Nexteer Automotive is supplying its Generation 2 column EPS to the new Chevrolet Aveo, which achieves a five-star score in the latest NCAP crash tests.

“Nexteer Automotive is supporting vehicle manufacturers’ work to produce cars that are safer, more fuel efficient and more comfortable to drive,” said Laurent Bresson, vice president Global Sales and marketing and chief operating officer, Nexteer Automotive International Division.

“Nexteer’s focus on EPS has allowed us to develop a best-in-class steering system that exploits advances in materials and manufacturing processes, combining refinement and premium steering feel with better fuel economy and high safety standards.”

Nexteer produces the EPS system at its manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China, shipping to Chevrolet’s three Aveo factories in Korea and China. The Aveo is exported throughout Asia and to Europe and Nexteer supplies 100% of the models fitted with EPS.

“Nexteer is assisting the migration from hydraulic to electrical power steering that is taking place all around the world, providing customers with the best possible partner in the development of global car platforms,” said Bresson. “Car buyers value the improved fuel economy, CO2 emissions and assistance technologies that EPS brings and Nexteer people have the expertise to design, programme and manufacture steering systems that achieve best-in-class levels of safety, performance and comfort.”

Replacing a hydraulic system with an on-demand electrically powered system from Nexteer reduces fuel consumption by up to 6 per cent, which corresponds to around 8g/km of CO2. This can be up to 30 percent of a carmaker’s CO2 reduction target for 2015.