Through Transformation with New Technologies
There are three important characteristics that ZF uses to set the pace and help its customers through the transformation process: flexibility, focus on innovation and technology transfer. These key factors are part of ZF's DNA since the beginning more than a 100 years ago. The technology group recently demonstrated these key characteristics at its Global Technology Day. During the event, the company presented a variety of innovations like the new hybrid transmission system for heavy commercial vehicles Traxon 2 Hybrid, which will help to shape the transition to e-mobility and support global CO2 targets. The Traxon 2 Hybrid reflects not only ZF's strength in innovation, but also the flexibility with which the company reacts quickly to current market needs. Another highlight which the company announced during the event, was the launch of the cubiX vehicle motion control software for commercial vehicles. Originally developed for the passenger car sector where it is already in successful volume production, the company added a vehicle motion control offering for commercial vehicle customers. This technology transfer across vehicle segments like the flexibility and the focus on innovation are part of ZF's DNA right from the beginning. This can also be seen at the rail vehicle sector where ZF celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The first time ZF developed a drive system for railcars was in 1924. Back then, it was an adaptation of a transmission that was primarily meant for passenger cars. Look forward to all these and many other exciting topics in the sixth edition of our newsletter "To Mobility and Beyond". Enjoy!
What's New at ZF
ZF Presents Innovations at its Global Technology Day
In the run-up to the IAA Transportation 2024, ZF presented its innovations in the areas of decarbonization, chassis, safety and digitalization at its Global Technology Day. The technology group also announced a new hybrid transmission system for heavy commercial vehicles, the TraXon 2 Hybrid. Under the motto ‘Driving Commercial Vehicle Innovation,’ ZF, as the largest supplier to the commercial vehicles industry, demonstrated how its broad portfolio of solutions for clean, safe and comfortable mobility of tomorrow can be developed quickly and cost-effectively.
ZF Drives Commercial Vehicles Innovation to Shape Future Transportation
ZF’s Commercial Vehicles Solutions division continues to set the pace for commercial vehicles technology by developing a new hybrid transmission to further support the transition towards decarbonized mobility. Forming part of the industry leading TraXon family, the TraXon 2 Hybrid from ZF will enable commercial vehicle operators to significantly reduce carbon emissions while still maintaining the capability advantages of a combustion engine.
ZF Annotate Uses AI for the Development of ADAS and AD Systems
Modern, automated driver assistance systems require a large number of sensors in order to precisely analyze the vehicle's environment and derive safe driving maneuvers. To further advance the development of these ADAS and AD solutions, the technology group has developed the cloud-based and AI-enabled validation service ZF Annotate. At the ZF Global Technology Day on June 27, 2024, in Jeversen/Hanover, the Group presented the fast, cost-effective and market-ready service for passenger cars and commercial vehicles to the media for the first time.
New Nerve Center: ZF Expands its cubiX Portfolio to Commercial Vehicles
As commercial vehicles become more automated, electrified and connected, vehicle motion control technologies are becoming increasingly important in managing ever more complex vehicle systems. Additionally, the discussions about the software-defined-truck and the related E/E architecture require new approaches to ensure modular and high performing vehicle motion control systems. ZF’s advanced motion control system, cubiX, is designed precisely for this purpose. Building on decades of expertise across multiple applications, ZF’s cubiX portfolio, originally developed and in series production for the passenger car sector, is now expanded and available for commercial vehicles to create one holistic ZF offering for advanced vehicle motion control.
Premiere for ZF’s Powerful, Ultra-compact E-bike Drive
At the Eurobike 2024 bicycle trade fair, ZF Group will be presenting its new 48-volt drive system for e-bikes for the first time. The ‘ZF Bike Eco System’ includes all drive components such as e-motor, batteries, control units, app and a connection to the cloud. The core component is the ZF ‘CentriX’ drive unit with an ultra-compact, 90 Newton meter mid-motor.
