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SiC technology — key to BYD's 5-minute EV charging breakthrough
The ability to charge an electric vehicle to a 400-km range in just 5 minutes represents a significant shift in EV technology with advanced semiconductor technology. BYD's Super e Platform achieved this through its newly developed car-grade silicon carbide (SiC) power chips. These chips are rated for 1,500-V operation, essential for supporting the platform's 1,000-V architecture and enabling megawatt-level charging capabilities. While Ron (on-resistance) is a critical factor in evaluating SiC...
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Is BYD’s new platform the technological inflection point EVs need?
The adoption of electric vehicles has not progressed as smoothly as anticipated five years ago. Many have questioned whether the transition to EVs is beneficial, as concerns about their practicality in everyday use persist, despite the advantage of zero tailpipe emissions. According to the S&P Global Mobility consumer survey conducted in 2024, primary concerns include the availability of charging stations, long charging times and the range on a single charge. Nearly half of the respondent...
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ZF establishes new e-mobility plant in Shenyang, mainland China
ZF has opened a new manufacturing plant in Shenyang, mainland China, the company said in a press release on Nov. 25. The new plant, called ZF Electric Mobility Systems (Shenyang) Co. Ltd., will produce advanced e-mobility products such as electric axle drives for new-energy vehicles (NEVs). The plant expands ZF’s capability to offer e-mobility solutions to its customers in the world’s largest electric vehicle market. The German supplier is installing new production lines and equipment at ...
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Steer-by-wire market to record steep growth over next decade
The automotive industry is undergoing a fascinating transformation with the emergence of steer-by-wire (SBW) technology, which is poised to revolutionize the driving experience and pave the way for the vehicles of tomorrow. As electric power steering (EPS) systems continue to dominate the market, SBW systems are captivating the industry by replacing mechanical connections with algorithms, electronics and actuators. The progress in semiconductor technology, control systems, electrical architec...
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Semi-active dampers are finding their way into more vehicles
The global shock absorber market has seen significant advancements in technology in the past decade. The focus has been on creating dampers with varying damping rates to suit different road conditions. However, there have also been advancements in subcomponents such as valve placement, fluid type and tube architecture to enhance driver comfort and safety on bumpy roads. Revolutionizing suspension: Advancements in shock absorber technologies drive market diversity The market for shock absor...
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How driving assistance and automation are impacting the steer-by-wire systems market
The current steering systems market is primarily controlled by low-end, column-motor systems in the entry and lower-midclass vehicle segments and high-end, rack-motor systems in the upper-midclass and premium-class vehicle segments. However, steer-by-wire (SBW) steering systems will dominate the future of light vehicle (LV) steering technology owing to advances in vehicle electrical architectures and semiconductor-based, integrated controller performance as well as the gradual penetration of dri...
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The braking system industry in 2022 – Level 3 autonomy and beyond
In the early 2010s, with the launch of the very first “driving assistance” systems, automakers began to rely on the braking system’s electronic stability control (ESC) unit, originally designed to improve driving stability, to decelerate the vehicle without driver input, in emergencies. Since then, system requirements have continuously expanded to accommodate growing demands for more powerful, sustained, and responsive autonomous braking capabilities needed for semi-automated and automated...
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ZF FY 2020 sales declines by 10.7% y/y to USD40 billion
ZF has reported 10.7% year-over-year (y/y) decline in sales to EUR32.6 billion (USD40 billion) in the financial year ended 31 December 2020, the Germany-based automotive supplier said in a press release on 19 March. The company generated 46% of its 2020 sales from Europe. North America and Asia-Pacific including India contributed to another 26% and 25% respectively. The company recorded EBIT loss of EUR211 million against EBIT income of EUR927 million a year earlier. Adjusted EBIT declined 30...
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ZF supplies airbags, chassis modules for new Zoox robo-taxi
German supplier ZF Friedrichshafen will provide occupant safety systems and chassis modules for the new Zoox robo-taxi, according to a ZF press release on 17 December 2020. These solutions include airbags mounted in the roof and in the seats. The challenge is the innovative camp-fire seating position which means that two passengers will be forward-looking and two passengers backward-looking. The usual occupant safety systems are optimized for forward-looking occupants. The safety concept for thi...
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ZF establishes new automotive electronics plant in Poland to begin production of S-Cam4.8 cameras
ZF has established a new plant in Częstochowa, Poland, to produce automotive electronic components for light vehicles, the company said in a press release on 26 October. The 12,000-square-meter plant is located on a 69,000-square-meter plot of land in the Katowice Special Economic Zone in Częstochowa. It includes product halls, offices, meeting rooms, test areas, and warehousing of materials. The plant currently has 100 employees. ZF is targeting further growth and employment at the Polish pla...
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ZF collaborates with startup Aeva to produce autonomous sensors
German supplier ZF Friedrichshafen has partnered with Silicon Valley startup Aeva to develop lidar for autonomous vehicles, according to a press release on 8 September. The companies claim the new sensor to be the world’s first Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) lidar for the automotive market. The partnership will see integration of Aeva's expertise in FMCW lidar technology with ZF's experience in industrialization of automotive grade sensors. As part of the partnership, Aeva will be ...
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M&A: Veoneer completes divestiture of US brake control business to ZF
Swedish automotive technology provider, Veoneer, has announced that it has completed the divestment of its US-based brake control business unit. According to a press release issued by Veoneer on 11 August, the company stated that its US brake control business unit has been divested to German automotive components and systems manufacturer, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, for an agreed purchased price of USD1, net. The two companies have also agreed on collaborating on a transition plan for a limited durat...
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M&A: ZF completes acquisition of WABCO
German automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG has announced that it has completed the acquisition of WABCO, a US automotive components manufacturer. According to a press statement issued by ZF on 29 May, the company has received all required regulatory approvals and has commenced the integration of WABCO. WABCO will be integrated into ZF as its commercial vehicle control systems division in order to transform ZF into a global integrated technology and systems provider for commercial vehicl...
