LUK

LuK is a one of the prominent German manufacturers of automotive drivetrain components. It specializes in the production of clutches. The brand's headquarters are in Buhl, Germany. The company was started by Dr. Ing (E.h.) Georg Schaeffler and Dr. Wilhelm Schaeffler in 1965. Since 1999, LuK is a part of the Schaeffler Group which is one of the largest auto-parts suppliers in the world. Schaeffler Group also includes the brands, INA and FAG, which produce engine and transmission components, and bearings, respectively. LuK parts are marketed across various countries including the United States, Korea, Norway, South Africa and Russia.

The company's first products were diaphragm spring clutches offered for the successor of the Volkswagen Beetle. LuK was the first European company to manufacture diaphragm spring clutches. LuK is not new to innovations in clutches and their associated components. In 1985, the company was the first to introduce the dual mass flywheel. The company was also the first to develop the electromagnetically-automated manual steering gearbox.

In 1995, LuK became the first auto-parts producer to build the electronic clutch management system, which was fitted in the BMW Alpina. LuK came up with another innovation, the first compact automatic clutch system, in 1997. This clutch system was employed in the Mercedes A-Class series of automobiles. In the same year, the brand started developing the first converter for lightweight HGVs. LuK won the “Supplier of the Year” award from General Motors in 2001 for the ninth time. In 2004, the brand's dry dual clutch won the Innovation Award. LuK received the Supplier Award from Porsche in 2008. In the same year, Ford presented the Achievement Award to LuK, recognizing its effort in delivering high-quality products manufactured using modern technology. The company manufactures manual transmissions, CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) parts and torque converter components using automated technology.

The company's production facilities work with high-precision, updated machinery to manufacture their products. The quality checking for performance and dimension are done at various levels to ensure outstanding quality and exact fitment. The brand's research and development professionals are working towards building parts that improve riding comfort and performance of the vehicles they are fitted in. Being a pioneer in introducing various experimental clutch designs, the company now focuses on developing clutches for future hybrid vehicles and has also implemented a number of upgrades to its traditional clutch systems.

LuK parts can be found in many cars as OEM parts. For instance, both BMW and Mercedes use LuK steering pumps. The application of a LuK steering pump in the BMW car lineup speaks volumes about the quality of LuK parts. Mercedes steering, which has a plush, luxurious characteristic instead of a sports driven focus, also uses a LuK steering pump. These examples are a testament to how LuK pumps excel in both sport and luxury markets. Every product that comes off the production line in LuK sets the standards at a high level of excellence.