What is Universal Motor in car : Top manufacturers

A universal motor is a type of electric motor that can operate on both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power supplies. In automotive applications, universal motors are commonly used in auxiliary systems such as windshield wipers, power tools, blowers and small actuators where high speed, compact size and strong starting torque are required. These motors are typically compact, efficient, reliable and designed for 12 V automotive electrical systems.

Understanding Universal Motors in Automotive Applications

In automotive terminology, the motors used for mirror, seat, and window control are generally:

Brushed DC motors (often loosely called “universal motors”)
Rated for 12 V DC
Integrated with gearboxes and actuators
Designed for high torque at low speed

They are not standalone consumer motors but automotive grade motors supplied by Tier-1 and Tier-2 manufacturers.

Key Automotive Applications of Universal Motors

Power Window Control

Drives window regulator mechanisms
Requires high torque and durability
Typically used with worm gear or spur gear reduction

Mirror Adjustment and Folding

Controls mirror glass movement (X/Y axis)
Powers mirror folding mechanisms
Compact size with precise control

Power Seat Adjustment

Used for seat slide, recline, height and lumbar support
Requires higher torque and load handling
Often multiple motors per seat

Leading Manufacturers of Automotive Universal Motors

Manufacturer	Motor part number /Description
Mabuchi Motor	SF-130 / SF-136 (Mirror glass adjustment) ; FC-140 (Mirror and actuator motors); FC-280 (Door locks, mirrors, window actuators); RS-385 / RS-395(Power window and seat sub-actuators), Visit mabuchi-motor.com website for more information.
Mitsuba Corporation	Supplies motor for Power windows, high torque dc motors for seat slide and recline, custom actuator motors for door systems etc. Visit mitsuba.co.jp website for more information.
Brose Fahrzeugteile	Company suppliers motor + gearbox, sensor integrated assemblies, fully tested seat/window modules etc. Visit brose.com website for more information.
Johnson Electric	Company is major supplier of brushed dc motors, integrated actuator motors, custom automotive motor designs etc. Visit johnsonelectric.com website for more information.
Nidec Corporation	Company supplies seat motors, HVAC actuators, window and mirror systems etc. Visit nidec.com website for more information.

Other leading manufacturers of automotive motors and related drive solutions include Nidec Corporation, Bosch and Denso.

Summary:

A universal motor is an AC/DC electric motor designed to run on either alternating or direct current. In the automotive sector, it is primarily used in auxiliary components requiring high-speed operation and strong starting torque.