thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology

What thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology does

thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology is a business segment of thyssenkrupp AG and a global Tier-1 supplier of automotive chassis, steering, drivetrain, and body solutions, serving nearly all major passenger and commercial vehicle OEMs worldwide. With approximately 28,900 employees and operations across more than 90 production sites on four continents, the segment generated approximately €7 billion in FY 2024/2025 revenue, down from €7.9 billion in FY 2022/2023, with North America alone contributing approximately €2.1 billion.

The segment's technology portfolio spans mechanical, mechatronic, and software-based systems. Core technology domains include steer-by-wire (SBW) developed through a proprietary architectural approach, Vehicle Motion Control (VMC) software that centrally coordinates steering, braking, damping, and powertrain for software-defined vehicles, and AI-based quality inspection including self-learning neural networks for surface defect detection and acoustic welding monitoring. Product business units include Bilstein Motion Solutions (dampers and suspension modules, used in ~90% of premium vehicles), Presta steering systems (one of every four cars globally), Presta Dynamic Components (27 million camshafts and electric-drive components annually), Forged Technologies, Springs & Stabilizers, and Automotive Body Solutions. Production scale is substantial: over 30 million steering systems and 27 million camshafts/e-drive components are produced annually.

The business model is primarily B2B direct OEM supply through long-term engineering partnerships and multi-year series production contracts. The segment acts as a strategic systems partner co-developing vehicle platforms from concept through series production and operates on-site axle and module assembly services within OEM plants (including BMW Leipzig and Audi San José Chiapa). A secondary revenue stream flows through the Aftermarket business unit (Bilstein brand) via repair shops, tuning specialists, and motorsport channels. Following an October 2025 reorganization into four customer- and technology-oriented business units (Chassis, Components, Aftermarket, Forging) and the April 2026 divestiture of Automation Engineering to Agile Robots SE (now Krause Automation), the segment has shifted focus toward higher-growth core competencies in steer-by-wire, VMC software, and EV drivetrain components.

Name

thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology

Legal name

thyssenkrupp AG

Website

https://thyssenkrupp-automotive-technology.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1841

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology is a Tier-1 supplier of chassis, steering, drivetrain, and body solutions to nearly all major global automotive OEMs, operating 90+ production sites worldwide with approximately 28,900 employees and €7 billion in FY 2024/2025 revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Components

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing (336330), Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (3363), Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing (336211)

SIC

Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714), Motor Vehicles & Passenger Car Bodies (3711)

akta.pro primary industry

Steering Systems & Components (Columns/Racks/EPS Pumps & Motors) (IMACAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Chassis Modules & Corner Assemblies (Complete Corner/Chassis Module Integration) (IMACAIAH), Body Panels, Doors, Hoods & Closures Manufacturing (IMACAGAH), Aftermarket Performance & Tuning Products Manufacturing (Intakes/Turbos/ECU Tuners/Superchargers) (IMACANAN)

Keywords

• Automotive components
• Steering systems
• Chassis technology
• Drivetrain components
• Suspension systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Essen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices60 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. OEM Components and Systems Supply: Primary revenue from designing, developing, and manufacturing automotive components and systems sold directly to global automakers (OEMs). Products include steering systems, dampers/suspension, drivetrain components (camshafts, rotor shafts), forged components, springs & stabilizers, and body solutions. Revenue is project-based with multi-year production contracts, typically high-volume series production. FY 2024/2025 revenue: approximately €7 billion.
2. Aftermarket Sales: Sales of replacement parts and components through the aftermarket channel, including Bilstein dampers and other suspension products for the repair and tuning market. Serves car sharing services, rental companies, logistics providers, and individual consumers.
3. Automation Engineering Solutions (Divested): Automation engineering solutions including battery and powertrain assembly lines for automotive manufacturers. This business unit (Automation Engineering) was sold to Agile Robots SE in April 2026 and is no longer part of thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology.
4. Engineering and Development Services: Engineering partnerships and co-development programs with OEMs, including Vehicle Motion Control software development, steer-by-wire integration, and collaborative R&D projects (e.g., with EDAG Group, IBM).

