The new axle represents ZF’s latest e-Mobility evolution, offering improved performance to further support the commercial vehicle industry’s transformation towards a more sustainable future. The group, as presented during a technical briefing held at Busworld, expects 63 per cent of new city buses to be electric in 2025, and becoming 83% in 2030 and 90% in 2035.

ZF new AxTrax axle in two versions

ZF’s new AxTrax 2 LF low-floor electric axle comes with two stand-alone silicon carbide (SiC) inverters and a high-performance electric control unit, offering an all-inclusive e-drive system for city buses.

Highly efficient and powerful, AxTrax 2 LF is available in two variants. These offer continuous power outputs of 260 kW and 360 kW and peak torques of 22,700 Nm and 37,300 Nm. With the more powerful variant, it is possible to achieve a climbing ability of 20% even for articulated buses of up to 29 tons with one driven axle, the group states.

AxTrax 2 LF’s compact design “maximizes the available space for the passenger compartment or batteries, enabling passenger-friendly bus design concepts – ZF states -. Fitting a similar installation space as its predecessor AxTrax AVE, the new axle is fully compatible with ZF’s air suspension and wheel-end solutions. On the software side, AxTrax 2 LF also benefits from ZF’s extensive experience in producing cutting-edge functions such as axle condition monitoring and cyber security”.   

Offering up to 10% energy saving compared to the previous generation, the new AxTrax 2 LF offers single-speed operation making it perfectly suited for the frequent stop-start nature and relatively lower average speeds of city-bus journeys. Its new oil cooling system adapts the oil flow rate to help maximize efficiency, optimizing operating temperature and lubrication.

“Adding AxTrax 2 LF to our comprehensive range of electric powertrains is a powerful expansion of our game-changing scalable and modular e-Drive kit,” said Winfried Gründler, Driveline Systems Product Line Leader with ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division.

“AxTrax 2 LF represents the latest step in ZF’s support for commercial vehicle manufacturers towards the transition to zero emissions technologies. Whether it is complete turn-key systems or components, ZF has the one-stop-shop capabilities to help electrify manufacturers’ vehicle platforms worldwide,” added Gründler.

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ZF mentions that at Busworld it’ll be held the “World-premiere of electric portal axle”. This should refer to the presentation of the AxTrax 2, whose series production is planned to begin in Europe in late 2024 and in the U.S. in 2025, as stated by ZF at ACT Expo earlier this year. It will be offered in two variants: AxTrax 2 with one e-drive and AxTrax 2 dual with two integrated e-drives, being the latter a real news in ZF offer (and a rarity in the e-bus segment, with just Volvo Buses so far mounting on the 7900 Electric a 2-drive transmission).

ZF at Busworld Europe 2023

ZF is gearing up to present its latest advancements in bus and coach technologies at Busworld 2023 in Brussels (October 7-12).

Also at ZF Busworld stand, the 6-speed automatic transmission system EcoLife CoachLine, suitable for engine torques up to 2,800 Nm. The transmission serves high-powered, demanding coach applications, such as winding, challenging routes as well as stop-go urban situations.

Another focus of the German group will be connectivity: new SCALAR fleet orchestration solution applied to on-demand people mobility service management, offering Public Transport Operators real-time, AI-based automated decisionmaking and service optimization.

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The group will be exhibiting at UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2023 in Barcelona focusing on autonomous, connected and electrified systems.

Other news in Barcelona, the “EcoLife Health Check” module for Bus Connect platform. It marks ZF’s entry into remote diagnostics for bus fleets.

Dual drives in ZF’s future

What is interesting, at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, ZF premiered its all-new AxTrax 2 electric axle platform. Series production of AxTrax 2 is planned to begin in Europe in late 2024 and in the U.S. in 2025, ZF states. What is very interesting, it will be offered in two variants: AxTrax 2 with one e-drive and AxTrax 2 dual with two integrated e-drives, being the latter a real news in ZF offer (and a rarity in the e-bus segment, with just Volvo Buses so far mounting on the 7900 Electric a 2-drive transmission).

