Gothenburg, Sweden, June 14, 2013: SKF has been awarded a contract to supply its next-generation wheel hub bearing units (HBU3) to Volvo Car Corporation. SKF will supply the HBU3, specifically developed according to Volvo’s demanding technical specification, for the carmaker’s scalable product architecture (SPA).

“We are delighted to have been awarded the largest contract ever received by SKF from Volvo Car Corporation. It is also one of the most significant orders received from our automotive customers. Working in close cooperation, we used our technical knowledge and expertise to meet their very challenging requirements for a high-performance design that meets their weight reduction goals. The robust technical solution that we have developed will be supplied to Volvo Car Corporation utilising our global manufacturing footprint,” said Tryggve Sthen, president, SKF Automotive.

With SPA, Volvo Car Corporation is focusing on a lightweight automotive design with a goal to reduce the vehicle weight significantly, without negative impact on performance or comfort. The HBU3, optimised for reduced weight, includes high-performance seals with reduced friction. This solution is robust and withstands more strain for increased reliability and prolonged life.

SKF offers a complete portfolio of products and services to the automotive industry that help reduce CO2 emissions, including the next generation of low-friction, lightweight solutions to reduce emissions, increase fuel efficiency and compete in a rapidly changing market.