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology designs, develops, and manufactures high-tech automotive components and integrated systems for the international auto industry. Its portfolio spans steering systems, dampers/suspension (Bilstein), drivetrain components (camshafts, rotor shafts, crankshafts), forged and body-in-white components, springs and stabilizers, and axle/module assembly services. It supplies global vehicle OEMs as a Tier-1 systems partner and also sells aftermarket replacement parts under the Bilstein brand.

Product overview

thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology operates as a platform of seven distinct business units and product lines serving the international automotive industry. The core portfolio includes Bilstein Motion Solutions (dampers, suspension), Presta Dynamic Components (camshafts, drivetrain), Forged Technologies (forged components), Automotive Body Solutions (body-in-white), Springs & Stabilizers, and Steering Systems (thyssenkrupp Presta). Automotive Systems provides axle and powertrain assembly with logistics. Supporting technologies include steer-by-wire, Vehicle Motion Control (VMC) software, carValoo IoT fleet management, and AI-powered quality systems. In FY 2024/25, the company employed approximately 28,900 employees and generated €7 billion in revenue across over 90 production sites globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bilstein: High-tech suspension and damping technologies for automotive applications
• BILSTEIN
• Presta
• carValoo
• VMC

Products and services

• Bilstein Motion Solutions Components and services for chassis and damping systems, including conventional and electronically adjustable dampers, modules and suspension struts, and aftermarket products for racing and tuning. For global automakers and aftermarket customers.
• Presta Dynamic Components High-performance drivetrain components including assembled camshafts, variable valve train systems, cylinder head modules, and rotor shafts for electric drives. Sold to global OEMs as a global market leader in assembled powertrain solutions.
• Aftermarket Aftermarket products and services providing replacement parts and service solutions for automotive components, including Bilstein dampers and suspension products for repair shops, tuning retailers, and end consumers.
• Forged Technologies (Forged Tech) Automotive and undercarriage components manufactured through forging processes, including crankshafts and other forged components for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
• Automotive Body Solutions Body-in-white solutions including prototype tooling, plant construction, and series production of complex body components. Serves automakers with lightweight body construction expertise spanning over 125 years.
• Springs & Stabilizers Springs and stabilizers for various vehicle types including trucks, sedans, and sports cars. Products include coil springs and stabilizers supplied to OEMs.
• Steering Systems (thyssenkrupp Presta) Steering systems including steer-by-wire technology, steering columns, steering gears (HPS, rack-and-pinion, dual-pinion, TriPin), and column EPS. Technical leader in batch cold forming with global production for over 30 million vehicles annually.
• Automotive Systems (Axle Assembly) Chassis and powertrain assembly and logistics services including axle assembly, module assembly, system assembly, and JIS/JIT logistics with supplier management. Operates globally with over 20 sites including embedded operations within customer plants.
• Vehicle Motion Control (VMC) Integrated software solution that coordinates vehicle dynamics functions at the overall vehicle level, translating desired vehicle movements into commands for steering, brake, drive, and damping systems. Enables integrated control of lateral, longitudinal, and vertical dynamics for software-defined vehicles.
• carValoo Fleet Monitoring Cloud-based IoT solution using highly sensitive acceleration sensors to detect damage, misuse, and high wear in real time. Enables fleet managers to monitor vehicle condition continuously for car sharing, rental, and logistics services.

