Brose: leading with competence for tomorrow’s mobility

Brose North America, a technological leader in mechatronics – the interaction of mechanics, electrics and electronics – is focused on making driving safer, more comfortable and more efficient. The company will display its next-generation door systems, interiors and drive train actuators for OEM customers and industry media to see first-hand during its bi-annual event in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

“We are always looking to create new technologies that will benefit OEMs and the end user. The products we are displaying during NAIAS are just a glimpse at some of the forward-looking innovations we have developed.” said Mike Brosseau, president of Brose North America.

Lightweight and safe door systems

Brose’s side-door drive technology electronically operates hinged doors and offers control access via mobile devices. In addition to making the door easier to close manually, this innovation includes anti-trap protection to ensure safety for those in and outside the vehicle when the door is being shut electronically. Brose also is using its expertise to develop doors with a lightweight design, using sheets of long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics to provide more than four pounds in weight savings and the ability to absorb four times as much energy compared to plastic doors. When used in place of steel doors, the lightweight door system reduces weight by 11 pounds.

Flexible, comfort-inducing interiors

Taking electronic functionality to the vehicle interior, Brose has developed a system that allows drivers and passengers to remotely create a car interior based on their day-to-day needs for optimal comfort. Before a driver enters the car, they can use a smartphone app to adjust the seat configuration and select their individual profile for seat settings. If more cargo space is needed, the driver can remotely request the rear seats be folded as soon as the liftgate opens. The system also gives passengers the ability to engage a seat program that allows them to be massaged to the rhythm of the music played on the vehicle’s audio system.

System-based drive train actuators

Brose applies its system expertise to drive train actuators using its electric oil pump. Comprised of an electronically commutated motor, control electronics and an integrated pump, the technology improves efficiency, acoustics and weight. Because it maintains pressure in the transmission when the engine is turned off, the electric oil pump enables start-stop and coasting, allowing faster engine restarting. The electric oil pump also reduces vehicle emissions by up to 10 grams of CO2 per kilometer without affecting driving dynamics. Production, based on awarded contracts, will begin in 2018.

Brose Antriebstechnik – The Brose Group e-bike division

Brose’s e-bike offers consumers an exciting riding experience thanks to its small, lightweight and powerful motor. Integrated into the bike frame, the motor allows for a contemporary and beautiful design while providing impressive performance. The e-bikes featuring Brose motors will be available in the United States in 2016.

All of these technologies and more can be seen at the annual Brose NAIAS customer and media event, January 13-14, 2016 at The Rattlesnake Club, 300 River Place Drive, Detroit. For more information on the event, go to http://www.brose.com/brosenaias2016/ .

About Brose North America:

Brose has been a committed partner to the North American market since 1993. The mechatronic specialist now counts eight locations across Canada, the United States and Mexico and employs approximately 5,000 people in the region. The entire range of Brose products is manufactured throughout the North American facilities, from window regulator and door modules to seat systems.

About Brose:

Brose is a partner to the international automobile industry and supplies around 80 car brands and over 30 suppliers with electric motors and mechatronic systems for vehicle doors, liftgates and seat structures. The family-owned company employs close to 24,000 people at 60 locations in 23 countries. Its current business volume totals 6 billion Euros. Brose is one of the top 40 automotive suppliers in the world and is the fifth largest family-owned company in the industry.