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ZF 2019 sales drop marginally y/y to USD40.9 billion
ZF’s sales declined 1% year-over-year (y/y) to EUR36.5 billion (USD40.9 billion) in the financial year ended 31 December 2019, the automotive supplier said in an annual press conference in Friedrichshafen, Germany, on 26 March. Adjusted for currency and merger and acquisition (M&A) effects, sales declined 1.9% y/y. ZF reported adjusted EBIT of EUR1.2 billion, down 28.6% y/y, and adjusted EBIT margin of 4.1% compared with 5.6% a year earlier. The company concluded the financial year with ne...
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ZF forms JV with Wolong Electric Group for electric motors and components
ZF has officially signed an agreement with Wolong Electric Group to set up a joint venture (JV) for manufacturing electric motors and electric components, ZF announced in a  press release on 10 March. ZF holds a 26% share in the JV, and the remaining shares are held by Wolong Electric. Named Wolong ZF Automotive E Motors Co Ltd., the JV will produce the components at Shenyang, China, for the automotive market and for use in ZF driveline systems, including for the new ZF hybri...
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CES 2020: ZF presents coASSIST for Level 2+ semi-automated driving
ZF has unveiled coASSIST, a hardware and software suite that delivers advanced safety, driving comfort and Level 2+ semi-automated driving functions, at the CES 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, the company said in a press release on 6 January. The system, utilizing Mobileye EyeQ chip, will also help automakers meet the projected Euro NCAP 2024 test protocols. ZF will begin production of the new system for an Asian automaker by the end of 2020. ZF is focusing on developing affordable ...
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Global automotive safety supplier market insights
Introduction According to the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2018, traffic accidents were responsible for 1.35 million deaths each year and are the 8th leading cause of death among people of all ages. While technological advancements in safety systems have reduced traffic casualties in recent years, these advanced systems are more common to higher segment vehicles and small cars remain prone to increased crash fatalities. Julie Blackley from iseecars.com—a...
Insights
IAA 2019: ZF unveils EVPlus PHEV concept with all-electric range of more than 100 kilometers
ZF has unveiled a EVPlus plug-in hybrid (PHEV) concept at the 2019 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, the company announced in a press release on 10 September. The concept car can deliver an all-electric range of more than 100 kilometers on a single charge. “For us, EVplus marks a paradigm change with plug-in hybrids. Thanks to EVplus, the next generation of plug-in hybrids are electric vehicles suitable for daily use,“ said Stephan von Schuckmann, head of ZF’s Car Powertrain Technology ...
News
ZF develops predictive chassis concept ‘Flying Carpet 2.0’
ZF has developed a new chassis concept called ‘Flying Carpet 2.0’ that connects steering systems with active damping and braking to deliver more comfortable rides, the company said in a press release on 18 July. The chassis concept also features a comprehensive range of sensors and smart control technologies to protect vehicle occupants from uncomfortable vehicle movements, smooths out bends, bumps in the road, and potholes in a predictive manner.   According to ZF, Flying ...
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ZF develops new electric 2-Speed transmission for cars
German auto component manufacturer ZF has developed a new electric 2-speed transmission for electric passenger cars, the company announced in a press release. The 2-speed electric drive integrates an advanced electric motor with a shift element and appropriate power electronics, enabling better energy conversion efficiency compared to previous e-drives. “For electric vehicles in everyday use, it is important to obtain as much range as possible from each battery charge. Every percent of impr...
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ZF invests in its e-mobility division
ZF is investing in expanding the capacity and capability of its electromobility division, the company announced in a press release on 7 June. ZF said that a new plant for electric drives in Pancevo near the Serbian capital of Belgrade will go into operation this month and it is in the process of constructing another plant for electric drives in Hangzhou, China. The company also constructed a new building for corporate offices and research and development (R&D) at divisional headquarters in S...
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ZF presents pre-crash external side airbag system
ZF has presented its prototype of pre-crash external side airbag system in Memmingen, Germany, according to a company press release on 5 June. ZF claims that the new prototype is the world’s first pre-crash occupant safety system with an external side airbag that can deploy before a collision. The airbag would fill with between 280-400 liters of air (five to eight times the volume of a driver airbag), depending on the vehicle size. It “expands upwards from the side sill to form an additional...
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ZF acquires 90% stake in Simi Reality Motion Systems
ZF has agreed to acquire 90% of Simi Reality Motion Systems GmbH, a Germany-based company specializing occupant recognition, the company said in a press release today (13 May). Simi Reality Motion has nearly three decades of experience in image-based three-dimensional (3D) systems for the recording and analysis of human movement. The company founded by Andreas Ruß, has 35 employees at its office in Unterschleißheim near Munich, most of whom are engaged in software development. ZF expects Simi ...
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ZF introduces ‘ZF coPILOT’ intelligent advanced driver assistance system
ZF has introduced ‘ZF coPILOT’, an intelligent advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) to deliver enhanced safety and driving comfort, the Germany-based automotive supplier said in a press release today (12 April). The new system features a comprehensive set of sensors and is powered by the ZF ProAI Gen 2 central computer and the NVIDIA DRIVE platform to perform select automated driving functions, especially on freeways. According to the company, ZF coPILOT can be operated with vo...
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ZF acquires 60% share of autonomous mobility solutions company 2getthere
ZF has acquired 60% stake in the Netherlands-based autonomous mobility solution provider 2getthere, the company said in a press release on 19 March. Established over 35 years ago, 2getther offers driverless electric transport systems at airports and business and theme parks in several major cities including Rotterdam, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. The company claims to have accumulated more than 100 million kilometers of autonomous mileage with driverless passenger and cargo systems in these ci...
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ZF establishes AI and cyber security research center in Germany
ZF is establishing a new technology center for artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in Saarbrücken, Germany, according to a company press release on 12 March. The company plans to hire around 100 experts in Saarbrücken to accelerate the development of new “digital networked and automated mobility solutions”. Two-thirds of the new staff will be AI specialists and the rest will work on cyber security. ZF will work closely with German research institutes German Research Center for A...
