Together into the electric future ABT and Schaeffler become strategic partners
Whether for Formula E wins and titles or spectacular joint projects such as the 1200-hp 4ePerformance: The collaboration between ABT Sportsline and Schaeffler is a resounding success. The two companies are now moving forwards together into the electric future: Schaeffler is now a strategic partner of ABT e-Line GmbH, who, together with Volkswagen Commercial vehicles, produce the ABT e-Caddy and ABT e-Transporter.
The story so far: The first ABT e-Caddys are available to order now and will soon be joined by the ABT e-Transporters. Both vehicles feature electrification by ABT Sportsline. The electric motor is a real alternative, especially for customers who travel a lot in the city centre: Low-noise and emission-free, but with the same load capacity, electric vehicles can show off their talents here.
The launch is an ideal time to bring the project, started 18 months ago, to the next level. With Schaeffler’s commitment as strategic partner, as agreed by ABT CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt and Schaeffler CEO Klaus Rosenfeld, the wholly-owned subsidiary of ABT Holding has been perfectly set up to deal with new common challenges. The Schaeffler Group will bring technical expertise and, subject to subsequent cartel approval, management expertise into the partnership, as well as develop and implement technical solutions for all aspects of the electric drive train.
Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, explained: “Following on from our trusting and successful partnership with the ABT Group in Formula E, we have now decided to work together in tackling the challenges of commercial vehicle electrification. The combination of Abt’s entrepreneurial approach and Schaeffler’s understanding of systems and in-depth expertise in the field of powertrain and chassis applications puts us in a perfect position to create something new and to move forward even faster. A proven partnership and a win-win situation for all those involved – innovative, bold, and with major business potential. That has a future!”
For Hans-Jürgen Abt, Schaeffler is the perfect partner. “Wherever Schaeffler and ABT work together, they do so with absolute confidence, great passion, a great deal of pioneering spirit and the highest level of professionalism. In the same way, we would like to address the issues of the future”, says Abt. “18 months ago, we began the collaboration with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. This was a completely new and ambitious project for ABT and I am proud of the fact that soon the first electrified ABT vehicles will be seen on the road. With Schaeffler on board as a strategic partner and with their technical expertise, we have a strong team to meet new challenges. For me, the current projects with the e-Caddy and e-Transporter are just the beginning.”
