NSK, Motion & Control

Automotive News

NSK Showcases Green Auto Products at Tokyo Motor Show

NSK’s green automotive technology was the center of attention at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show being held from October 24 to November 4. With a theme embracing of, “Changing Eco, Changing Safety,” the NSK exhibit featured products and technologies from the rapidly changing automotive market, and detail how the company will help reduce CO2 emissions and improve safety in the future.

The latest NSK products for use in electric control, low fuel consumption, compactness and lightness and safety are in the spotlight. “NSK’s continued development and adoption of green technologies in the auto sector is an important part of our sustainability focus,” says Steve Beckman, NSK Vice President, Automotive Business Unit. “By focusing on increasing efficiency and fuel economy, NSK is actively contributing to the worldwide reduction of CO2 emissions. As a world-leading bearing manufacturer, we know that our expertise and products are promoting positive change within the auto sector.”

NSK is highlighting five key technologies for a more environmentally friendly auto sector, all of which are currently
available and in use with U.S.-based NSK customers:

1. Ultra high-speed ball bearings for the motor and generator in next-generation hybrid cars. These ball bearings can
achieve a revolution of 30,000 rpm or more, or 1.5 times that of conventional bearings. This product will increase the
fuel efficiency, power and compactness of next-generation hybrid automobiles.

2. Low-friction torque ball bearings for hybrid cars, designed exclusively for transmissions, reduce frictional loss
(energy loss) by 50–65% compared to conventional bearings. This product has enhanced the fuel economy of the
Toyota Prius, the worldwide leader in low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.

3. NSK is the first company in the world to integrate the brush motor and the entire mechatronics (ECU, torque sensor
board, gearbox, and torque sensor coil) into one unit to achieve the shortest column length for small vehicles in the
world. This advance contributes to smooth maneuverability and improved fuel economy, as well improved safety.

4. Highly reliable hub unit bearing for BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) where the demand for automobiles
is on the rise. The hub unit (integrated unit of the hub that is installed on the tire wheel and the part that is installed on
the chassis) offers high reliability of automobiles even in rugged road conditions such as snow, desert, or muddy water,
and under a heavy load of passengers or cargo.

5. NSK developed the world’s smallest roller (1.5 mm in diameter) with maximum rotation 1.5 times that of conventional
products. The compact and light cages and rollers are designed to meet the needs of increasingly diverse and faster
transmissions such as belt CVTs, ATs, and hybrid automobile transmissions. This product meets the need to improve
fuel economy and reduce the size and weight of automobiles.

NSK’s CSR and Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) efforts have earned the company recognition on international
SRI indices including the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, the FTSE4Good Global Benchmark Index, the Ethibel
Sustainability Index, the Morningstar Japan SRI Index and the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations list from the
World Economic Forum.

About NSK Corporation

NSK is a world-class producer of ball and roller bearings. Established in 1916, NSK became one of the leaders in the
bearing industry because of an intense commitment to engineering research, dedication to modern manufacturing processes
and an obsession with quality. NSK Corp.’s worldwide network of modern manufacturing facilities and distribution
centers is linked by an elaborate computer network that gives the company the ability to provide fast service and
delivery to its customers.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, NSK Corp. is a U.S. industry leader in the marketing, design and manufacture
of anti-friction bearings, precision machinery and parts, mechatronics and automotive products. For more information on
NSK Corp., visit www.us.nsk.com.

About NSK Limited

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, NSK Limited is a world-class producer and innovator of motion and control products.
Established in 1916, NSK became a world leader in the industry because of an intense commitment to engineering
research, modern manufacturing processes and superior quality.

Today, the company is one of the world’s largest bearing manufacturers, employs over 20,000 people worldwide, has
more than 47 global manufacturing facilities and over 100 sales operations, operates 13 technology centers and produces
and distributes over 100,000 different types of bearings, linear motion and automotive component products.

For more information, visit www.nsk.com.

For more information, please contact:
NSK Corporation
4200 Goss Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
1.88.ThinkNSK (1.888.446.5675)
www.us.nsk.com