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EC fines Autoliv, ZF-TRW EUR368 million for violating EU antitrust rules
The European Commission (EC) has concluded a probe involving the supply of occupant safety systems to automakers in Europe and found Autoliv, TRW and Takata guilty of participating in anti-competitive behavior, the Commission said in a press release on 5 March. EC has fined Autoliv and TRW a total of EUR368.3 million (USD416.9 million) for breaching antitrust rules, but let off Takata without any fine as the Japanese supplier revealed the anticompetitive behavior to the Commission. According ...
News
ZF opens new testing center in Germany for drive technologies
ZF has opened a new testing center for drive technologies at its Friedrichshafen facility in Germany, the company announced in a press release on 27 February. The new center will add capacities for testing electric, hybrid, and combustion engine drives. ZF has invested EUR70 million in the testing center and is planning to invest a double-digit-million figure for a new office building at the R&D center premises for housing 400 developers. “The new testing center for drive technologies i...
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Rane TRW Steering Systems opens new facility in India to produce occupant safety products
Rane TRW Steering Systems Pvt. Ltd, a joint venture (JV) between India-based Rane Group and the German ZF Group, has opened a new facility for occupant safety products at Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu (India), ZF announced in a press release on 12 February. The company has invested approximately INR400 million in the new facility, which will have an initial capacity to produce around 500,000 modules of airbags and 1 million units of seatbelt assemblies per annum. The company plans to increase the ...
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Domain Controllers for ADAS and Autonomous Vehicles
Introduction The electrical and electronic architecture of any vehicle defines the relationship between its hardware, software, and computing power. The increasing adoption of new active safety and driver assistance features has massively impacted the system architecture of modern day vehicles. The technological capacity of the traditional distributed architecture of vehicles has already reached its peak. Automotive suppliers have started to recognize the fact that the traditional architectur...
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ZF acquires BeeSpeed’s automotive division
ZF Friedrichshafen has acquired the automotive division of Romania-based engineering service provider BeeSpeed, ZF announced in a press release on 11 January. BeeSpeed Technical Engineering Center S.R.L. became a subsidiary of ZF effective 1 January 2019. The subsidiary has more than 100 employees at the polytechnic university in Timisoara in western Romania. Sever Scridon, head of the Automotive Division and co-shareholder of BeeSpeed, will continue to lead the engineering team. “BeeSpeed ...
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ZF to present external pre-crash airbag concept at Airbag 2018 symposium in Germany
ZF Friedrichshafen will present advanced external pre-crash airbag concept at the ‘Airbag 2018’ symposium in Mannheim (Germany) this week, according to a company press release yesterday (26 November). The company has also developed adaptive ‘dual contour’ airbags that are designed to help protect the occupants in flexible seating positions in autonomous vehicles. These airbags can adapt to the occupant position and the new degree of freedom in the passenger compartment that automated dri...
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ZF TRW acquires minority stake in engineering service provider ASAP
ZF TRW has acquired 35% stake in engineering service provider ASAP Holding which is located in Gaimersheim, Bavaria (Germany), the company announced in a press release on 19 October. The two companies have not disclosed the value of the acquisition deal. “As an established development partner, ASAP Group has extensive expertise in the areas of autonomous driving, e-mobility, connected cars and vehicle software. This participation allows us access to human resources from an outstanding engineer...
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ZF unveils new generation of ‘electronic limited slip differential’
German auto component maker ZF has unveiled the new generation of its networked electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) rear axle transmission, the company announced in a press release on 17 October. Designed for off-road and sports vehicles, the new rear axle transmission is fully networked with the vehicle’s brake system, which increases both off-road and on-road driving dynamics, stability, and comfort. The transmission gets a newly developed electronic control unit (ECU) that meet...
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ZF develops 3D ‘Interior Observation System’ for advanced occupant and interior sensing
ZF is developing a three-dimensional (3D) ‘Interior Observation System’ (IOS) that recognizes and classifies vehicle occupants, the Germany based company announced in a press release yesterday (16 October). The IOS can detect and classify vehicle occupants, determine their size, location and position. The technology can also determine whether or not they are in active control of the vehicle via the steering wheel or monitoring the automated driving systems – all of which are considered to ...
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ZF inaugurates new automatic transmission plant in Hungary
ZF Friedrichshafen has inaugurated a new automatic transmission plant in Eger, Hungary, according to the website of the Hungarian government. The Germany-based automotive supplier invested EUR170 million (USD196.8 million) in the new plant that will produce eight-speed automatic transmissions for passenger cars. The investment is expected to create more than 770 jobs by the end of next year. ZF received EUR20.4 million in government funding for its new plant. Significance: ZF had announced pl...
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ZF develops electrified AMT technology
Auto components maker ZF has developed electrified Automated Manual Transmission (eAMT) technology for hybridization of small and compact vehicles, the company announced in a press release on 18 June. ZF has developed an innovative concept for the hybridization of front-transverse vehicles by integrating its electric axle drive system (eVD) and an automated manual transmission (AMT) into one system. eAMT enables hybrid functions as well as electric all-wheel drive in compact vehicles. “With...
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ZF develops fully active chassis system ‘sMOTION’
ZF has developed a new fully active chassis system ‘sMOTION’, which reduces inconvenient car body movements caused by potholes, bumps or curves, the company announced in a press release last week (15 June). The new shock absorption system is built on the company’s ‘Continuous Damping Control’ (CDC) technology with independent compression and rebound stages. This technology enables even the basic design to actively and continuously vary the characteristic curve between hard (stability-o...