Autonomous shuttle at UITP Summit

Also in display at UITP Summit, after having seen it at Berlin’s ElekBu, the new ZF Level 4 shuttle, which the group claims is capable to maneuver fully electric in mixed traffic without a safety steward, underlining this support for autonomous, silent and emission-free urban passenger transportation. With selectable battery capacities between 50 and 100 kWh, the next-generation shuttle can cover up to 130 km in purely electric mode. This is at an initial maximum speed of 40 km/h, with further development underway to achieve 80 km/h.

ZF will also demonstrate its new SCALAR fleet orchestration platform for AD driven vehicles. Offering fleets real-time, AI-based automated decision-making and optimization, SCALAR delivers advanced operational efficiency and can seamlessly “orchestrate” passenger transportation. In the UITP project ULTIMO, ZF’s new SCALAR platform has already been applied.

What about ZF Bus Connect?

ZF Bus Connect is ZF’s digital fleet management solution for city buses and coaches with electric, hybrid or combustion engines. It is designed to help transport companies and bus OEMs to save cost, increase safety and improve bus fleet operations based on data insights and analytics.

At UITP World Congress ZF Bus Connect is launching its brand new “EcoLife Health Check” module, which is dedicated to raise vehicle uptime. It is ZF’s entry into remote diagnostics for bus fleets. Health Check gives an indication on the actual condition of the transmission based on data from the transmission system itself (engine speed, gear step, oil temperature, oil pressures, etc.). As the data is collected online, there is no need any more to call the investigated bus back into the depot for analysis. Operators, who make best possible use of the transmission oil, as an example, can avoid early maintenance and thus reduce maintenance cost and increase uptime.

By default, ZF Bus Connect provides many additional features to optimize driving, avoid dangerous situations, optimize energy or fuel consumption, overlook battery charging status as well as break or other systems’ wear in an ITxPT compatible way.

A Collision Mitigation System (CMS) for city buses

ZF will also present its first Collision Mitigation System (CMS) specifically designed for city buses (it was announced one year ago). The pioneering system offers active braking to help mitigate or even avoid the impending collision with other road users. Building on ZF’s extensive safety systems expertise, ZF’s City Bus CMS draws on its latest OnGuardMAX technology for heavy trucks – with specific features and functionalities that are tailored to city bus applications.

Combining the data from its state-of-the-art camera and radar provides continuous analysis of the traffic situation. If an impending collision is detected, the system can issue a Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or even avoid a collision. Combined with ZF’s advanced braking capabilities that are calibrated with the vehicle’s speed and weight, the adverse effects of sudden braking on passengers can also be minimized. With seamless interaction between ZF’s ADAS and braking system, brake pressure is carefully applied across the braking cascade making unsecured passengers less likely to be jolted and put off-balance.

Last but not least, ZF will also demonstrate its EcoLife 2 automatic transmission. With EcoLife 2, further fuel savings of up to three percent can be achieved for buses compared with previous generation transmission. At the same time, the new design is more lightweight, robust and easier to maintain. Modern features include a stop-start capability for all model variants, a rolling function as well as fast, yet gentler and more comfortable, gear switching. The transmission control has many new functions and ZF has also expanded the range of applications. It now provides EcoLife 2 variants that are suitable for coaches up to 2,800 Nm thanks to a slightly higher torque range. EcoLife Coachline sets a new industry benchmark in coach transmission system performance and efficiency.

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It is worth mentioning that the AxTrax has its roots in 2015, when it was launched for the first time as AVE130. It has so far established itself as one of the leading solution for e-buses (adopted by Solaris, Daimler Buses, Ebusco and many others…).

ZF AxTrax 2 in two variants

The integrated and modular e-powertrain system is addressed to light, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

The group points out that AxTrax 2 “is an axle-based, fully integrated system, featuring a compact design to help maximize the available space for batteries and enhance manufacturer’s design flexibility for future vehicle concepts. AxTrax 2 can be fully synchronized with key vehicle functions, including braking, ADAS and automated driving systems, to help enhance vehicle safety and efficiency. It also enables advanced digital and telematics systems via CAN bus to communicate and share e-axle system information”.

AxTrax 2 platform is offered in two variants: AxTrax 2 with one e-drive and AxTrax 2 dual with two integrated e-drives. AxTrax 2 will cover class 5-7 commercial vehicles with a single e-axle in a 4×2 or 6×2 or even up to class 8 with two e-axles in 6×4 configuration.