Quantifiable outcome

• One in four cars globally uses thyssenkrupp steering components.
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• EDAG GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology and EDAG Group are jointly developing a Vehicle Motion Control (VMC) demonstrator for software-defined vehicles. The project validates software-based coordination of vehicle motion from simulation through to a demonstration vehicle. thyssenkrupp contributes chassis, steering, damping, and actuator expertise; EDAG contributes vehicle integration, driving dynamics, and overall vehicle architecture expertise. Customer demonstrations are planned.
• IPAI (Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2026thyssenkrupp Automotive Body Solutions joined IPAI (Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence) as a member to strengthen its strategic positioning toward intelligent manufacturing with collaborative robotics. Membership provides early access to AI technologies and research approaches, exchange with leading partners from industry, technology, and science, access to real-world laboratories, and learning/development opportunities for employees. IPAI is located in Heilbronn, Germany.
• Agile Robots SEcoreOthers · 24 November 2025thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology sold its Automation Engineering business unit to Agile Robots SE in a strategic shift to focus on growth sectors. The acquisition closed in April 2026. Automation Engineering is now operated as 'Krause Automation' combining traditional plant engineering with advanced robotics and AI, expanding into intralogistics, electronics, and medical technology sectors.
• Siemens AGcoreTechnology or Integration · 24 October 2024thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering (now sold to Agile Robots SE) was a co-creation partner and first company planning to deploy the Siemens Industrial Copilot globally starting 2025. The partnership integrates Siemens' industrial automation domain expertise with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, enabling generative AI for manufacturing engineering. The Copilot automates tasks including PLC code generation, machine visualization, and sensor configuration for battery inspection lines, reducing manual effort by up to 80% for code adaptation.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or Integration · 24 October 2024Microsoft provides Azure OpenAI Service powering the Siemens Industrial Copilot, which thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering uses. Cedrik Neike (Siemens) stated the collaboration marks a decisive moment for AI as a cornerstone of industrial innovation. Judson Althoff (Microsoft) emphasized cloud-based AI tools helping companies simplify complex challenges and maintain competitiveness in dynamic environments.
• IBMminorStrategic or Co-development Partnerthyssenkrupp cooperates with IBM on Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) research, exploring how vehicles can learn and optimize their driving style through artificial intelligence. The collaboration investigates AI capabilities for vehicle motion control and autonomous driving applications.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Robert Bosch GmbH: World's largest Tier-1 automotive supplier with overlapping product lines in steering (Bosch Steering Systems), chassis, drivetrain, and electronic components. Direct competitor across virtually all of thyssenkrupp's automotive technology portfolio and serves the same global OEM customer base.
• ZF Friedrichshafen AG: Major Tier-1 chassis, drivetrain, and steering supplier with significant technology overlap in active suspension, electric power steering, and integrated vehicle motion control. ZF's cubiX and similar software-defined chassis offerings directly compete with thyssenkrupp's VMC platform.
• Continental AG: Diversified Tier-1 supplier with strong overlap in steering systems (Continental Automotive), chassis electronics, and ADAS sensors. Both companies serve global OEMs with mechatronic and software-integrated vehicle dynamics solutions.
• Schaeffler AG: Tier-1 supplier focused on drivetrain and chassis components including bearings, engine and transmission systems, and e-mobility solutions. Direct overlap with thyssenkrupp Dynamic Components in camshafts, rotor shafts, and drivetrain assemblies for both ICE and EV applications.
• JTEKT Corporation: Global steering systems specialist and one of the largest steering column and EPS manufacturers. Direct competitor to thyssenkrupp Presta in steering gears, columns, and emerging steer-by-wire technology with strong Japanese OEM relationships.
• Nexteer Automotive: Pure-play steering and driveline supplier with leading position in column-assist EPS and steer-by-wire. Direct competitor to thyssenkrupp Presta, particularly in North American and Chinese OEM platforms.
• Mando Corporation: Korean Tier-1 supplier of braking, steering, and suspension systems. Direct competitor to thyssenkrupp's chassis portfolio and serves Korean OEMs (Hyundai/Kia) with similar mechanical and electromechanical steering technology.
• KYB Corporation: Global manufacturer of hydraulic and electronic suspension/damper systems and a direct competitor to Bilstein in OEM and aftermarket channels. Particularly strong in Asian OEMs and Japanese domestic market.

Broad incumbents

• Aptiv PLC: Global Tier-1 supplier focused on active safety, advanced driver assistance, and vehicle electrical architecture. Adjacent competitor particularly relevant to thyssenkrupp's VMC and steer-by-wire software integration ambitions.
• Tenneco / DRiV: Aftermarket-focused automotive components supplier including ride control products (Monroe, Öhlins) that compete with Bilstein in the global damper and suspension aftermarket. Less overlap in OE but direct competition in service and performance channels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thyssenkrupp-camshafts-san-miguel-de-allende
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Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology