As part of its partnership with Niki Schelle, a rally driver and leading figure in the German motoring world, NTN Europe welcomed him to its production site in Seynod, France, for an in-depth look at its manufacturing expertise. During this visit, Niki Schelle was able to go behind the scenes to see the manufacture of two essential vehicle components: SNR wheel bearing and strut bearings. A unique opportunity to highlight NTN Europe’s expertise in the design and production of automotive parts for both the original equipment and aftermarket sector.
The Seynod plant: a showcase for NTN Europe’s automotive expertise
The site specializes in the manufacture of wheel bearings and suspension components. A manufacturing process mastered by NTN Europe and made in Europe. A few key figures illustrate the importance of the production site:
• 2 largest world manufacturer of wheel bearing: more than 90 million manufactured per year
• 1 largest world manufacturer of strut bearings: more than 20 million manufactured per year.
• 98% of the European car fleet covered.
Beyond these achievements, the Seynod factory reflects NTN Europe’s commitment to high-precision manufacturing, dedicated to quality, safety and performance. An immersive look at the heart of wheel bearing manufacturing During his visit, Nikki enjoyed a truly immersive behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing process. He was able to discover the wheel bearing manufacturing process from start to finish, from material processing to quality control operations. This manufacturing process involves several key stages, from material heating, machining, grinding and super finishing to assembly, quality control and packaging. This insight allowed him to appreciate the full complexity and the high standards required for the production of a wheel bearing. Impressed by the technology precision, and control used in wheel bearing manufacturing, Niki Schelle gained a first-hand insight into NTN Europe’s expertise. A masterfully executed manufacturing process that directly contributes to the performance of SNR and NTN products, and thus to the performance of vehicles for both rallying and everyday journeys.
The suspension manufacturing process The tour continued with an exploration of the strut bearing manufacturing process, another key component for a vehicle’s handling, comfort and safety. They are manufactured entirely at the Seynod plant following a demanding process comprising several key stages: stamping, chemical treatment, assembly, and packaging. This production once again demonstrates NTN Europe’s expertise in the manufacture of automotive components, designed to meet the market’s high standards of quality and performance. Niki Schelle: a rally driver renowned in the German motoring world
Niki Schelle is known in Germany for his humour, his participation in numerous rallies and his role as moderator in the TV show GRIP – Das Motormagasin. As a driver and mechanic, he is very familiar with automotive parts and the importance of their quality, especially when used in extreme conditions. He embodies a passion for motoring, precision and performance. The foundation of this partnership wasn’t laid at a desk, but right in the heat of the race: at the 2024 Eifel Rallye Festival in Germany. Shortly before the start, Niki Schelle contacted the NTN Europe team with an urgent request: his vehicle needed new wheel bearings at the last minute. Without hesitation, NTN Europe responded immediately: The appropriate SNR wheel bearings were sourced and personally delivered directly to the race track. This swift and uncomplicated support under real-world conditions was a resounding success and laid the foundation for today’s collaboration. It stands for trust, technical expertise, and genuine partnership—forged under real-world conditions in motorsports.
(https://www.ntn-snr.com/)
More about VAFEM:
VAFEM is devoted to providing high quality ball & roller bearings and related transmission parts for domestic and foreign customers in the Vehicle industry and Industries. Our products used in automotive and truck industry mainly include : wheel bearings, wheel bearing kits, wheel hub bearings, alternator bearings, tensioner bearings, clutch bearings, and gear box bearings etc. Our industrial bearings are mainly used in these fields such as Industrial Automation, Home Appliances, Reducers, Agricultural Machines, Precision Machine Spindles, and Transmission Systems etc. As a high-tech company specializing in bearings, we can not only provide stable and trustworthy quality products for OEM customers, but also provide non-standard bearings based on customers’ special requirements. At the same time, we can provide a series of complete product lines and have our own brand VAFEM, it stands for the abbreviation of value added for every movement, which has been recognized by more and more customers and end users.
2026 New Week VAFEM product Recommendation:
A linear-motion bearing or linear slide is a bearing designed to provide free motion in one direction. There are many different types of linear motion bearings. Motorized linear slides such as machine slides, X-Y tables, roller tables and some dovetail slides are bearings moved by drive mechanisms. Not all linear slides are motorized, and non-motorized dovetail slides, ball bearing slides and roller slides provide low-friction linear movement for equipment powered by inertia or by hand. All linear slides provide linear motion based on bearings, whether they are ball bearings, dovetail bearings, linear roller bearings, magnetic or fluid bearings. X-Y tables, linear stages, machine slides and other advanced slides use linear motion bearings to provide movement along both X and Y multiple axis.
2026-07-21