On April 9, BWI Group, a leading global supplier of intelligent automotive chassis, and thyssenkrupp Steering, a global Tier 1 partner for automotive steering solutions, signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop and manufacture groundbreaking electromechanical braking (EMB) to further advance the development of autonomous driving capabilities at Level 3 and beyond in the automotive industry.
At the same time, the two companies also expect synergies to promote the development of chassis-by-wire systems and work together to pave the way for cooperation in the field of chassis-by-wire. BWI Group and thyssenkrupp Steering will enable the transformation of intelligent mobility from assisted driving to autonomous driving by enhancing the safety, comfort and efficiency of chassis-by-wire chassis systems.
Management representatives from both sides gathered in Budapest, Hungary, on April 9. The long-term partnership was officially launched with the signing of the cooperation agreement by Mr. Jieliang Zheng, CEO of BWI Group, and Mr. Patrick Vith, CEO of thyssenkrupp Turnaround.
April 9, Budapest, Jingxi Group CEO Jie Liang Cheng (front row, first from left) and
Patrick Vith, CEO of thyssenkrupp Turnaround (front row, first from right), has officially signed the cooperation agreement
Jieliang Cheng, CEO of BWI Group, said: "We are delighted to be working with thyssenkrupp on this truly innovative technology, and we are excited about the future of chassis-by-wire. With more than a century of chassis technology heritage and braking expertise since 1934, BWI will drive the industry forward. ”
Patrick Vith, CEO of thyssenkrupp Stewardship, said: "Together, we will create the next generation of chassis systems that will set new standards in safety, performance and sustainability. As a major supplier in the steering sector, thyssenkrupp's many years of experience will bring a higher starting point and outstanding advantages to both parties. ”
With this partnership, BWI Group and thyssenkrupp will leverage their respective strengths and expertise in systems and software to accelerate the joint development of EMBs and leverage their expertise to advance vehicle motion control (VMC) technology.
BWI serves more than 50 automotive customers worldwide. In this collaboration, the company will combine its R&D and manufacturing expertise, more than 100 years of expertise in braking and suspension, and the experience of its predecessor, Delphi, in the development of the EMB at the beginning of the 21st century.
thyssenkrupp Steering has been working on steer-by-wire technology for many years. thyssenkrupp's pivot lays the foundation for new electronic/electrical (E/E) architectures, software and innovation capabilities, and will make a significant contribution to electromechanical braking systems.
BWI Group and thyssenkrupp will join forces to accelerate the development of EMB
Dr. Karsten Kroos, CEO of thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology, said: "We look forward to working with BWI Group to achieve technology and cost synergies. Our goal is to develop highly competitive modern chassis solutions for the global automotive industry in a fast, innovative and capital-efficient manner. ”
Doug Carlson, CTO of BWI Group, said: "We are looking forward to this strategic partnership with thyssenkrupp joining forces. BWI's expertise in wire-controlled braking will drive breakthroughs in chassis technology to meet global market needs and advance the adoption of EMBs in Asia, Europe and North America. ”
Leading the way in the development of all-dry EMB
In the future, EMB will be the top product to be launched by BWI Group and thyssenkrupp in the field of wire-controlled chassis. The joint development of the EMB is the third generation of revolutionary technology that not only meets the need to simplify vehicle assembly, but also meets the requirements of L3 and above autonomous driving technology for braking redundancy.
BWI Group and thyssenkrupp have turned to a jointly developed dual-motor, all-dry EMB product
The EMB is designed with two motors and sufficient safety redundancy to ensure the safety and reliability of the product. Its braking response to wheel locking is twice as fast as that of wet braking systems. In addition, the system supports full regenerative braking and fully meets the needs of the electrification and intelligence of intelligent vehicle braking systems.
As a forward-thinking intelligent vehicle braking technology, electromechanical braking does not require any oil, while providing precise control and zero lag. EMB will replace integrated brake-by-wire hydraulics such as 1-Box and 2-Box as the industry continues to grow and become the mainstream brake-by-wire system.
Six years of research and development, leading guarantee
BWI Group and thyssenkrupp have been researching and developing electromechanical braking for six years. The two companies have not only started the journey of developing and verifying high quality and reliability ahead of schedule, but will also continue to work together for the future.
BWI's R&D centers in Shanghai, China, Italy, Poland, and the U.S. will work with the Shanghai Software Center to accelerate EMB development in a globally collaborative manner, as well as actively participate in the development of domain control and central controller architectures, bench validation, and comprehensive functional testing including braking performance, fatigue, and durability. At the same time, thyssenkrupp's R&D centers in Hungary and Liechtenstein will play an important role.
BWI and thyssenkrupp Turn's EMB, which is currently designed and developed for electric vehicles, has undergone winter dynamic testing in Sweden in early 2024, attracting the attention of many major European OEMs. Chinese automakers and investors also witnessed the dynamic testing of the EMB prototype in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province in the winter of 2023. In addition, North American automakers are actively participating in BWI's dynamic testing in the U.S. Major OEMs on three continents have been instrumental in the testing of BJ-thyssenkrupp EMB's cutting-edge technology and reliability.
Mass production and delivery worldwide in 2026
The two companies will ensure efficient mass production and full delivery of EMB products by building a state-of-the-art automated production line in 2025 and starting mass production and delivery of EMB products in 2026. BWI Group's state-of-the-art automated manufacturing facilities in China and overseas will advance mass production to ensure that breakthrough EMB technology can benefit vehicle customers around the world.
Thanks to BWI's nine manufacturing facilities and proving grounds in key automotive markets in Asia, Europe and North America, the partnership ensures that EMB products meet the diverse needs of the world's diverse markets with global high quality standards.
The customer is clear and the market is broad
BWI Group and thyssenkrupp have set a new benchmark for the new EMB. At present, major automakers in China, Europe and North America have fully recognized the cutting-edge technology and reliability of the EMB. In addition, BWI Group has reached preliminary cooperation intentions with high-end automotive brands on three continents, and has carried out a series of technical exchanges and other cooperation with well-known new energy vehicle companies and technology partners.
Electromechanical braking technology represents a major technological innovation in automotive chassis systems. According to industry forecasts, EMB will contribute 13% of the global braking market share by 2035.