**News Source: FAG Bearings**
The Schaeffler Group, which owns the INA, FAG, and LuK brands, ranked among the top in the list of the most active patent applicants published by the German Patent and Trademark Office for 2008. Schaeffler KG, which owns the INA and FAG brands, ranked eighth with 605 patents, while the LuK brand ranked 21st with 221 patents. This means that the INA, FAG, and LuK brands collectively rank fifth among the most innovative companies submitting patent applications in Germany. Including other brands and companies such as IDAM, AFT, Barden, and F'IS, the Schaeffler Group filed a total of 1,250 patent applications last year. This is equivalent to an average of five patents per working day.
Dr. Peter Gutzmann, a member of the Schaeffler Group's Board of Management responsible for technology and product development as well as global R&D for the group, believes that this innovative strength is one of the pillars of the company. "The Schaeffler Group's deep understanding of more than 60 different industrial sectors makes it difficult for any other company to transfer our expertise and incorporate it into continuously updated technical solutions. Our customers in the automotive industry benefit from this, as do our customers in all other industrial sectors," Dr. Gutzmann pointed out.
For example, the Schaeffler Group focuses its R&D efforts on projects that can more effectively utilize resources. A recent example is the fully variable MultiAir valve system. Developed in collaboration between the Schaeffler Group and Fiat Powertrain Technologies, it made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Compared to traditional cars, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced by 25%, while driving performance is significantly improved.
The Schaeffler Group files over 1,250 patents annually, with approximately 14,700 patents currently in execution. Nearly 5,200 employees across 30 global research and development centers are working on new powertrain solutions for both mechanical and automotive fields. In the automotive sector, the product range includes components and systems for engines, transmissions, and chassis applications, while in the industrial sector, applications span industries from wind turbines and production machinery to medical devices.
---
This translation captures the essence of the original text while ensuring clarity and fluency in English.