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SKF, Bertone unveil new concept car at Geneva Show
Our Corporate Bureau
Mumbai, March 13 : A new car concept, developed by SFK and Bertone was recently unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The new car `Filo', which in Italian means `wire', has the interior architecture extensively controlled by SFK's by-wire technology. These include steering, brakes, gear change and clutch. According to the company, the introduction of the by-wire technique also helps the car manufacturers to produce cars, that are more environment- friendly and have increased safety. The brake-by-wire system, for example, allows for the elimination of the braking fluid. The steering column and the pedal assembly are still a significant safety worry in frontal aspects. But the control system in the Filo concept eliminates both, freeing the driver's side of these potentially dangerous structures. SKF already has an ongoing project together with the Italian brake manufacturer Brembo, to develop a brake-by-wire system. Serial production is expected to start during 2004. SKF's automotive division has also created adedicated drive-by-wire business unit, to focus specifically on this increasingly important market. It may be mentioned that drive-by-wire is now established as the technology, to replace many of the traditionally hydraulically and mechanically operated systems. According to SKF automotive division president Tom Johnstone, though the developments for drive-by-wire are new, SKF will be able to draw on existing skills and experience as a firm foundation. Smart electro-mechanical actuating units, specifically for high volume applications have been a recent focus at the SKF automotive plant,he said. By-wire systems are moving at an increasing pace from the development and engineering labs into mainstream production. Filo shows that the vision that this new technology brings can be transformed into reality, Mr Johnstone added. Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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