Schaeffler expands expertise in electric mobility, acquires leading e-motor manufacturer

Automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler has recently concluded a purchase contract with Semikron International GmbH, a world market leader for innovative power electronics, for the acquisition of 51% of the shares of Compact Dynamics GmbH, a manufacturer of high-performance electric motors.

At the same time, Schaeffler and Semikron have agreed to collaborate for development of power electronics systems and the integration of power electronics components. With this acquisition and cooperation, Schaeffler is expanding its expertise in electric motors and power electronics for the development and production of electric drives.

“As part of our ‘Mobility for tomorrow’ strategy, we regard electric mobility as one of the major opportunities for the future. With the acquisition of Compact Dynamics and the cooperation with Semikron, we are adding to our existing technology portfolio and opening up new opportunities for growth,” said Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG.

Compact Dynamics GmbH, which is based in Starnberg (Germany), is a development specialist in the field of innovative, electric drive concepts with a focus on high-performance drives and integrated lightweight construction in small volume production and motor sport applications. Schaeffler and Compact Dynamics have been working together with a great deal of success for many years, among other things, on the development of the electric drive for the Audi ABT Schaeffler Team in the FIA Formula E electric racing series.

By acquiring this majority shareholding and securing an option for the acquisition of the remaining shares mid-2018, the Schaeffler Group is obtaining essential expertise for the development and production of its own electric motors for automobile applications. The transaction is envisaged to be completed in the first quarter of 2017.

Targeting volume production

Schaeffler says the aim of the cooperation model with Semikron is to jointly develop power electronics systems for automotive applications. Both contract partners want to cooperate on the development of electric drives for automobile applications. Schaeffler plans to integrate Semikron’s power electronics into future, alternative drive concepts. Both partners want to work together in the early development phase of volume production solutions for high quantities.

“In conjunction with the team from Compact Dynamics, Schaeffler will use the expertise proven in motorsport and small volume production to expand its capabilities in the volume production of electric drives. Through the cooperation with Semikron, we will continue to expand the development and production of electric drive systems with the highest power density and optimum efficiency, combined with modern power electronics,” said Prof Dr Peter Gutzmer, deputy CEO and chief technology officer of Schaeffler AG.