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ZF/Brakes India: Tapping into India’s EPB market
Parking brakes are not the most “intriguing” component for creative innovations. However, automakers and suppliers have been relatively active throughout the years trying to push for new solutions in this field, according to Paolo Martino, chassis principal analyst at IHS Markit. Parking brakes have evolved from the simple cable-puller type manual brake with a hand lever or a foot pedal, to electric cable puller type that uses an electric switch along with a cable puller unit and a ball-in-r...
Insights
Impact of Car-sharing and Ride-hailing on Vehicle Access Systems
The future of the automotive industry is believed to be moving more towards car-sharing and ride-hailing rather than car ownership. The motivation behind new mobility services is all about lowering costs, increasing convenience and access, and reducing emissions through higher utilization rates of expensive assets. Shared vehicle use technology is already available via cloud platforms and smartphone applications in multiple segments such as ride-hailing, car-sharing, and ride-sharing. The area o...
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ZF to open new plant for electric, hybrid drives in Serbia
German auto component supplier ZF is setting up an electric vehicle (EV) parts plant in Pancevo, Serbia, the company announced in a press release on 11 April. ZF is investing EUR100 million (USD123 million) in the plant which will manufacture  electric motors and generators for hybrid and electric drives as well as transmission selector levers and micro-switches. To be spread over an area of 2,000 square meters, the plant will generate 1,000 new jobs in the long run. Construction of plant i...
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ZF's 2017 net profit increases 26.3% y/y to USD1.4 billion
ZF’s net profit increased 26.3% year-over-year (y/y) to EUR1.16 billion in the financial year ended 31 December 2017, the Germany-based automotive supplier said in a press release. The company’s EBIT for the year increased 5.5% y/y to EUR1.8 billion. ZF attributed higher profit during the financial year to 3.6% y/y increase in sales to EUR36.44 billion. The company’s organic sales, after adjusting currency impacts and merger and acquisition (M&A) activities, increased 6% y/y. ZF record...
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ZF develops new lightweight knee airbag module
ZF has developed a lightweight, fabric housing knee airbag module designed to enhance vehicle occupant safety, the Germany-based automotive supplier said in a press release on 15 March. The new airbag uses fabric housing and is up to 30% lighter than a traditional metal housing knee airbag. ZF will launch the new airbag module in 2019 for a major European automaker, whose identity has not been disclosed by the German supplier. “The reduced weight [of knee airbag module] leads to greater eff...
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PSS market players focus on parallel growth in technology and production
Positive global automotive market conditions, alongside technology and regulatory changes are pushing developments in the global power steering sector. IHS Markit expects the global power steering systems (PSS) market to grow at a CAGR of 1.8% from 2016 to 2023, to reach a market size of more than USD26 billion by 2023. The change is more prominent in the dominant electronic power steering (EPS) market, with an expected rise of 3.8% (CAGR) for the forecast period. The growing demand for drivi...
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Electrified suspension systems in EVs and HEVs (regenerative systems)
With global governments mandating a crackdown on CO2 emissions and fuel economy, automakers are looking to electric vehicles (EVs) to help achieve their CO2 emission targets. This has led to a rise in EV sales globally, particularly seeing an increase in popularity in North America and Europe. In parallel, EV buyers are looking for the latest technology in their vehicles, catalyzing an increasing role of software/controls to improve the driver experience in EVs or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)...
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Hybrid Transmission Developments
With the introduction of tighter legislative scrutiny on emission norms across various regions around the world, OEMs and suppliers are continuously developing solutions across the entire driveline. Advancement in hybrid transmissions is one such technological development domain where conventional internal combustion propulsion systems and electric systems are combined to meet fuel efficiency and emission targets, modulated with respect to the type of hybrid vehicle application. Categorization o...
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ZF appoints Wolf-Henning Scheider as new CEO
ZF has appointed Wolf-Henning Scheider as its new CEO, effective today (1 February), the Germany-based automotive supplier said in a press release on 31 January. Scheider has succeeded Dr. Konstantin Sauer, who had been the interim CEO of the company since sudden departure of former CEO Dr. Stefan Sommer in December 2017. Sauer will continue leading Finance Group at ZF. Scheider, who has more than three decades of experience in the automotive industry, is joining ZF from MAHLE, where he worke...
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ZF to collaborate with Chery for Level 3 autonomous driving in China
ZF will collaborate with Chery to help the Chinese automaker launch autonomous vehicles in China, the company said in a press release. The German supplier will supply its ZF ProAI self-driving platform to enable up to SAE Level 3 autonomous driving in Chery vehicles. “The collaboration is of particular relevance because it contributes to the democratization of autonomous driving functions in one of the most important automotive markets of the world. This helps to enable autonomous dr...
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ZF introduces lightweight seatbelt system on Jeep Wrangler
ZF has launched its next-generation SPR8 (Snake Pretensioner Retractor) seatbelt system on the Jeep Wrangler SUV, the company said in a press release on 15 January. According to the German supplier, its lightweight system uses a plastic piston instead of conventional metal components to transfer tensioning torque through the torsion bar to the spool, resulting in weight saving of more than 20%. Apart from the weight saving, use of the plastics results in simpler design and more compact packaging...
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ZF to open new plant in Poland to produce active and passive safety electronics
ZF Global Electronics will open a new plant in Czestochowa, Poland to produce automotive active and passive safety electronics products, the German supplier announced in a press release on 8 January. The plant will produce advanced camera generations for active safety and airbag control units for passenger protection systems. The 10,000-square meter plant is expected to start production at the end of 2019, employing over 300 people. Christophe Marnat, acting executive vice-president of operat...
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Baidu, ZF jointly develop autonomous valet parking system
Chinese technology company Baidu and German automotive supplier ZF have developed a new system that enables autonomous valet parking without a driver, according to a press release by ZF last week. The autonomous parking system is based on ZF’s ProAI, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered supercomputer that ZF developed in collaboration with NVIDIA. Vehicles equipped with the new parking system can drive autonomously to parking space and back. The technology was displayed by car-sharing compa...
