ZF Gets Local Expertise in China With Expansion of Development Capabilities

Making up 22 percent of Group sales, the Region of Asia-Pacific is one of ZF’s key markets. Sales achieved in this region amounted to approximately €7.6 billion during 2016. In China, the largest submarket in the Region of Asia-Pacific, ZF generated sales of almost €6 billion with approximately 13,700 employees. ZF employs more than 17,000 people in the entire region. “We also expect a moderate yet clear growth in the Region of Asia-Pacific for 2017. Major factors are hybrid and electric drives as well as technologies for active and passive safety. We are extremely well-positioned in both sectors,” says ZF Chief Executive Officer Dr. Stefan Sommer.

High investment in the Chinese market
In order to continuously strengthen and expand its position on the Chinese market, ZF has invested more than €1 billion in its Chinese development and production locations over the past five years. ZF is preparing for further growth on the Chinese market with its expanded Engineering Center in Shanghai. The focus of the extension lies on driveline and chassis technology, particularly electromobility, for all applications. The new Engineering Center works closely with the existing ZF Technology Center in Anting that focuses on active and passive safety technology for the Asian market. ZF also invested considerably in the recently opened Wuhang production location and the Zhangjiaging plant. At these two locations, the company produces brake systems and occupant safety systems for OEMS with production plants in China.

Market launch for ZF steering, chassis and driveline technology
Current examples of the successful ZF localization strategy include the application of the TraXon automatic commercial vehicle transmission system that recently entered volume production together with the new AIRTRAC rear axle system in the Auman EST-A long distance haulage truck produced by the Chinese manufacturer Foton. ZF recently received the Technical Cooperation Award 2017 from the Chinese vehicle manufacturer Great Wall for the application of the electric power steering in the new H7, H2 and H6 models.

SOURCE: ZF Friedrichshafen AG

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