Helps to increase safety while reducing steering wheel operational effort for the driver
  • Helps improve fuel efficiency

In realizing the practical applications for its state-of-the-art technology, NSK is helping to improve the safety, environmental friendliness and comfort of automobiles. NSK is not focused solely on modularization—it is also targeting increased growth in global earnings for its steering technology business through further specification improvements, localized sourcing and localized production.