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Vehicle Access Control System – Technology Outlook
The automotive industry has witnessed several enhancements in the last few years in electric and electronic components used in various applications. These are mainly security and safety features that improve comfort of the passenger. The area of vehicle access systems is of key interest to both vehicle manufacturers and consumers, as systems are slowly changing from keyless vehicle access to virtual keys. Keyless vehicle access systems gained a lot of traction in the market due to two major f...
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ZF develops new platform for electric autonomous vehicles
ZF has developed a new platform for electric autonomous vehicles called ‘Intelligent Dynamic Driving Chassis’ (IDDC), the company announced in a press release late last month. ZF is supplying the platform to autonomous EV start-up Rinspeed for its urban mobility concept, ‘Snap’. The vehicle will be on display at the CES 2018 this month in Las Vegas, United States.   "Urban transport of tomorrow will be emission-free locally, will move autonomously and will adapt to the most varied...
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CES 2018: ZF to showcase technologies for autonomous driving
ZF will showcase its production-ready technologies for autonomous driving in a development vehicle called “Dream Car” at CES 2018 next month in the United States, the Germany-based automotive supplier said in a press release on 21 December. Among the key solutions the supplier will display in its Dream Car will be artificial intelligence (AI)-capable ZF ProAI autonomous driving platform, which the company has developed with NVIDIA. ZF claims these advanced solutions help the car deliver high...
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ZF unveils new steering wheel concept for autonomous driving
ZF has unveiled a new steering wheel concept to support Level 3 and above autonomous driving functionality, the German supplier said in a press release yesterday (13 December). The new system features advanced hands-on detection technology and gesture control to provide improved communication between driver and vehicle. “ZF’s advanced steering wheel concept represents an important step in the evolution of automated driving while helping to enhance safety and driver awareness,” Krebs emphas...
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Stefan Sommer steps down as ZF's CEO
German supplier ZF announced in a press release yesterday (7 December) that CEO Stefan Sommer will resign from the company with immediate effect. ZF said Konstantin Sauer will assume the role of CEO on an interim basis until a successor is appointed. Sauer started his career at ZF in 1990 and has been serving as the company’s chief financial officer since 2010. Significance: In the past week, there have been a few changes to the top management team within ZF. Earlier this week, ZF appointed...
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ZF appoints Franz-Josef Paefgen as new chairman of supervisory board
ZF has appointed Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen as new chairman of its supervisory board, the Germany-based supplier said in a press release on 4 December. Paefgen succeeds Dr. Giorgio Behr, who decided to step down last week, reportedly amid growing differences over the German supplier’s growth strategy with owners ZF Foundation. “The shareholders welcome the appointment of renowned expert Dr. Paefgen to head up the Supervisory Board," commenting on Paefgen appointment, Andreas Brand, head of Z...
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ZF expands autonomous driving capability with acquisition of IEE Sensing
ZF has expanded its capability in emerging field of autonomous driving with its acquisition of IEE Sensing GmbH for an undisclosed amount, the Germany-based automotive supplier said in a press release on 24 November. The acquired company, based in Kösching in Upper Bavaria, Germany, specializes in the development of functions for driver assistance, integrated vehicle safety and autonomous driving. IEE Sensing was earlier part of the Luxemburg-based IEE Group that specialises in sensing solut...
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ZF buys back bonds worth USD3.4 billion
ZF Friedrichshafen will  buy back certain bonds worth USD3.4 billion to reduce outstanding amount of its bond portfolio, according to a company press release on 21 November. The company will buy back three bonds issued in US dollars with terms maturing in 2020, 2022 and 2025 carrying interest coupons of 4%, 4.5% and 4.75%, respectively. These bonds were issued by ZF North America Capital, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ZF, on 29 April 2015 with a minimum denomination of USD150,000. Signifi...
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ZF, ZAPI cooperate to develop electric drives for CV segment
German automotive Supplier ZF has partnered with ZAPI to develop electric drives for trucks and buses, the company announced in a press release on 13 November. The two companies will bring together their expertise in different components to form complete electrified propulsion systems. "In ZAPI we have a partner who has outstanding expertise in electric motors, inverters, controls for electrified steering and related products for use in hybrid and all-electric vehicles. The company is a leader i...
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Busworld 2017: ZF deploys new ‘electric central drive’ in city bus
German auto component major ZF has deployed its new CeTrax electric central drive in a city bus test vehicle, the company announced in a press release on 20 October. The company is showcasing the test vehicle with the electric central drive at Busworld 2017, which is currently underway in Belgium. ZF has also displayed other solutions for electric buses, including the AVE 130 electric portal axle and TraXon Hybrid. "The CeTrax central drive can be retrofitted into existing vehicle platforms w...
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e.Go, ZF to launch electric city bus in 2019
e.Go and ZF are planning to launch an on-demand electric city bus ‘e.GO Mover’ in 2019, e.Go announced in a press release on 11 October. The plans were disclosed at the NVidia GPU Technology Conference in Munich, Germany. The companies plan to start series production in 2019; the entry version of the vehicle is expected to be priced at around EUR60,000 (USD70,732). The first prototypes will be available in 2018. The bus will have a capacity to transport 15 people and will be able to operate ...
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Brakes India, ZF launch electric park brake technology in India
Brakes India along with its joint venture (JV) partner ZF has launched electric park brake (EPB) technology for the Indian automotive market, news website ET Auto reported on 6 October. The company said it is the first of its kind product for the Indian market. The JV has tied up with a global OEM to develop this EPB system, according to the report. Sriram Viji, deputy managing director, Brakes India, was quoted as saying, “Brakes India - with its strong joint venture partnership with ZF has b...
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ZF concentrates on core strengths to offer solutions for autonomous driving market
ZF is focusing on its core strengths of mechanical and safety systems as part of its strategy for autonomous driving, Automotive News reported last week, citing the company's CEO Stefan Sommer. According to Sommer, while the highly autonomous driving is expected to result in several changes in how vehicle interior is designed, the vehicle would still need a mechanism. “The future car, even if it is a robot car or an autonomous driving car,  needs mechanics. It needs better braking systems...
