ZF Launches SUMS Service Suite to Help Bus and Coach Manufacturers Ensure Secure and Compliant Software Updates

ZF Launches SUMS Service Suite to Help Bus and Coach Manufacturers Ensure Secure and Compliant Software Updates

(IN BRIEF) ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions has launched its Software Update Management System (SUMS) Service Suite for bus and coach OEMs, offering a complete solution to meet the requirements of UN/ECE Regulation R156. The modular suite integrates SCALAR Software Manager, ZF [pro]Diagnostics, consulting support, and [pro]Academy training to ensure compliant, secure, and efficient software updates. Certified under ISO 24089, ZF’s platform helps manufacturers manage their digital ecosystems with confidence, providing the tools and expertise needed to simplify software compliance and strengthen cybersecurity across modern commercial vehicles.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, 7-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — ZF has introduced its new Software Update Management System (SUMS) Service Suite at the Busworld 2025 exhibition in Brussels, marking a major advancement in helping bus and coach manufacturers comply with international standards for secure and reliable automotive software updates. Designed to meet the requirements of UN/ECE Regulation R156, the SUMS Service Suite provides a modular, end-to-end platform that simplifies software lifecycle management and ensures regulatory compliance without requiring OEMs to build their own internal systems.

As modern vehicles increasingly depend on software-driven technologies, R156 has established strict rules for maintaining safe, traceable, and secure software updates throughout a vehicle’s entire lifespan. ZF’s SUMS Service Suite allows OEMs to manage updates efficiently and transparently while ensuring full adherence to these standards. Building on its earlier success with trailer manufacturers, ZF is now extending the service to the bus and coach industry, offering a scalable, future-ready solution tailored to their specific operational needs.

“The SUMS Service Suite provides bus manufacturers with a practical and flexible solution for managing software updates in line with evolving regulatory standards,” said Frank Burkhart, Vice President Key Account Executive Sales for Bus at ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS). “As a leading provider of technologies for buses and coaches, ZF continues to support the industry’s digital transformation toward the Software Defined Commercial Vehicle. Our deep expertise allows us to deliver a comprehensive, modular package that not only ensures compliance but also builds a strong foundation for secure and efficient software lifecycle management.”

ZF’s SUMS Service Suite is made up of four key components designed specifically for bus manufacturers:

• SCALAR Software Manager, an ISO 24089-certified solution that tracks, records, and verifies software and hardware versions across all devices subject to R156. It supports audit preparation, certification renewals, and regulatory documentation related to software updates.
• ZF [pro]Diagnostics, a diagnostic and configuration platform that integrates seamlessly with SCALAR to automate software checks, perform secure updates, and manage required workshop documentation—critical elements for maintaining R156 compliance in the field.
• Consulting and documentation tools, including comprehensive handbooks, templates, and checklists that help OEMs navigate complex certification processes.
• Training programs delivered through ZF [pro]Academy, which provide practical guidance on UN/ECE R156 compliance and best practices for secure software management.

Having already achieved ISO 24089 certification for software update engineering, ZF CVS is one of the first Tier-1 suppliers in the commercial vehicle industry to meet these demanding standards. This achievement reinforces ZF’s commitment to supporting the safe digitalization of commercial transport and enabling OEMs to comply with emerging regulations while focusing on innovation and performance.

Media contact:

Frank Discher
Head of News, Content & Media Desk, Commercial Vehicle Solutions
+49 7541 77-960 770
frank.discher@zf.com

Chris Mitchell
PR & Content Specialist, Commercial Vehicle Solutions
+32 479 13 30 60
chris.mitchell@zf.com

About ZF
ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.

With some 161,600 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €41.4 billion in fiscal 2024. The company operates 161 production locations in 30 countries.

For further press information and photos, please visit: www.zf.com

About CVS Division
ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division is shaping the future of commercial transportation ecosystems. ZF’s CVS division makes commercial vehicles safer, smarter and sustainable to achieve the vision of zero accidents and zero emissions. With its comprehensive technology portfolio, ZF CVS offers tailored solutions for every step of an OEM and fleets’ transformation journey, helping solve complex problems while creating long term value. ZF CVS’s unique capability to digitalize commercial vehicle systems solutions and enhance vehicle intelligence is paving the way towards the commercial vehicle of the future. ZF CVS unites ZF’s former Commercial Vehicle Technology and
Commercial Vehicle Control Systems divisions, the latter being formed following ZF’s acquisition of WABCO in Spring 2020.

SOURCE: ZF Group