The core element of the "drive-by-wire" technology, in addition to the drive and brake actuation, is above all the so-called "steer-by-wire" function (literally translated "steering-via-cable"), which enables the vehicle to be steered reliably and purely via electronic control signals. The steering wheel and the mechanical connection of the steering column can therefore be dispensed with completely. "Steer-by-wire" is a key technology for autonomous driving, which is particularly dependent on a safe and highly reliable steering function. Even in cars that are only temporarily automated, the elimination of the steering column alone opens up completely new possibilities for the conceptual design of vehicles and their interiors. Space Drive has triple redundancy and is currently the only system solution in the world to meet the highest quality and safety requirements, in particular the demanding functional safety standard ISO 26262 ASIL D. It is therefore the only system of its kind to be approved for road use worldwide and also has the potential to be technically and commercially competitive in large-scale automotive production. The solution can also boast over 500 million kilometers of accident-free driving experience.

The new joint venture, which will have its operational headquarters in Aichelau and Herzogenaurach, will be managed by Paravan founder Roland Arnold as Chairman, Schaeffler's Head of Chassis Dr.-Ing. Dirk Kesselgruber and another Schaeffler Group employee yet to be appointed.

"We are very pleased and proud that with Mr. Arnold we have gained a competent and successful partner for a pioneering collaboration. Today's agreement is a milestone for Schaeffler," said Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Gutzmer, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors and Chief Technology Officer at Schaeffler. "With the acquisition of the proven 'drive-by-wire' technology, we are opening up a key technology for the Schaeffler Group that will enable us to develop the Chassis division into a 'chassis system integrator'. Based on its core competencies, the 'Rolling Chassis' division is the decisive opportunity for Schaeffler to gain a technological foothold in the rapidly growing future market of 'autonomous driving' and thus drive forward the diversification between Powertrain and Chassis. The transaction agreed today is therefore another important step for Schaeffler in the implementation of its 'Mobility for tomorrow' strategy."

The Space Drive technology and the corresponding expertise in the area of functional safety with highly reliable electronics complement Schaeffler's mechatronic expertise and accelerate the development of future "by-wire" steering systems, particularly through know-how in the areas of systems engineering, electronics and functional software.

The "Schaeffler Mover", which the Group is contributing to the joint venture, will play a special role in the new joint venture. The small and highly maneuverable vehicle concept is powered purely by electricity and can be used in urban areas for flexible transportation tasks when fitted with various superstructures. The Mover was presented to the public for the first time at this year's Annual General Meeting in April.

"With the 'Schaeffler Mover', we are demonstrating our ambition to become an innovative partner in the field of mechatronic chassis systems and to further expand this role through to the 'rolling chassis', where we want to position ourselves as one of the leading suppliers in the medium term. The Schaeffler Mover primarily serves as a development platform for us to develop and industrialize future products for vehicle manufacturers. As a functionally safe and reliable foundation for these products, we will continue to develop Space Drive consistently and in line with future customer requirements as part of the joint venture. Entire driving platforms for logistics and service companies are also conceivable in the future," says Kesselgruber.

"In my opinion, Schaeffler is the ideal partner to further develop, scale and industrialize the unique Space Drive technology," says Roland Arnold. "The company has extensive technical expertise, particularly in the promising areas of mechatronics and mechanical actuators. However, the cultural aspect of this step is also particularly important to me, as both partners see themselves as family businesses. And finally, Paravan GmbH and its customers will also benefit from the cooperation agreed today."