A Century on Track: ZF Celebrates Anniversary in Railway Technology
ZF celebrates its 100th anniversary in the rail vehicle market: The first time ZF developed a drive system for railcars was in 1924. Back then, it was an adaptation of a technology that was primarily meant for passenger cars, the TS18.5 Soden transmission. In the following decades, the company expanded its position as a railway technology supplier, achieving this through expansions and acquisitions and a strong international presence. Today, ZF boasts an impressive portfolio serving numerous rail vehicle manufacturers and operators worldwide. Additionally, the company stands out for its attractive digital offering. An exhibition at the ZF Forum in Friedrichshafen, which began in June 2024, marks the anniversary. The Group will also bring attention to this tradition at the leading trade fair InnoTrans in September.
Quote of the Month
"Thanks to our technology-open approach, the resulting broad product portfolio and the flexibility of our production facilities, we can react quickly to market changes. This enables us to combine technologies and offer our customers the optimal solution in a timely manner at every step of the transformation."
Video of the Month: On Your Marks in Shanghai
In the latest episode of ZF's video series “On Your Marks, ZF AI Algorithm Engineer Jicheng Gong takes us through his hometown Shanghai to showcase how this dynamic city leads in technological innovation. Discover how Jicheng's work on cutting-edge AI for autonomous vehicles is shaping the future of mobility. Journey with him to the first-ever Formula E race at the iconic Shanghai International Circuit, and see ZF’s electric powertrain technology in action with the ABT Cupra Racing Team. Explore Shanghai’s role as a global hub for innovation and emobility, and go behind-the-scenes of the Formula E-Prix to talk sustainability and technology with drivers Lucas di Grassi and Nico Müller, as well as CEO Thomas Biermaier from ABT Motorsport.
ZF FutureStarter of the Month
Patrik Rösch: Switching From car to Bike
Patrik Rösch is to be admired - turning his hobby into a profession at ZF. At the Eurobike 2024 bicycle trade fair, the passionate cyclist and industrial engineer, along with his team, is presenting a newly designed 48-volt drive system for e-bikes. The ‘ZF Bike Eco System’ includes all drive components such as e-motor, batteries, control units, app and a connection to the cloud. The core component is the ZF ‘CentriX’ drive unit with an ultra-compact, 90 Newton meter mid-motor.
What's Next
At the Eurobike 2024 from July 3 to 7, ZF will present its new 48-volt drive system for e-bikes for the first time.
ZF is participating and one of the sponsors of the oldtimer rallye Silvretta Classic Rallye Montafon which takes place in Austria from July 4 to 6 . Learn more on this website
ZF Race Engineering will present its new products at the Goodwood Festival of Speed at booth number 17 from July 11 to 14.
Join our next LinkedIn Audio Live Event: In the next edition of our TechTalk series, Shuchita Singh is talking about "Inclusive AI - Navigating Bias in Data Systems". Click here to attend the event
Into vintage & classic cars
1wExactly fifty years ago, you delivered the gearbox to Alfa Romeo for this GTV Bertone which I bought in 1990. It's a very precise and joyful gearbox which is still going strong. I loved the Alfa's from the 105 series all my life and use them as much as I can. Thank you for a beautifully engineered piece of technique which is still enjoyed by thousands of people, driving their Alfa Romeos from the Seventies.
Senior level HRT, LRT, APM and BRT construction, operations and maintenance management. Over twenty years of experience in the aviation and rail industries.
1wHow can I help with ZF success in the current transmission sector? Meet me at Innotrans?
SAP HCM/Successfactors/ HRIT/HRIS/BIB certified in PSM level 1 & Success factors |Ex Dekra ( 🇩🇪)Ex Tcs'er(🇮🇳🇸🇪)|Ex IBM'er(🇮🇳)
1wI hav a situation where ZF has offered me a contract and took it back can someone help this specially happened and I was told there are some changes internally where my visa was secured as well
Owner, Ashish Industrial Corporation
1wHave been trying to get in touch with ZF for Scania military trucks 6x6 Gear Box but could not get to the right person. Can anyone help
Business Leader | General Management | Sales | Operations | COO | Country Manager | IESE PDG.
1wIt's truly inspiring to see Patrik Roesch Rösch turn his passion into a career at ZF. The unveiling of the innovative 'ZF Bike Eco System' at Eurobike 2024 is a testament to how dedication and commitment can drive significant advancements in e-bike technology. Integrating a 48-volt propulsion system with advanced components and cloud connectivity promises to transform the electric cycling experience. A remarkable stride towards the future of sustainable mobility.