Head of ZF Services Communications
Phone: +49 9721 4756-110
fabiola.wagner@zf.com
Jeannine Rapp
ZF Services Communications,
Tel.: +49 9721 4756-154, Fax: +49 9721 4755-658
E-mail: jeannine.rapp@zf.com
Katerina Vondrova
Openmatics Marketing and Communications,
Tel.: +420 371 150-880, Fax. +420-371 151 001
E-mail: katerina.vondrova@zf.com
ZF is a global leader in driveline and chassis technology as well as active and passive safety technology. The company, which acquired TRW Automotive on May 15, 2015, is now represented at about 230 locations in some 40 countries. The two companies, which were still independent in 2014, achieved a sales figure exceeding €30 billion with 134 000 employees. As in previous years, both companies have invested approximately 5 percent of their sales in Research and Development (recently €1.6 billion) in order to be successful with innovative products. ZF is one of the top three automotive suppliers worldwide.
ZF Services and TRW Aftermarket ensure that ZF systems expertise is carried forward consistently into the aftermarket. With integrated solutions and the entire ZF product portfolio, the business unit guarantees the performance and efficiency of vehicles throughout their life cycle. Driveline and chassis technology by ZF is offered in the aftermarket business using the wellestablished product brands Sachs, Lemförder, Boge, ZF Lenksysteme, and ZF Parts. With its global service network and portfolio tailored to customer requirements, ZF Services has also become a popular partner in the nonautomotive sector.
In 2015, the company is celebrating its centennial. Originally named Zahnradfabrik GmbH, ZF was founded in Friedrichshafen in 1915 by Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH among others. In its early years, the company developed, tested, and manufactured aircraft transmissions. After 1919, the company focus shifted under Alfred Graf von Soden-Fraunhofen, the first Managing Director and later member of the Board of Management and CEO, to the automotive and commercial vehicle industry. In this sector, the company registered and established itself once and for all as a major technology supplier with numerous patents for innovative transmission technology. The first location outside Europe was founded in Brazil in 1958, launching a globalization drive that still continues today. In addition, ZF constantly expanded its range of expertise – also through acquisitions. For instance, in 1984 ZF acquired the majority share in Lemförder Metallwaren & Co. KG, a move which expanded the product portfolio to include chassis technology. In 2001, ZF took over the former Mannesmann Sachs AG to strengthen its value added chain with driveline and chassis components. It adopted the current name of ZF Friedrichshafen AG in 1992. Today’s product range includes driveline and chassis technology such as transmissions, driveline and chassis components, as well as complete axle systems and modules. ZF products are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery, rail vehicles, and marine applications. The company also focuses on the wind power and electronic components business. In addition, ZF Services represents the Group on the international aftermarket. In 2014, ZF announced its intention to acquire US automotive supplier TRW. The shareholders of ZF Friedrichshafen AG are the Zeppelin Foundation, administered by the City of Friedrichshafen, holding a share of 93.8 percent, and the Dr. Jürgen and Irmgard Ulderup Foundation, Lemförde, with 6.2 percent. The “Motion and Mobility” slogan clearly states the company’s core mission: Right from its foundation, ZF has developed and manufactured innovative products for all people around the globe who want to move things reliably, comfortably, and safely, and experience the ultimate in efficient mobility. Quality, technological leadership, and innovative power have always defined the Group’s identity – today as much as ever.
For further press information and photos please visit: www.zf.com
SOURCE: ZF Friedrichshafen AG