Both models of AxTrax 2 are designed to replace the engine, transmission, drive shaft, differential and conventional axle to electrify a commercial vehicle.

A portfolio of solutions supporting the business case for electrified commercial vehicles

“Customers are under tremendous pressure to implement zero emission technology, and our e-mobility kit allows them to electrify existing platforms, and develop purpose-built platforms, delivering superior total cost of ownership,” said Julien Plenchette, senior vice president, Americas, Commercial Vehicle Solutions, ZF Group. “AxTrax 2 is a technology we are incredibly proud of and have been looking forward to offering to the North American market for quite some time. It is an exciting day to bring a portfolio of solutions to customers that supports the business case for electrified commercial vehicles.”

“ZF has more than 100 years of experience in the global commercial vehicle industry and 30 years in electric driveline technology. These products and designs reap the benefits of our extensive experience in vehicle electrification as well as high volume manufacture of electrification products,” explained Christian Feldhaus, director of Commercial Vehicle Driveline Systems, Americas, ZF Group. “With products located in North America to support customers in this region, we can help ensure USMCA requirements are met.”

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Silicon carbide technology is approaching the electric bus market. An increase in the e-powertrain’s efficiency is the main advantage brought by the adoption of such technology. For instance Yutong and Solaris (even in the latest unveiled Urbino 15 LE Electric) have announced they are using SiC technology at the inverter level.

ZF will also invest in the construction of the world’s most advanced 200mm Silicon Carbide device manufacturing facility in Ensdorf, Germany, as part of the deal. Both the joint innovation lab and the device manufacturing facility are part of the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) for Microelectronics and Communication Technologies, pending approval from the European Commission.

In late 2022 Wolfspeed also got a $500 million investment from BorgWarner.

ZF – Wolfspeed: also commercial vehicles in the spotlight

The joint research facility in Germany is set to focus on real world e-mobility and renewable energy system level challenges. “The goal of the collaboration is to develop breakthrough innovations for Silicon Carbide systems, products, and applications, covering the full value chain from chip to complete systems. Additional collaboration partners will be invited to participate in the innovation process, establishing an end-to-end European Silicon Carbide innovation network”, partners say.

The R&D center will focus on innovation for Silicon Carbide systems and devices to meet specific requirements in all mobility segments including consumer, commercial, agricultural, and industrial vehicles as well as in the industrial and renewable energy markets.

Wolfeed wafer manufacturing facility gets ZF investment

As separately announced, Wolfspeed plans to construct a fully automated 200mm wafer fabrication facility in Saarland, Germany. ZF intends to support this new construction by making a sizable financial investment in the hundreds of millions of dollars in exchange for Wolfspeed common stock. As a part of this investment ZF will have a minority ownership position in the fab. Wolfspeed will maintain all operational and management control rights in the new fab. ZF and Wolfspeed previously announced a strategic partnership in 2019 to create industry-leading, highly efficient electric drivelines with a Silicon Carbide inverter, and these new initiatives represent the next generation of innovation for the partners.

“These initiatives are a significant step towards a successful industrial transformation. They strengthen European supply resilience and, at the same time, support the European Green Deal and the strategic goals for Europe’s Digital Decade,” said Dr. Holger Klein, CEO of ZF.

“We have a strong partner by our side in ZF, which brings industry-leading experience in scaling components for electric mobility as well as the aptitude to accelerate innovation in Silicon Carbide systems and power devices. I am confident this partnership will lift Silicon Carbide semiconductor technology to a new level of global impact, supporting increased sustainability and efficiency efforts across a multitude of industries,” said Gregg Lowe, president and CEO of Wolfspeed.

“Together, Wolfspeed and ZF combine expertise in power electronics and systems with a know-how in applications that is unparalleled in the industry. Wolfspeed brings its more than 35 years in Silicon Carbide technology, and at ZF we have a unique understanding of the overall systems across all sectors from passenger cars and commercial vehicles to construction machinery, wind power and industrial applications. The close cooperation between fab and R&D center will enable us to develop breakthrough innovations beyond state of the art for the benefit of our customers,” says Stephan von Schuckmann, Member of the ZF Board of Management.