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ZF introduces heavy-duty electric park brake system in North America
ZF has launched its heavy-duty electric park brake (EPB) system in North America for larger light trucks, the supplier announced in a press release yesterday (26 September). ZF has installed the first heavy duty EPB on the 2017 Ford F-150. “EPB offers important, potential safety advantages and can contribute to automated functions that assist drivers. EPB can work in conjunction with electronic stability control to help allow for improved emergency stops, or help relieve fatigue in traffic jam...
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IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2017 – Chassis Insights
The Frankfurt Motor Show has long been the platform automakers and suppliers use to showcase what they have been working towards and what they are looking to pass on to the industry in the future. The 2017 edition has been an iteration of that concept, this time to create a “by-wire” culture. Steer-by-wire (SbW) and brake-by-wire (BbW) are dominant technological concepts being furthered today in the chassis sector, particularly due to the push automakers and suppliers have to involve ADAS...
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IAA 2017: ZF, Faurecia unveil new seat concept for autonomous vehicles
ZF and Faurecia are showcasing a new seat concept, designed for future self-driving cars, at their respective booths at the International Motor Show (IAA), currently being held in Frankfurt, Germany, according to a press release by ZF on 19 September. The new seat supports three different driver positions: the driving position, a relaxed position and a working position, in which the seat is turned slightly forward toward the middle of the cabin. The new seat can be tilted by 25 degress backwards...
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IBM joins ZF’s Car eWallet payment platform
IBM has joined the Car eWallet cooperation that ZF is developing with UBS and innogy Innovation Hub, the Germany-based automotive supplier said in a press release on 12 September. The new payment system is a digital assistant in the car that enables secure and convenient payments, even when the vehicle is on the move. According to ZF, its Car eWallet payment platform is built on IBM Blockchain technology provided through the IBM Cloud and driven by Hyperledger Fabric 1.0, a blockchain framewo...
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ZF, Baidu agree to collaborate on autonomous driving
ZF has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with China-based technology company Baidu to collaborate on areas such as autonomous driving, telematics and mobility services, the Germany-based automotive supplier said in a press release on 12 September. The collaboration will bring on board Baidu’s expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), big data and cloud-based service solutions and ZF’s experience in vehicle control system, ZF ProAI to develop technical solutions for autonomous d...
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Adaptive damper market and technology trends – IHS Markit Study
Based on damping control type, the shock absorber can be categorized into passive, semi-active, and fully-active systems. Broadly speaking, semi-active and fully-active dampers are included under the ‘adaptive damper’ umbrella. Semi-active dampers combine the mechanical shock absorber (from passive systems) with electronic control units (ECU). These systems adapt to road conditions typically based on a solenoid valve controlled by the ECU, which adjusts the viscous coefficient of the damp...
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ZF partners with University of California to develop solutions for self-driving vehicles
German supplier ZF has entered into a research partnership with the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) in the United States to harness computer vision and deep learning for autonomous driving, the company said in a press release on 31 August. “Our latest research collaboration will significantly boost our Vision Zero Ecosystem in two areas that are key to fully autonomous driving – computer vision and deep learning,” said Dr. Stefan Sommer, CEO of ZF.    Research...
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ZF signs agreement to sell body control systems division to Luxshare
ZF has inked an agreement to sell its ‘Global Body Control Systems’ division, including the ‘Radio Frequency Electronics’ business to Hong Kong-based Luxshare, the German auto parts supplier announced in a press release yesterday (30 August). The company did not provide financial details of the transaction. Subsequent to the acquisition, Luxshare intends to operate the Global Body Control Systems business as an independent company that will remain headquartered in Radolfzell, Germany. Al...
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ZF unveils column drive EPS in US market
ZF has unveiled its first column drive electric power steering (EPS) system in the United States, the company said in a press release yesterday (8 August). The company is supplying the column drive EPS for the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass. The supplier manufactures the new EPS in Mexico, Brazil, China and Poland and sells it to FCA globally. “With the launch of our latest column drive EPS, ZF is bringing cost and environmental benefits to automakers and their customers,” said Thilo Bitzer, vice...
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ZF’s H1 net income up 36% y/y to USD581 million
ZF’s net income increased 35.7% year-over-year (y/y) to EUR509 million (USD580.7 million as on 30 June 2017) in the first half ended 30 June 2017, as sales improved 2.7% y/y to EUR18.3 billion, according to a press release by the Germany-based automotive supplier on 3 August. Excluding exchange rates effects and other adjustments, ZF reported organic sales growth of 3% y/y. ZF’s sales declined in Germany by 1.9% y/y to EUR3.8 billion, but increased in the rest of Europe by 4.4% y/y to EUR...
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ZF to supply 8-speed automatic transmission to SAIC Maxus Automotive
German auto component supplier ZF will supply its 8-speed automatic transmission to SAIC Maxus Automotive, reports Automotive News China. SAIC Maxus Automotive is the light commercial vehicle (LCV) subsidiary of SAIC Motor. ZF will also supply chassis components, shock absorbers, belt-drive steering systems and electric parking brakes for the LCVs. Significance: ZF developed the 8-speed automatic transmission, called 8HP, way back in 2007. Since then the company has supplied the transmission ...
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ZF’s takeover talks with WABCO fall apart due to resistance from board – report
German automotive supplier ZF held advanced talks to acquire Belgium-based WABCO Holdings, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on 25 July. However, the talks were terminated due to resistance from ZF’s board. WABCO confirmed in a securities filing related to the second quarter financial results that the company received a takeover offer from an unnamed party. In the filing the company said that its operating margin was impacted by “extraordinary professional fees related” to the bid. ...
