A drive train for a compressor and a hydraulic pump of a motor vehicle,
and a method of use are described. The system includes a hydraulic power
steering system, an electric superimposed steering system for providing
steering assistance, and a motor vehicle drive motor with a common output
shaft for driving the compressor and the hydraulic pump. Also provided
are means for reducing the power which is supplied to the compressor and
to the hydraulic pump via the output shaft, when demands made of the
compressor and of the steering assistance system permit reduced power
operation. The power which is supplied to the compressor and to the
hydraulic pump via the output shaft may be reduced substantially to zero
when operation of the compressor is unnecessary and the electric
superimposed steering system is sufficient to provide alone the steering
assistance.