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By Counterman
The future of mobility is electric, notes
link hidden, please login to view, which predicts that in 2035, around 50% of the newly manufactured cars and light commercial vehicles worldwide will be fully electric and 30% hybrid. Another 20% of all newly manufactured passenger cars will have only an internal combustion engine in 2035. The regional markets paint a nuanced picture of the powertrain mix, as Matthias Zink, CEO, Powertrain & Chassis, explained in his keynote address at the 2026 Vienna Motor Symposium: “Whereas here in Europe, we are gearing up for a ban on internal combustion engines more or less due to current legislation, we are seeing significant demand for hybrid vehicles in markets outside the EU far beyond 2035.”
2035 Powertrain Mix and Regional Markets
Above all, in North and South America and in Southeast Asia, hybrids are set to dominate new vehicle production within the next 10 years. In Japan, hybrids will account for as much as around 77% of production.
“In this context, our technology-neutral product strategy embracing all powertrain system options helps us to manage these mixed market developments and above all, address increasing customer demand for hybrid solutions,” says Zink.
Volume Production for Dedicated Hybrid Transmissions
The company said it sees potential in the efficiency and flexibility of hybrid powertrain technologies in close collaboration with vehicle manufacturers worldwide. This is why Schaeffler offers components, including complete systems, for diverse hybrid topologies—mild, full, and plug-in hybrids and vehicles with range extenders. These vehicles play a role in reducing CO2 emissions and achieving fleet targets when driven predominantly in electric mode.
Schaeffler started developing complete systems for the hybrid powertrain more than 10 years ago. A current example is the company’s MultiMode dedicated hybrid transmission, which goes into volume production this year worldwide at various European and Asian vehicle manufacturers. It is an integrated system with two electric machines, power electronics, and hydraulics for cooling and actuation of the clutch and parking lock. Schaeffler supplies the associated software and functions from a single source.
The total weight of the compact module is 125 kilograms and delivers up to 145 kilowatts of peak power. It is suitable for full and plug-in hybrids and offers three driving modes: electric, serial and parallel. In serial mode, this flexibility allows the internal combustion engine to operate consistently at optimum efficiency. Several presentations at the Vienna Motor Symposium addressed the dedicated hybrid transmission.
Zink explained the strategic rationale behind it: “We are convinced that hybrids offer consumers an easy introduction to electric mobility. If driven extensively in electric mode, these vehicles make an important contribution to the decarbonization of the mobility sector. Every gram of CO2 saved counts.”
Components for the Hybrid Powertrain
Internal combustion engines in hybrid powertrains also have to be efficient and meet future emission standards and noise requirements. Ideally, they should be designed so that the driver doesn’t detect any difference between electric and internal combustion engine driving mode. Schaeffler sees innovation potential in this requirement.
The company said it is developing damping solutions like the spoke damper, which eliminates torsional vibrations at the crankshaft and minimizes installation space. Its position directly in the crankcase means there is no need to seal off the crankshaft, which reduces friction. The spoke damper is already in volume production at Chinese manufacturers, with further production starts set to take place in the course of this year.
To improve engine efficiency without compromising driving dynamics, Schaeffler also offers next-generation camshaft phasing units. These incorporate a brushless DC (BLDC) motor including control unit, integrated electronics, and software for optimized valve control across a wide range of loads and speeds. The high adjustment speed and precision allow for efficient combustion.
Last year, Schaeffler marked the production launch of the latest generation of camshaft phasing units at its plant in Taicang, China, and is supplying customers worldwide.
Growth Segment: Sensor Technology
Thanks to the merger with
link hidden, please login to view in 2024, Schaeffler said it now has a sensor technology portfolio used, for example, in emission control and exhaust gas aftertreatment. For improved emission control when using renewable fuels, Schaeffler offers the Flex Fuel sensor. This high-precision sensor is mounted between the fuel tank and engine and measures the ethanol content in the fuel before it is injected. “Following our merger with Vitesco Technologies, we have a well-rounded, innovative product portfolio, expanded capabilities in the key R&D segments, an increased global presence, and greater vertical integration,” said Zink. “We are therefore in a good position to work with our customers as a key partner to successfully shape the transformation – in Germany, Europe and worldwide.”
