Automotive supplier Rheinmetall Automotive, a member of the technology group Rheinmetall, is systematically expanding its longstanding expertise in automotive lightweight engineering. Through its subsidiary KS Kolbenschmidt GmbH, the Neckarsulm-based company has now acquired a 24.9 per cent stake in Carbon Truck & Trailer GmbH (CarbonTT), Stade/Germany.

CFRP is up to 70 per cent lighter than steel and 30 per cent lighter than aluminium. This weight reduction permits less fuel consumption, increased payload, and/or a greater range for battery electric vehicles.

"Light weighting will be a major contributor to reducing vehicle emissions and supporting e-mobility. Our production technology allows OEM's to cost-effectively utilise CFRP components, improving vehicle efficiency and creating value for their customers. We are excited to welcome Rheinmetall Automotive onboard and to grow the business together," said CarbonTT managing director Gerret Kalkoffen in a press release by Rheinmetall Automotive.

For Rheinmetall the aim of the cooperation is to support CarbonTT to industrialise the production process to OEM standards and to organise the corresponding quality system. In addition, the contribution of other Rheinmetall techniques and products opens up a strategic option for the development of additional lightweight applications as well as integrated modules and systems.

The Hardparts Division of Rheinmetall Automotive is contributing its more than one hundred years of experience in the demanding implementation of automotive manufacturing processes to the cooperation and at the same time diversifying into a new material and field of business.

"This new commitment not only strengthens our existing expertise in designing and manufacturing structural parts, but also expands and diversifies our lightweight engineering activities to include the use of CFRP materials, that will become increasingly important in the future against the background of further necessary weight savings and the shift to electromobility," said Freiermuth, head of Rheinmetall Automotive's Hardparts division.

This first-tier supplier, present on the international automotive markets, consists of three divisions: Hardparts, Mechatronics, and Aftermarket. Clustered under the Kolbenschmidt brand is the Hardparts division comprising car and commercial vehicle pistons, large-bore pistons, engine blocks, cylinder heads, and structural parts in aluminum. Also included are other castings, plain bearings and continuous castings.

Under the Pierburg brand, Rheinmetall Automotive's Mechatronics division specialises in modules and assemblies for emission control, solenoid valves, actuators and valve train systems, oil, water and vacuum pumps for cars, trucks and offroad vehicles.

Last but not least, the Aftermarket division under the Motorservice brand embraces the global aftermarket business in the group's and third-party products in over 130 countries. As a foremost supplier of engine components Motorservice offers its customers an extensive line-up of engine parts from a single source.

CarbonTT is a start-up company that develops innovative carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components to make commercial vehicles lighter, more economical and more sustainable. With a unique team of engineers from the aviation, automotive and production industries, the company is focused on the economic industrialization of CFRP component production. CarbonTT holds patents and know-how in the design of CFRP components, reproducible adhesive applications, and low-cost serial production.