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EDITORIAL – New vehicle safety regulation presents big opportunity for airbags suppliers in India
With the increasing number of vehicles on the Indian roads every day, reducing the growing number of accidents has become a major challenge for policymakers. According to India’s Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORTH), nearly 500,000 road accidents happen in the country every year. The Indian government has identified lack of safety features in cars as one of the major factors that cause loss of precious human life in road accidents. In December 2014, MORTH thus notified to form Bha...
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ZF develops intelligent mechanical systems to prevent accidents
ZF has developed a couple of intelligent mechanical systems that help drivers prevent accidents. The supplier has showcased these technologies in a concept vehicle, Vision Zero Vehicle, according to a company press release on 21 June. “With our all-electric Vision Zero Vehicle and its innovative safety systems, we’ve achieved key advances that point to the future. Especially for the transition from assisted to autonomous driving, we strive for advanced and integrated safety systems to help k...
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ZF, Hella partner with NVIDIA to develop complete self-driving system
NVIDIA has formed a strategic partnership with ZF and Hella to incorporate its artificial intelligence (AI) technology in a self-driving system that will get the highest New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) certification, the company said in a press release early this week. ZF and Hella will collaborate to develop the self-driving system that integrates front camera units, radar systems and software functions. The partners will use NVIDIA’s Drive PX AI platform in order to produce highest NCAP...
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ZF unveils mSTARS electric axle system for axle hybrids or fully electric vehicles
German auto component supplier ZF has showcased its modular Semi-Trailing Arm Rear Suspension (mSTARS) electric axle system for axle hybrids or fully electric vehicles, the company announced in a press release on 22 June. The system was equipped on ZF’s Vision Zero Vehicle which featured the 150kW electric axle drive system. The system is suitable for hybrid, fuel-cell and battery-powered vehicles, in combination with conventional all-wheel modules as well as Active Kinematic Control (AKC) rea...
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ZF invests to expand Hungarian facility
German auto parts maker ZF is investing nearly EUR100 (USD111.4 million) in its facility in Eger, Hungary, Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA) announced in a press release. The investment is expected to create 770 new jobs in Hungary until 2019. The expansion will be supported by HIPA, which will contribute non-refundable cash grant of about EUR21 million. "Eger holds major advantages for P Division: long-standing experience in transmission production, well-trained experts and a good in...
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HELLA, ZF form partnership to boost self-driving sensors business
HELLA and ZF Friedrichshafen have entered into a strategic partnership in the field of sensor technology, particularly for front camera systems, imaging and radar systems, the two companies announced in a joint press release yesterday (20 June). The companies will immediately start their first joint development project in camera technology, with a market launch planned for 2020. Commenting on the partnership, ZF CEO Stefan Sommer, said, “This strategic partnership for sensor technology with...
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‘Steering’ the transition between driver and autonomous driving
Autonomous driving, though still seen as a trend decades away, is catching up and in many ways influencing the way automakers invest in technology. Among the technology changes seen recently, steering and braking are being significantly impacted, as they remain key safety areas in a vehicle. And safety is key to an autonomous driving future. Suppliers such as Bosch and Nexteer are keen to develop technologies that bridge the gap between conventional and autonomous vehicles. For instance, Next...
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ZF develops new center airbag system concept
ZF has developed a new seat-integrated center airbag system concept, according to a company press release. The new airbag system features an external bag tether connected to the inner rear seat frame that helps keep the bag in position when deployed. It also features a small, specialized bag shape using high pressure for the stiffness required to couple to the occupant shoulder area and help keep the upper extremities and head from moving too far inward toward other interior components or occupa...
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ZF to showcase autonomous driving, electromobility solutions at FIAA 2017 in Spain
ZF is set to display its autonomous driving and electromobility solution at the International Bus and Coach Trade Fair, FIAA 2017, in Madrid, Spain, the company announced in a press release on 23 May. The showcase will include its control platform ZF ProAI, its ZF-EcoLife automatic transmission, new purely electric central drive CeTrax for heavy commercial vehicles, electric portal axle AVE 130 and TraXon Hybrid.   Significance: German auto component major ZF is aiming to reiterate its in...
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BorgWarner supplies dual-clutch module for ZF transmission
US-based auto component major BorgWarner is supplying its dual-clutch module family to ZF for use in its latest transmissions, according to a company press release yesterday (22 May). The company has begun production of the new dual clutch module family in Germany. The new clutch will initially be used for V6 and V8 biturbo petrol engines and a V8 biturbo diesel engine, with plans to expand its use in upcoming hybrid applications. “We are pleased to expand our business collaboration with ZF...
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ZF, e.GO Mobile to form JV to develop electric autonomous vehicles
German auto component maker ZF plans to form a joint venture, through its subsidiary Zukunft Ventures, with e.GO Mobile to develop electric autonomous people and cargo movers, the supplier announced in a press release on 18 May. The JV will be headquartered in Aachen, Germany and will be called e.GO Moove. "Autonomous, connected and thus highly flexible e-shuttle vehicles will play a significant role in urban and metropolitan areas of the future as safe, comfortable, efficient and environment...
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Faurecia, ZF join forces to develop interior and safety technologies for autonomous driving
Faurecia and ZF have joined hands to develop interior and safety technologies for autonomous vehicles, the two major European automotive suppliers said in a joint press release on 4 May. “This partnership will mark another important step for Faurecia in the development of an innovation ecosystem for technology solutions for the ‘Cockpit of the Future’,” said Patrick Koller, CEO of Faurecia. “Together, we can offer complete interior safety features to meet the future challenges which wi...
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ZF expands engineering center in China
German auto component major ZF has expanded its development operations at its engineering center in Shanghai, China, the company announced in a press release on 18 April. The company has expanded its existing facilities to 54,000 square meter with an investment of EUR500 million (USD533.5 million). By 2022, ZF is aiming to more than double its workforce to around 1,000 employees at the center. The expansion includes addition of test facilities for e-mobility as well as for driveline and chassis ...
