Röchling Automotive, a leading global provider of acoustic, aerodynamic and fluid management solutions, has been presented with a 2016 Automotive News PACE Innovation Partnership Award, in conjunction with Audi and FTE Automotive GmbH, for its innovative oil delivery system. Röchling also was named a PACE award finalist in the product innovation category for the same technology. The awards were presented during the 2016 PACE Awards ceremony, held April 11 at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit.

The PACE awards recognize superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers. The PACE Innovation Partnership Award is presented to OEMs and shared with suppliers for exemplifying superior collaboration during the commercialization process of an innovation.

Röchling’s clean, precise and efficient system completely reimagines the transmission lubrication process. The oil delivery system allows oil to flow directly to the gear wheels with consistent lubrication, maximizing the performance of oil distribution and extending oil and gear life, and saving two grams of CO2 per kilometer.  Currently in series production with Audi, this advanced solution offers automakers longer service life for a vehicle’s transmission.

“We are honored that our innovation has been recognized by the esteemed panel of judges for this prestigious competition,” said Erwin Doll, CEO, Röchling Automotive. “We look forward to seeing the benefits of this system take hold throughout the industry.”

Röchling developed the oil system delivery technology in response to the need for a modified transmission lubrication process that could prevent grinding without deterring gear movement. Unlike traditional oil delivery systems, which cause gears to lose kinetic energy when passing the oil pump, Röchling’s solution systematically lubricates and allows gears to rotate more freely. As a result, the technology reduces friction and improves cooling of the gears, which leads to longer transmission life, reduced tailpipe emissions, and maximized performance.