SKF announces a range of developments in the automotive industry

SKF announces six new developments for European and US car manufacturers. All the developments are based on strong relationships with the customers and display a combination of knowledge from engineering, design and product technologies. Volkswagen Jetta 2005 SKF is providing bearings, hub units automotive specialty products and sealing systems for this platform, which is the base for the 2005 Jetta, as well as the Golf and GTI, among others, . The products are used in the engine, transmission and suspension applications to improve engine performance and vehicle handling Ford 2005 models New SKF wheel hub bearing units with integrated sensors for brake systems will be fitted to the 2005 models of Ford's Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis. The design incorporates a number of corrosion resistant features and also has features that improve bearing performance and serviceability Bentley Continental GT SKF hub bearing units are fitted to the front axle of this new 2.4 tons, four seat coupe. The weight and 198 mph top speed put enormous demands on the engineering for these wheel bearings. The final design delivered a bearing with improved stiffness, a feature that improves steering, handling, cornering, and wheel slip control. Dodge Dakota 2005 SKF's X-Tracker® asymmetric ball bearing hub unit is featured on the Chrysler Group's all new 2005 Dodge Dakota midsize pickup vehicle. The X-Tracker is part of a system that provides more car-like handling for Chrysler's high-performance light duty trucks and sport/utility vehicles.. The unique design increases the bearing carrying capacity and operational life, while improving hub stiffness by over 40% compared to a traditional tapered bearing unit. Sensorized components for two US manufacturers SKF will be supplying a sealing and sensor sub-assembly for a V6 engine due to be launched in 2006 for the 2007 Model Year program. The system combines a rear crankshaft seal and retainer with a crankshaft position sensor. The sensor is used to assist in spark plug firing order and timing. An SKF sensorized tone ring has been designed for a manufacturer of large SUV's and pickup trucks to add safety-improving sensor functions to an existing drive train. The tone ring utilises a specially-formulated rubber compound that precisely and securely locates the tone ring on the axle. The sensor sends information to a control unit that controls vehicle braking and stability control.