Würth with controlling interest in Paravan
Künzelsau. Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG has acquired 51percent of PARAVAN GmbH based in Pfronstetten-Aichelau, Germany. For Würth, the future cooperation and the technology of Paravan offer great potential on the global market for fully autonomous driving systems. The companies want to jointly boost the international marketing activities of the first drive-by-wire system with a permit for road traffic, "Space Drive". In 2014, Paravan generated sales of EUR 18 million with 140 employees.
With "Space Drive", the company can fall back on more than ten years of experience in the field of drive-by-wire technologies for disabled people. Paravan's customers have already traveled more than 120 million kilometers with the fail-safe drive-by-wire system. Drive-by-wire technology is considered a precursor to autonomous driving systems. By means of this technology, the vehicle is controlled without a mechanical steering column. The primary functions such as accelerating, braking and steering are controlled digitally.
Paravan has also installed the steering system in a disguised prototype racing car based on a racing car of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). This way the company takes an important step towards the digitalization of the automotive industry. Paravan will present this racing car at the Solitude Revival Festival which will take place from 17 to 19 July.
Paravan is a globally leading manufacturer of customized vehicles for the disabled known for its innovative drive. In the past years, Paravan has modified more than 5,000 vehicles with drive-by-wire systems to help wheelchair users enjoy their automotive mobility. In addition to that, the company offers high-end package solutions for people with reduced mobility and movement limitations due to old age – from wheelchairs and rehabilitation devices for the disabled to training courses and driver's license lessons.
About Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG
Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG is a leading specialist in the trade with assembly and fastening materials for professional use. It is the largest individual company of the globally operating Würth Group.
At present, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG employs around 6,300 people nationwide and generated sales of EUR 1.49 billion in the business year 2014.