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The partnership between the German giant and Beep has been unveiled at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The next generation complements the established model, which is primarily designed for use in segregated lanes (the reference is to the model built with the partially owned 2getthere).

ZF cooperates with Beep

As mentioned above, the new shuttle generation ZF announces a strategic partnership with U.S. mobility services provider Beep. The agreement “aims to deliver several thousand shuttles to customers over the coming years, combining ZF’s ATS with Beep’s mobility services and service management platform into a single-source autonomous mobility solution”, ZF says.

With selectable battery capacities between 50 and 100 kWh, the next-generation shuttle can cover up to 80 miles in pure electric mode – at a maximum speed of initially 25 mph, in further development of 50 mph, ZF says. The Shuttle offers a total passenger capacity of 22 with up to 15 seated. The vehicle conforms to requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and includes an automatic ramp and wheelchair restraints. The interior is customizable in layout and trim level. With front- and rear-wheel steer and kneeling functions, distance to the sidewalk is reduced to a minimum when approaching a stop. This enables the shuttle to dock precisely and provide barrier-free boarding and disembarking.

Driverless shuttles as answer to driver shortage?

The company adds: “With its Autonomous Transport Systems, ZF is driving a mobility transformation, while offering a solution to the serious driver shortage in local public transport. In the near future, ZF can offer two shuttle types – one primarily for use in segregated lanes and the new model, which will be used primarily in urban environments and in mixed traffic”.

The new shuttle is equipped with sensor technology consisting of lidar, radar, camera, and audio systems that provide precise environmental detection. This is complemented by other technology such as the ZF ProConnect connectivity platform, which enables communication with the infrastructure and the cloud, as well as the ZF ProAI supercomputer, where data converge.

The Virtual Driver – ZF’s AD software – processes these expansive volumes of information, derives safe driving strategies using artificial intelligence, and passes them on as input to the on-board actuators. The Virtual Driver replaces the human driver and thus makes the steering wheel and brake pedal superfluous. The system is designed with redundancies so that the full functionality and operability of the vehicles are highly reliable. Thus, ProConnect and ProAI units in the shuttle work together to operate the ZF Virtual Driver. All ZF components and systems are Automotive Grade certified, meeting both the high safety and quality requirements of the automotive industry and applicable cyber security standards.

“In order to reduce traffic-related emissions in metropolitan areas, a reduction in motorized individual transport and a simultaneous expansion of more sustainable, efficient, comfortable, and affordable mobility options are required,” says Torsten Gollewski, Executive Vice President, Autonomous Mobility Systems at ZF.

Beep: focus on ZF’s new partner

Headquartered in Lake Nona, Florida, Beep is specialized in planning, deploying and managing advanced autonomous shuttles for both private and public communities. The company has been testing autonomous shuttles for more than three years, with more than 100,000 road hours, and operates the largest and longest-tenured private-sector autonomous mobility network in the U.S. in Lake Nona, Florida.

“We are excited to partner with ZF to bring their next shuttle generation to market in the United States,” said Joe Moye, Chief Executive Officer for Beep. “ZF’s full suite of shuttle services, its U.S. partner network and its automotive-grade vehicle complement our turnkey mobility networks and autonomous services technology platform. This shuttle will allow us to continue to pursue our vision of extending mobility equity and reducing carbon emissions, expanding our use cases while meeting industrial requirements for vehicle service life, performance and safety.”

ZF aims to act as mobility partner

ZF strenghtens that it “sees itself not only as a shuttle supplier, but also as a partner for the entire life cycle of its shuttles. Therefore, the partnership also includes comprehensive service maintenance to ensure smooth operation to help maximize uptime of the shuttles”

“For service, customers can rely on ZF’s global network with 20,000 workshop partners worldwide. In North America alone, we have 3,000 workshop partners, so support of our customers is always a priority”, emphasizes Marco Neubold, Vice President Industrial Aftermarket and Autonomous Mobility at ZF.

Additionally, ZF’s Mobility Solutions subsidiary provides a complete ecosystem for autonomous transport systems: Starting with individual consulting, planning of driving routes and the shuttles utilized to consulting on the required infrastructure, as well as charging and fleet management. These services can be smoothly integrated into existing systems and help enhance operational efficiency.

