MUNICH, Germany–Brake maker Knorr-Bremse is diversifying and strengthening its steering business by acquiring the commercial vehicle steering operation of Hitachi Automotive Systems Ltd. in Japan.

Knorr, which is alos a leading supplier of rail and heavy-duty sub-systems, closed the deal, which was struck a few months ago.

“Knorr-Bremse has global experience with commercial vehicles in the fields of vehicle dynamics, driver assistance systems and the main related actuators, which means brakes and steering. The take-over of the commercial vehicle steering business from Hitachi Automotive will expand Knorr-Bremse’s steering system portfolio and further enhance KnorrBremse’s future potential as a global supplier for driver assistance and highly automated driving solutions”, explains Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Systems division.

With this transaction, Knorr-Bremse says it is setting a further milestone to become a global supplier for CVS steering systems for RCB (recirculating ball) and TOS (torque overlay steering).

In addition, Knorr-Bremse takes a further step towards supplying its customers with highly integrated systems, as well as new functionalities in the field of driver assistance and automated driving. Furthermore, Knorr-Bremse will gain a better access to the Japanese and the Southeast Asian market and will have the opportunity to also provide further products of the business segment for commercial vehicles in these regions.