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ZF Friedrichshafen is a global technology group based in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance and is one of the key players in the international automotive and commercial vehicle industry. The company develops and manufactures systems for powertrains, chassis, steering, and safety and is broadly positioned in the passenger car, commercial vehicle, and industrial sectors. ZF stands for high engineering expertise and has positioned itself in recent decades as a driver of technological developments, particularly in the context of electromobility, automation, and connected mobility. ZF's technological focus is driven by its commitment to making mobility more efficient, safer, and more sustainable. The spectrum ranges from classic mechanical components to complex mechatronic systems and software-based solutions. ZF is increasingly acting as a system provider that integrates and coordinates hardware, software, and digital services.
ZF was founded in 1915 by Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin, originally as a manufacturer of gears for airships. Early on, the focus shifted to the automotive sector, in particular to transmission and drivetrain technology. Over the course of the twentieth century, the company grew steadily and expanded its international presence. Through strategic acquisitions and technological expansions, ZF developed into a global group with development and production sites in Europe, North America, and Asia. Today, ZF is represented in numerous vehicle segments and supplies almost all major automobile manufacturers. In addition to the automotive industry, commercial vehicles, construction machinery, agricultural technology, and industrial applications play an important role. This broad positioning enables the company to leverage technological developments across industries and create synergies.
ZF's product portfolio is geared toward key functional areas of modern vehicles. A particular focus is on drive systems, ranging from conventional automatic transmissions to hybrid solutions and fully electric drive units. At the same time, ZF develops chassis and steering systems that improve driving comfort, stability, and safety and are increasingly electronically controlled. Another key area is active and passive safety. ZF develops sensors, control units, and actuators that enable driver assistance systems and automated driving functions. These systems form the basis for partially and highly automated vehicles and are becoming increasingly important in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. Typical areas of technology at ZF include:
ZF: Smart networking for emergency services at PMRExpo 2024
ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a global technology group that supplies advanced products and systems for the mobility of passenger cars, commercial vehicles... ZF: Smart networking for emergency services
ZF Friedrichshafen: Electrically driven mixer drum, bauma 2019
With the ECOMIX CMe, ZF Friedrichshafen is presenting an electrically driven mixer drum at the bauma 2019 trade fair in Munich. For electric emptying ... ZF Friedrichshafen: Electrically driven mixer drum
ZF Electric Powertrain – bauma 2019
ZF Friedrichshafen is showcasing the electrified drivetrain of a skid steer loader at the bauma 2019 trade fair in Munich. The company is thus offerin... ZF Friedrichshafen: Electrified powertrain skid steer loader
ZF Urban Construction – bauma 2019
What will the urban construction site of the future look like? ZF Friedrichshafen has thought about this and developed concepts. One important topic h... ZF Friedrichshafen: Urban construction site of the future
ZF adapted to the transformation of the mobility industry at an early stage. Electromobility is a key area of development. The company offers scalable electric drive systems designed for compact vehicles as well as heavy commercial vehicles and construction machinery. These are complemented by power electronics, software, and intelligent energy management systems. At the same time, ZF is investing heavily in automated and autonomous driving systems. Sensor fusion, AI-based evaluation, and safe actuators form the technological basis for these developments. Digital platforms and software-defined vehicle architectures are also gaining in importance, as they enable continuous function updates and new business models.
Sustainability is an integral part of ZF's corporate strategy. The Group is pursuing the goal of gradually making its production processes climate-neutral while developing products that reduce energy consumption and emissions during operation. Electrified drives, efficient chassis systems, and intelligent control solutions make a significant contribution to this. Through high investments in research and development and close cooperation with vehicle manufacturers, industry partners, and research institutions, ZF remains a key driver of technological change. The company combines industrial experience with future-oriented development, thus playing a key role in the transformation of mobility.
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