JTEKT: The Steering and Bearings Behind Your Drive

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Every time you turn a steering wheel, there’s a good chance a JTEKT system is translating your hands into the car’s direction — and the wheels and motor beneath you are very likely spinning on JTEKT bearings. This Toyota-group company is one of the world’s most important, and least known, automotive suppliers.

The world’s steering leader

JTEKT, formed in 2006 from the merger of Koyo Seiko and Toyoda Machine Works, is one of the world’s leading makers of steering systems, and a front-runner in electric power steering (EPS) — the technology that replaced hydraulic steering and is essential to fuel efficiency, driver-assist features, and electric vehicles. Part of the Toyota group, JTEKT supplies automakers globally, and is now developing next-generation steer-by-wire systems for the software-defined cars of the future.

Bearings, machine tools, and the EV pivot

Under its Koyo brand, JTEKT is also a major bearing maker, with components throughout the powertrain, driveline, and chassis — and it has captured a meaningful share (around 15%) of the fast-growing market for EV-motor bearings, which face unique high-speed demands. JTEKT additionally makes machine tools and driveline products. As cars electrify and add automated driving, both its steering and bearing businesses move up the value chain.

Why it matters for global partners and investors

• Investors get exposure to two structural auto trends — electrification and driver assistance — through a leader in steering and a strong player in EV bearings.
• Automakers depend on a small group of steering suppliers; JTEKT’s scale and steer-by-wire development make it strategically important.
• The watch item is steer-by-wire adoption and EV-bearing demand, where JTEKT is positioning for the next generation of vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

What does JTEKT make?
JTEKT is a Japanese, Toyota-group automotive supplier and a world leader in steering systems, especially electric power steering. Under the Koyo brand it is also a major bearing maker, and it produces machine tools and driveline components.

How important is JTEKT in steering?
It is one of the world’s top steering-systems makers and a front-runner in electric power steering, supplying automakers globally and developing next-generation steer-by-wire technology.

How is JTEKT positioned for EVs?
Electric power steering is essential to EVs, and JTEKT’s Koyo bearings have captured around 15% of the EV-motor bearing market, so electrification supports both of its core businesses.

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