Schaeffler strengthens its innovation and collaboration network to jointly work on the future of the automotive industry Partnership enables direct access to trend analysis, industry events and testing environment for the aftermarket Focus on sustainable repair processes and digital solutions for workshops and aftermarket partners Schaeffler joined the “Zukunftswerkstatt 4.0” in Esslingen as an official innovation partner with its Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS) division in January 2025. The partnership emphasizes the divisions commitment to the future of workshops and strengthens its position as an innovation leader in the mobility ecosystem: Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions supports the automotive industry in its transformation with a broad portfolio of products and services. Zukunftswerkstatt 4.0, which translates to “Workshop for the Future 4.0“, is an innovation showcase and training center that covers the entire value chain from vehicle sales to the aftermarket. It is one of the leading platforms in Germany where the automotive industry meets, networks and drives innovation forward together. More than 130 members – including OEMs, suppliers, dealers and large and small companies – already use this platform. Impulses for future transformation and sustainable mobility “Through our partnership with Zukunftswerkstatt 4.0, we are actively contributing our expertise in vehicle repair and sustainable mobility solutions and, together with other industry leaders, providing new impetus,” says Sven Olev Müller, Head of Schaeffler REPXPERT at Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions. “This partnership provides us with an ideal forum to collaborate and jointly develop solutions for the mobility challenges of tomorrow.” Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions bundles all workshop-relevant services under the REPXPERT service brand and supports workshops with technical training, a service hotline, repair manuals and the necessary special tools – from the digitalization of networked workshop processes to powertrain electrification and sustainable mobility ecosystems. There will be new and innovative repair solutions displayed at the Zukunftswerkstatt 4.0. Furthermore, joint training courses with other market partners will further empower workshops. The cooperation focuses on technical training courses and joint events where direct exchange with experts and partners is key. Among the facilities on site, there are two fully equipped and functional workshop workstations where trainings for workshops and partners can be held, and future solutions can be implemented. Portfolio for the mobility of the future “Collaborating with like-minded industry leaders and partners to drive the future of mobility is something we are passionate about,” states Scott Baines, Global Head of Technical Services at Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions. “Together, we can shape the path forward, creating innovative solutions and services that support the entire aftermarket.” “We are extremely pleased to be working with an established player in the industry that not only shares our vision, but it also actively drives technical innovations,” says Edith Pisching, Director of Zukunftswerkstatt 4.0. “Schaeffler has extensive research and development resources in the areas of electric mobility and digital solutions, which will enable us to jointly create innovative offerings for our partners and visitors in the future.