With ZF’s rollout of autonomous shuttle systems, the Group is taking a leading role in the future development of public transport. “This is true to our strategy of bringing autonomous driving at Level 4 into operational use first with commercial vehicles and shuttles. Autonomous transport systems are no longer a vision. We are starting with the implementation “, Torsten Gollewski emphasizes.

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ZF and electric motors: enhancing resources, since 2015

After 2015, when the demand for pure electric mobility started to become visible, the company placed its focus on a new technology: hairpin winding enables wires to be packed tighter together, which helps increase the power, speeds and torque with the same space. This was necessary because, with purely electric drives, the running speed of the electric motor is no longer coupled with the combustion engine. Hairpin technology can also increase the level of automation in production.

ZF electric motors cover a broad range of applications from mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids to purely electric drive systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The performance range is 50 kW to 550 kW, with torques of 75 Nm to 1,500 Nm.

Production expanded accordingly

In order to keep pace with the global increase in electric vehicle production, ZF has continuously expanded production capacities for electric motors at the lead plant in Schweinfurt, Germany. In addition, the company commissioned major production lines in Pančevo (Serbia) and Shenyang (China) in recent years. Another plant in North America is currently under construction and will go into operation in 2023.

Talking about innovations, in recent years, sophisticated cooling solutions have been introduced in addition to the classic cooling jacket with water flowing through. “Currently we are developing a
solution with oil flowing past – to directly cool the copper wire, which is the main heat source in electric motors”, explained Roland Hintringer, Head of the Electric Motors Product Line.

In view of globally increasing volumes and the high demand for electric powertrain technology, the next production milestone will be reached soon. “Our order books are well filled, the next two million units of electric motors will probably be produced in less than two years,” added Hintringer.

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The ZF location in Saarbrücken (Germany) is one of the group’s largest plants worldwide with around 9,000 employees.

Pure electric drive systems to be produced in Saarbrücken

“Together with its employees and the state government, ZF has put together a comprehensive package of measures to secure the future with the aim of establishing purely electric drive systems in Saarland“, ZF states. The package consists of three main pillars: “high investments by the group (in the three-digit million range), contributions by employees to a future fund, and active support from the Saarland state government through funding measures”

With the start of production of the new 8-speed automatic transmission, the last hybridisation stage before the pure E-drive, the plant is already well utilised in the medium term due to the high demand, ZF stresses. In parallel, the production of drive technology for pure e-vehicles is now being prepared. As mentioned already above, as early as 2023, new production lines will be installed for this purpose, which will start series production in 2024.

The agreement sustainably strengthens Saarbrücken in its new role as a lead location for electric drive systems. In future, responsibility for the worldwide industrialisation of electric drive systems will be assumed from here, ZF underlines.

Electrive notes that “The ZF E-Mobility division has its headquarters in Schweinfurt. A new building for administration, sales and research and development was opened there in summer 2019. A development at the Saarbrücken location is not mentioned in the announcement – so that will probably continue to take place in Schweinfurt”.

ZF to convert Saarbrücken plant to fully electric drives production

Minister President Anke Rehlinger states: “Companies, employees and the state government are setting out together on the road to the automotive future. The path we are taking together in Saarbrücken is a shining example of how structural change can be actively shaped when companies think ahead and have partners who are capable of action. One of the largest industrial employers in Saarland is securing its location here today and with it thousands of jobs. It is a very important signal of confidence in these times.”

“The example of Saarbrücken shows how successfully transformation can be orchestrated in close cooperation between the company, employees and state politics,” says Stephan von Schuckmann, member of the ZF Board of Management responsible for e-mobility. “Only in this way will we be able to actively shape the changes in value creation and employment and position our locations for the future.

Mario Kläs, chairman of the works council at the Saarbrücken site, adds: “We have been fighting for a long time for realizing future products for the site. With these new product settlements, the foundation has been laid for the next generation of mobility at the Saarbrücken site. Of course, more products of the future will have to be established in order to compensate for the future decline in 8-speed automatic transmissions and thus secure employment. Now, however, the transformation is becoming visible and soon tangible for our colleagues. Things are moving at ZF’s largest transmission location. And that is a good thing.

