SKF is a global supplier in the areas of bearings, seals, mechatronics, services and lubrication systems. Through the cooperation both companies will be able to offer their common customer base a partner providing research, product and application development and cost-efficient manufacturing and supply.

The cooperation is based on a number of identified areas covering long-term research projects, application and product development as well as customer specific solution development. The initial focus will be on increasing the efficiency of today’s transmission and engine technology based on contacts with automotive OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).

Separately, SKF announced that it has been chosen by Zytek Engineering to supply customized and standard deep groove ball bearings to the electric motor generator unit and the intermediate shaft of the new Ginetta-Zytek GZ09HS racing car. (Earlier post.)

The car, manufactured by Zytek Engineering and managed by Corsa Motorsport, is the first racing car to feature an advanced alternative-fuelled hybrid propulsion system. It has the ability to run on either one or both of two propulsion systems: a normally aspirated V8 (gasoline) engine and a 35 kW electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery, which can be recharged using a kinetic energy recovery system.

Zytek is a British engineering company with a substantial automotive engineering experience, capable of providing major vehicle manufacturers with advanced power train and chassis control systems. The company has lately been involved in the design, development and manufacturing of innovative hybrid and electric drive trains.

SKF continues to provide engineering services to Zytek and the two companies are now ready to work on the development of the next generation of electric motors, which represents a novel energy efficient power source in the field of motor sport.