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Geneva Motor Show 2017: Advancements in chassis technology
Advancement in chassis technology has been pushing growth in the automotive industry, particularly in the braking and steering system sectors. The Geneva Motor Show 2017 seemed to demonstrate a similar view this year. The technological advancements showcased included improved braking and steering systems, especially linked to ADAS. Basically, the event showcased autonomous driving as a tangible future through more efficient and safer chassis systems, apart from other vehicle component solutions....
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Automotive supply industry to see further ‘megamergers’, says ZF CEO – report
Owing to the increasing complexities and new technologies in the automotive industry, there will be more megamergers between auto suppliers and manufacturers with software and semiconductor companies, reports Automotive News Europe citing ZF CEO Stefan Sommer. “If you look at all of these megamergers, they have a clear deal rationale. As this is the case, and we still have companies that collaborate, and could still collaborate, I am expecting more megamergers," Sommer was quoted as saying. ...
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IBM receives patent for controlling driving modes of self-driving cars
IBM scientists have been granted a patent around a machine learning system that can shift control of a self-driving car between a human and a vehicle control processor in the event of potential emergency, the company said in a press release on 30 March. The researchers developed the system using their understanding of biological cognition and behavior generation in the brain. The system employs sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to determine potential safety concern and control whether sel...
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ZF's 2016 sales jump 20.6% to USD37 billion
German auto component major ZF has reported a 20.6% year-on-year (y/y) jump in sales to EUR35.2 billion (USD37 billion) for the year ended 31 December 2016, the company announced in a press release on 30 March. The company informed that it was able to reduce its debt from the TRW acquisition by EUR1.6 billion. The adjusted EBITDA grew by 31% y/y to EUR3.8 billion, which corresponds to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.8%. “ZF demonstrated its strength in 2016 with outstanding business figures an...
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ZF acquires minority stake in radar technology specialist Astyx
ZF has acquired around 45% stake in Astyx Communication & Sensors GmbH from Hannover Finanz Group and founding shareholders, the company said in a press release on 30 March. Astyx specializes in radar sensors and modules for automotive and other industry. Astyx produces sensors for both short- and long-range radars, which are used in object detection, accident prevention and autonomous driving. “With Astyx, we're taking another technology leap towards complex environmental detection tha...
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ZF, NVIDIA highlight importance of AI for autonomous driving at German event
ZF and NVIDIA highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) for the future of the automotive industry at the ‘auto motor und sport’ (AMS) congress 2017 in Stuttgart, Germany, according to a press release by ZF on 27 March. The event was attended by Mamtha Chamarthi, chief digital officer (CDO) of ZF, and Serkan Arslan, director of Automotive in EMEA at NVIDIA. According to Chamarthi, AI will be a “game changer across the board”. The executives highlighted the ZF ProAI sel...
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ZF supplies transmission, rear axle solutions for Foton trucks in China
German auto component major ZF will supply its TraXon transmission system and AIRTRAC rear axle system to Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer Foton, the company announced in a press release on 27 March. The TraXon transmission system and the rear axle system will be used in Foton’s long-haul Auman EST-A truck. Both products will be produced in China. “Foton is one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers on the Chinese market. So we're especially proud that the Auman EST-A will fe...
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ZF inaugurates new technology center in India
Auto component major ZF has opened a new technology center in Hyderabad, a city in India’s Telangana state, the company announced in a press release on 3 March. The company will invest a total of EUR15 million (USD16 million) over the next five years in the new India Technology Center (ITC). By 2020, the center is expected to employ 2,500 engineers, including 1,000 engineers already working with ZF. “ZF is growing substantially in many regions and this is especially true in India,” said ZF...
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ZF, Porsche collaborate on 8-speed DCT for sports cars
German supplier ZF and Porsche have collaborated to develop a modular hybrid transmission kit for sports cars, ZF announced in press release on 16 February. The supplier is manufacturing the new transmission at its Brandenburg plant. The first vehicle to feature this new transmission is Porsche Panamera. The new sports transmission, designed for rear-wheel and all-wheel drives, offers rapid shift times, high levels of efficiency and flexibility. The new 8-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) ...
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ZF announces production of 100,000th ‘Active Kinematics Control’ system
ZF has produced 100,000th unit of Active Kinematics Control (AKC) system for use in passenger cars at its Graz site in Austria, four years after it started producing active rear axle steering, the company said in a press release on 10 February. The Graz site is currently the company's only AKC production site. The 100,000 AKC systems manufactured to date include 60,000 central actuator systems and 40,000 dual-actuator systems. Commenting on the development, Holger Klein, executive vice-presid...
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ZF plans to fully establish itself in braking technology – report
ZF aims to fully establish itself in braking technology for commercial vehicles, Automotive News Europe quoted Stefan Sommer, CEO of Germany-based supplier, as saying in an interview. “We still have a gap in the commercial vehicles area. But now we will likely move into the new brake-by-wire technologies and focus on segments such as electrified distribution transport and urban buses,” Sommer said in the interview. In doing so, the German supplier intends to leverage its expertise in pass...
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Autonomous driving and electromobility represent new challenges for vehicle safety, says ZF CEO
German component supplier ZF’s CEO Stefan Sommer has said that new vehicle architectures and the flexible use of internal space are making the demands of vehicle safety increasingly complex, according to a press release issued by the supplier on 1 February. Meeting these vehicle safety demands would be crucial to increase the wider acceptance of autonomous vehicles and electronic mobility, he added. “Autonomous driving and electromobility represent new challenges for vehicle safety,” So...
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Will active safety suppress passive safety for future cars?
The moment a car steps out on the roads from a showroom, it enters the real-world. Facing real life scenarios, it has so far been impossible to predict and avoid collisions which would result in damages to the vehicle and injuries to the occupants. Thus, to gear-up for any unforeseeable circumstances, carmakers deploy an array of safety mechanisms that can mitigate the consequences of accidents. Despite the regulators’ efforts to enforce stricter deployment of passive safety features in vehicl...
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