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By Counterman
The
link hidden, please login to view has released its 2024 American Driving Survey, which quantifies daily driving in 2024 and compares results to 2023 and 2022. Similar to 2023, the brief analyzes the age of vehicles driven and explores differences by population groups. This year, new analyses of vehicle engine type are included. Vehicle age and engine type are important components of both crash risk and environmental impact, as newer vehicles are equipped with more advanced safety features and alternative engines can reduce emissions. Key Findings Included:
94.2% of U.S. residents ages 16 and older drove at least occasionally in 2023, statistically unchanged from 2023 and 2022. In 2024, drivers made an average of 2.44 driving trips per day, spent 60.4 minutes driving and traveled 31.1 miles daily, with no statistically significant differences from 2023. Projecting these results to the national population, drivers collectively made 232 billion trips, spent 96 billion hours driving and drove 2.95 trillion miles in 2024. Some of the travel patterns reported by population groups were consistent with both previous years’ trends:
Male respondents reported more minutes, miles driven and trips taken as compared to female respondents. Drivers from the Northeast made more and longer trips, while drivers from the South spent more time driving. Other travel patterns, stabilized post-2021, have continued in 2024:
Drivers with a bachelor’s degree or higher took more trips and spent more time behind the wheel compared to other groups. White non-Hispanic drivers recorded the greatest number of trips and miles driven, while Black non-Hispanic drivers spent more time behind the wheel than other groups. Younger drivers continued using older vehicles (greater than 14 years old), whereas older, retired drivers tended to use newer cars ( less than four years old). Findings Related to Engine Type Included:
In 2024, gas-powered vehicles made up the majority of driving trips (91.0%), while hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for a smaller share (6.4% and 2.5% respectively). Respondents driving EVs recorded the longest average trip times (16.0 minutes) and distances (32.9 miles), indicating that EVs were often used for longer journeys. For more information on the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, visit
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By NAPA
Brad Sweet and the Kasey Kahne Racing
link hidden, please login to view No. 49 team closed out the 2025 High Limit Racing season with a laudable performance at Texas Motor Speedway, collecting a pair of top-five finishes including a podium finish in Saturday’s $50,000-to-win Championship Finale. The consistent weekend capped off another standout season for Brad Sweet and the NAPA team, who finished third in the final owners standings, just 49 points shy of the championship and only 4 points out of second.
The final week on the High Limit calendar started Wednesday at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO., where Sweet entered 30 points out of the championship lead, and the NAPA team knew every position mattered. Sweet qualified 10th overall to start third in Heat 1, where he held his ground to secure a transfer into the A-Main. Starting 10th for the 30-lap Feature, Sweet charged forward early, gaining five spots to cross the line in fifth and keeping the NAPA team within striking distance of the title heading into the Championship Weekend.
The High Limit Championship Weekend at Texas Motor Speedway kicked off Friday with Sweet qualifying ninth to start second in Heat 3. He maintained his position there to advance directly to the A-Main, where he rolled off ninth for the 25-lap event. The NAPA crew gave Sweet a fast race car, allowing him to steadily pick off positions through traffic and claim a fourth-place finish at the checkered flag.
After starting the Saturday night finale sitting third in the owners standings—40 points out of first and 15 back from second—the NAPA 49 team delivered a strong performance all night long. Sweet earned the Quick Time Award with the fastest overall qualifying lap, then led every circuit of his Heat Race to lock into the Dash. After starting fourth in the Dash, Sweet made a key pass for third to secure a second-row starting spot for the $50,000-to-win feature.
In the 30-lap Championship A-Main, Sweet kept the NAPA Auto Parts No. 49 in the thick of the battle from start to finish, trading the runner-up spot multiple times in a thrilling duel with Daryn Pittman. As the checkered flag flew, Sweet brought home third-place, a podium finish to wrap up the 2025 High Limit Racing season on a high note.
Start / Finish:
Wednesday, Oct. 15, Lucas Oil Speedway: 10 / 5
Friday, Oct. 17, Texas Motor Speedway: 9 / 4
Saturday, Oct. 18, Texas Motor Speedway: 3 / 3
Final 2025 Points Standing / Total: 3rd / 2,873 pts. (-49)
NAPA:
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By NAPA
The Kasey Kahne Racing
link hidden, please login to view No. 49 team delivered a clutch weekend in Kansas City, posting a podium and a victory during the High Limit Racing doubleheader at Lakeside Speedway. With the season winding down and championship stakes at their highest, Brad Sweet and the NAPA crew rose to the occasion, cutting crucial points from the deficit and keeping their bid for a seventh consecutive national title alive.
