LuK Clutches

LuK, a leading supplier of systems and components for modern automobile's powertrain, was established by brothers George and Wilhelm Schaeffler in 1965. The company was founded to engineer diaphragm spring clutches with a release system. Since 1999 it has become an integrant part of the Schaeffler Group, a world-known supplier of components and systems for engine, transmission and chassis applications, as well as industrial applications.

Headquartered in Buhl, Germany, LuK is striving to provide the most advanced technologies and exceptional reliability, while constantly improving all production processes. The pre-production stage of LuK products incorporates pressworks, heat treatment, and machining; the assembly is the final stage of product manufacturing. It should be also mentioned that many machines in LuK's production center are designed and made in its own custom machinery workshop.

During the last fifty years, LuK has delivered breakthrough innovations. For instance, the company became the first manufacturer of the diaphragm spring clutch in Europe. Now every third new car is equipped with a LuK clutch. The company also developed the 'easytronic', the first in the world electromagnetically-automated manual gearbox. The year of 1997 was marked with designing and manufacturing of LuK torque converters in the USA.

With research and development centers, offices and manufacturing plants around the world, LuK is presented in all markets with its expansive engineering and manufacturing capacity. The proximity and instant availability, as well as the ability to meet individual demands quickly and effectively, is what sets the company apart from its competitors. At present LuK supplies superior components for transmissions, clutch systems, dampers, products for tractors which comply with the first-class standards for quality and technology. The company is working hard to provide new solutions for the automotive industry of future, including the ones for the double-clutch transmission and components for constantly changeable transmissions – for more reliability and less emissions.

LuK was the first to produce a dual mass flywheel which has become highly popular during the last decades. In 2002 the 20 millionth ZMS came off the production line. The dual mass flywheel greatly enhances ride comfort while improving fuel economy, even at low revs. The latest innovative product developments are the automation of manual transmissions, torque converters, components for CVT transmissions which could handle more than 300 Nm of torque.