Segment Reports
The Drive Systems Segment is a leading supplier of complete drive systems, gear systems and single components for transmissions. The segment delivers high-tech products to a variety of industries globally including agriculture, construction, transportation, automotive, energy (oil and gas) and mining markets. In 2018, the segment experienced broad-based growth across regions and continued to increase its market share as it launched new products and grew its presence with new and existing customers.
Divestment of Drive Systems Segment
Oerlikon has successfully closed the divestiture of this segment to Dana Incorporated on February 28, 2019 for an enterprise value of CHF 600 million.
Development in Industrial Markets Agriculture
remains the most important end market in 2018 for the segment, whose Shifting Solutions are found in nearly 70 % of agricultural machinery worldwide. The segment’s Shifting Solutions for the agriculture market include the new Compact Slotless Synchronizer, clutch packs, a power take off (PTO) with hydraulic shifting, bevel sets and cylindrical gearing solutions.
Automotive market sales remained a significant revenue contributor as the segment benefited from ongoing demand for high-performance automotive and electric vehicle applications. For instance, the segment received a production order for a 2-speed electric front axle that will not only enhance vehicle performance and deliver 4 wheel drive capability, but also helps to significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The electric axle also features an innovative electro-mechanical actuation systems that is more precise and significantly faster than current solutions.
In the commercial vehicle market, the segment won new business in all key global markets. It also successfully expanded its product portfolio for this market – most notably, with a complete range of high-performance synchronizer systems for the new generation of truck transmissions.
Construction, particularly in India and the U.S., remained a growth market in 2018. In light construction equipment, the segment won the first production orders for its innovative integrated planetary electric drives, which are onethird the size of current products and 30 % more efficient. The high-tech drives deliver torque output and longrange life performance required for industrial machinery and off-highway mobile equipment.
In the energy sector, the segment saw improved sales, primarily due to increased investment in the U.S. as shale production grew. The segment’s offerings are used on oil and gas platforms, and demand tends to move with global production trends.
Development in Regions
Facing increasing demand for electric vehicles in China, the segment completed the development of its Changshu plant. The plant is expected to launch in 2019 and will produce innovative transmissions for electric cars. Additionally, continued growth in China’s transportation market helped consolidate the segment’s market leading position in low floor city bus axles. The Sanand facility in India, which manufactures products for commercial, agricultural and leisure vehicles, was expanded and its production for electric vehicle applications was brought to full capacity at the facility.
With almost 100 years of experience in developing power transmission solutions for electric, mechanical and hydraulic drive applications and one of the world’s largest independent full-service gear suppliers.
