TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE EUROPE BVBA

Their core work

Tenneco is a major global automotive components manufacturer headquartered in Belgium, specializing in ride performance (suspension, shock absorbers) and clean air systems. Within EU research, they contribute industrial-grade expertise in chassis systems, electric vehicle powertrains, and advanced vehicle dynamics. Their R&D involvement spans from protective coatings and cloud manufacturing to intelligent driving systems and energy harvesting from vehicle vibrations, reflecting a Tier 1 supplier actively preparing its product lines for electrification and automation.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Early projects (2015–2018) covered a broad range: cloud manufacturing (CREMA), protective coatings (PROCETS), mechatronics and hardware-in-the-loop simulation (CLOVER), and initial electrified vehicle components (3Ccar). From 2019 onward, Tenneco sharpened its focus decisively toward electric vehicle powertrains, automated driving intelligence, and energy harvesting from vehicle dynamics — keywords like "electrified in-wheel powertrain," "automated driving," "AI," and "triboelectrification" dominate the later portfolio. This trajectory signals a company repositioning from a traditional suspension and exhaust components supplier toward an electrified, software-defined vehicle technology partner.

Tenneco is moving from mechanical chassis components toward integrated electrified powertrain and intelligent driving solutions, making them a strong partner for projects at the intersection of vehicle electrification, autonomous mobility, and energy recovery.

How they like to work

Tenneco participates exclusively as a consortium partner — never as coordinator — which is typical for large industrial companies that contribute application expertise, testing infrastructure, and real-world validation rather than leading research design. With 191 unique partners across 28 countries, they operate in large, multi-partner consortia (ECSEL and RIA projects often involve 30+ partners). This makes them an accessible and experienced consortium member who understands the dynamics of large EU projects without seeking to control them.

With 191 unique consortium partners across 28 countries, Tenneco has one of the broadest collaboration networks among automotive suppliers in H2020. Their partnerships span the full European automotive R&D ecosystem — from semiconductor firms (ECSEL projects) to universities and research institutes working on fundamental vehicle dynamics.

What sets them apart

Tenneco brings something rare to EU consortia: a Tier 1 automotive supplier with hands-on access to mass-production suspension, chassis, and ride-control systems who is actively investing in electrification R&D. Unlike universities or research institutes, they can validate project results against real vehicle platforms and manufacturing constraints. Their emerging work in triboelectric energy harvesting from shock absorbers (Electro-Intrusion) positions them at an unusual intersection of mechanical engineering and nanoscale energy conversion that few industrial partners can offer.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PROCETS
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 835K) for protective composite coatings — shows Tenneco's investment in component durability and surface engineering beyond their core chassis business.
• Electro-Intrusion
  Most forward-looking project: harvesting electricity from vibrations and ambient heat via nanotriboelectricity in shock absorbers — a potential new product line for energy-recovering suspension systems.
• PRYSTINE
  Represents Tenneco's push into AI and semiconductor-based safety systems for automated driving, signaling ambitions well beyond mechanical components.