SKF AB (Sweden) announced it has won the contract from General Motors Europe to supply wheel bearings for the Opel Astra replacement (the European C platform) due to launch in the 2005 model year.

SKF recently won the contract for rear wheel hub assemblies for the Opel Vectra replacement (the European D platform) which is due to launch next year.

The hub units selected by GM are so-called "third-generation" unitized hub and bearing assemblies, meaning the units incorporate an integrated, active electronic sensor assembly.

The total value of the two contracts is expected to top € 50 million every year, as the units are used in vehicles built in both Europe and Latin America.