Entering the weekend 52 points out of the High Limit championship lead, Sweet and the NAPA team were confident heading into one of his historically best tracks. The night started strong with a second-place effort in Qualifying Group A, placing Sweet fourth in Heat 2. He advanced two positions to secure a Dash berth, where he started and finished third and earned a second row starting spot for the 25-lap Feature.
Sweet battled inside the top three all night, ultimately driving into second late before being edged out in the final corner to finish third, his 16th podium of the season. The strong run trimmed the championship gap from 52 points to 39 heading into Saturday.
Momentum carried over into night two, where the NAPA No. 49 team was automatically locked into the fourth starting spot in Heat 2 thanks to Friday’s podium run. Sweet once again advanced two positions in Heat Race action to earn a spot in the Dash, where he drew the third starting position and finished fourth, securing another second-row starting spot, this time for the $15,000-to-win A-Main.
When the green flag dropped, Sweet immediately charged forward, moving into third within five laps. With 20 laps to go, “The Big Cat” made a stunning move on the bottom groove, passing both leaders in one corner to take command. From there, Sweet never looked back in the NAPA No. 49, leading the final 20 laps en route to a clutch victory and the team’s fourth High Limit win of the season. Sweet also collected a $17,500 payday as the “Durst Dice Roll Driver” of the race.
The Kansas triumph couldn’t have come at a better moment. The NAPA No. 49 team now sits just 30 points behind championship leader Rico Abreu and only 10 points out of second as the title fight intensifies. With only three races remaining, the team turns its attention to a championship-deciding week ahead—racing Wednesday at Lucas Oil Speedway in Missouri before the High Limit All-In Championship Weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, October 17-18.
Start / Finish:
Friday, Oct. 10: 3 / 3
Saturday, Oct. 11: 4 / 1
Points Standing / Total: 3rd / 2,677 pts. (-30)
Next Race: Oct. 15, Lucas Oil Speedway, Wheatland, MO
How to Watch or Listen:
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By NAPA
The Kasey Kahne Racing
link hidden, please login to view No. 49 team tackled a key northeast doubleheader last weekend, traveling to New Jersey and Pennsylvania for pivotal High Limit Racing championship action. Brad Sweet and the NAPA crew delivered consistent performances, highlighted by a new track record and heat race victories, to close the championship points gap as the season nears its finish.
The NAPA team’s first stop came Saturday at Bridgeport Motorsports Park in Bridgeport, NJ. It marked the first of seven remaining races in the High Limit title chase, with Sweet entering the night ranked third, 72 points out of the lead. The NAPA No. 49 timed in fifth out of 28 cars, putting “The Big Cat” on the pole of Heat 2. Sweet drove to the heat race win, securing a spot in the Dash. After starting third in the Dash and finishing fourth, Sweet lined up on the outside of row two for Saturday’s 30-lap feature.
Just 10 laps into the main event, rain began to fall, bringing out the caution. With the track deemed un-raceable, the field was scored by running order at the time of the stoppage. Sweet was credited with a fourth-place finish and added another top-five to the NAPA No. 49’s season total.
Sunday brought a new challenge for Sweet at Path Valley Speedway Park in Spring Run, PA, a track he had never raced before. The NAPA driver wasted no time making history, setting a blistering lap in qualifying to break the track record and secure the Capitol Renegade Quick Time Award. From there, Sweet charged from fourth to first in Heat 1 and earned the “Ace in the Hole Award” to start on the pole of the Dash. He led every lap to secure the pole position for the 35-lap A-Main.
In the feature, Sweet held steady inside the top two early while navigating multiple cautions. As the laps wound down and the field hit traffic, Sweet battled fiercely but slipped back to sixth at the checkered flag. Despite the late fade, the NAPA No. 49 team left with valuable points gained toward the championship.
After the strong weekend performances, the NAPA team sits third in the High Limit Owner’s Championship standings, just 52 points behind leader Rico Abreu and 18 points back from second-ranked Aaron Reutzel. With five races remaining, the chase is still on.
The NAPA crew quickly returned to the Mooresville, NC, shop early Monday morning to regroup. The next challenge comes with a Kansas doubleheader at Lakeside Speedway on October 10-11.
Start / Finish:
Saturday, Sept. 27, Bridgeport Motorsports Park: 4 / 4
Sunday, Sept. 28, Path Valley Speedway Park: 1 / 6
Points Standing / Total: 3rd / 2,532 pts. (-52)
Next Race: Friday, Oct. 10, Lakeside Speedway, Kansas City, KS
How to Watch or Listen:
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