NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) has received the Environmental Components Award of the 2016 “CHO” MONODZUKURI Innovative Parts and Components Award sponsored by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd. “CHO” MONODZUKURI Innovative Parts and Components Award 2016 “CHO” MONODZUKURI Innovative Parts and Components Award, Environmental Components Award Awarded Product Low Torque Seal Ring Product Overview The product is developed for use in automotive transmissions to reduce torque, decrease wear and minimize oil leaks. They are installed between the shaft and housing that move in relative motion within the oil hydraulic circuits of the transmission, where they serve to seal the oil as they slide. Made from PEEK (polyether ether ketone) plastic featuring a special filler, the dynamic pressure effect generated from the V-shaped lubrication groove on its width surface helps to achieve a lower torque that is 60% lower compared to NTN's conventional products. It also reduces the amount of wear on the seal ring to 1/10 or less compared to conventional products while maintaining the same level of performance in terms of seal characteristics as conventional products. Reason for Receiving the Award Low Torque Seal Ring was recognized for its contribution to lower automotive fuel consumption by reducing torque for higher efficiency transmission systems. As fuel efficiency standards for automobiles are becoming even severe, demands for multi-staged automotive transmissions that have many stages are increasing. This product helps to reduce environmental impact, which resulted in it being received the prize.