Since January 01, 2010 Michael Söding is the new chairman of the management board of Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket GmbH & Co. oHG in Langen. The 48 year old industrial engineer succeeds Siegfried Kronmüller (59), who retired at the end of last year.

Internal combustion engines require cyclic supply of fresh air and the exhaust air produced during combustion must be removed. In a 4-stroke combustion engine, the intake of fresh air and removal of exhaust air is called charge exchange. In the course of several charge exchange cycles, the cylinder control devices (inlet and outlet ports) are periodically opened and closed by shut-off devices (intake and exhaust valves). Shut-off devices fulfil special tasks.

At the beginning of 2009 Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket introduced the LuK RepSetDMF – a new practical clutch repair kit developed to complement the two well-established repair solutions LuK RepSet and LuK RepSetPro. At the Equip Auto 2009 aftermarket specialist Schaeffler will present new additions to its existing LuK RepSetDMF range.

Special tools are a must-have in every workshop. In many cases professional repair is unthinkable without special tools. Not to mention test devices required to assess the functional ability of certain components. What they have in common is that they help workshop mechanics perform repairs to a professional standard and thereby avoid customer complaints. As part of its service concept Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket therefore provides a complete range of special tools to its workshop and distribution partners.

With its FAG brand the Schaeffler Group is an outstanding wheel bearing supplier owing to its long-standing engineering partnership with vehicle manufacturers. The company supplies all the OE wheel bearings for CV and bus models from Volvo/Renault, DAF, Mack, City Bus USA (Avin Meritor), ZF bus axles, Schmitz semi trailers and MAN rear axles and 80% of OE SAF axles.

Dr. Peter Pleus (55) and Norbert Indlekofer (51) will take on the position of President of Schaeffler Group Automotive. They have been appointed successors to Dr. Elmar Degenhart (50), who was appointed Chairman of the Executive Board of Continental AG on August 12, 2009.