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Taking a look at a global picture, consulting firm Future Market Insights (FMI) forecasted in late 2020 that “strengthening of predictive maintenance is expected to launch the vehicle maintenance and diagnostics segment from its current value of US$2.9bn to US$6.3bn by 2030”. According to McKinsey (before Covid outbreak), “the global market for fleet telematics hardware, software, and services is forecast to grow at around 23 percent per annum for six years, becoming a $75 billion industry by 2025“.

The platform has been developed for city buses and coaches with both electric and combustion engines or hybrid systems also in a mixed fleet.

With ZF Bus Connect we are helping the bus operators with their difficult change to all-electric fleets and also improve the operation of the combustion vehicles within the fleet with the power of data-analytics of in-vehicle data we are helping operators to manage their fleet efficiently by reducing the energy or fuel consumption whilst giving a clear overview to the CO2 footprint of the fleet

Aleš Hejl, Global Head of Sales, Connectivity Solutions

ZF Bus Connect: a look at the features

The goal of the ZF Bus Connect platform is reducing maintenance costs and improving uptime by setting up automatic alerts for vehicle conditions and diagnostic error codes. Predictive remote detection of damages has the consequence to reduce downtime. Safety is another goal: tracking vehicles speeds and aggressive driving styles through the generated data, geofencing and ZF embedded sensors in the gateway is among the feature of ZF Bus Connect platform. This allows to prevent accidents and to protect against theft. Last but not least, efficiency is at the core of the platform: live data evaluation on a per-bus basis allows optimization of driving and route plans and improves fuel consumption.

The architecture of the digital solution ZF Bus Connect is divided into three areas: the On-board Unit (ZF VCU pro), the ZF Bus Connect Portal with newly released mobile app (IOS & Android) and the ZF Bus Connect Cloud. 

FleetFleet operators have the possibility to purchase this all-in-one solution and choose one of the software packages ZF Bus Connect offers or have a partially specific solution with 3^rd parties integrations like ITCS providers or other telematics providers. Because Bus Connect can send telematics data to and receive also from 3rd party suppliers in the market. This makes Bus Connect able to serve almost all of the use case in the market, ZF highlights.

A cross-divisional team behind ZF Bus Connect

Launched in July 2021, ZF Bus Connect is developed by the cross-divisional team Venture Speedboat, coming from the ZF Data Venture Accelerator (DVACC).

The latter, in a few words, is a worldwide hub for digital business within ZF’s global research and development. The first DVACC project to reach the market is indeed the venture “Bus & OEM Digital Solutions” with their product ZF Bus Connect.

ZF Bus Connect on Karsan e-range

OEMs can use the system to ensure smooth deployment of electric buses and at the same time for continuous product improvement.

In this concern, Turkish bus manufacturer Karsan is the latest business partner with ZF as Connectivity Solutions provider, with the goal of managing the bus fleets in a holistic environment. Export markets are the main target of Karsan: CEO Okan Baş stated that 70% of 2021 turnover of the company is attributable to export activities.

ZF Bus Connect, a comprehensive fleet management solution has been nominated as the Connectivity Solutions Partner of Karsan Automotive for the e-ATA Fully Electrical Bus Line-Up. We plan on collaborating on a broad list of features, such as tracking the fleet in real-time, getting a detailed overview of energy consumption, evaluating vehicles in certain events and inspecting vehicle health.

Karsan’s team

In March this year Karsan announced it has single-handedly realized almost 90% of Turkey’s exports of electric minibuses and buses with its more than 450 electric vehicles touring 19 different countries, including North America, Italy, Luxemburg, France, Romania, Portugal, Norway, Spain, Mexico for the last three years. Now Karsan has set the goal of achieving an at least three-fold growth with their e-range vehicles. Also, in September 2022 Karsan launched the first hydrogen bus of Turkey.

Real-Time Tracking, SoC Monitoring, Data Logging, and Remote Diagnostics are all topics covered by the ZF Bus Connect system.

These data will build the way to feed Karsan’s R&D, Sales and Aftersales Teams for improving both technical and commercial aspects. In addition, Karsan will become ready to offer fleet-specialized telematics feature to its own customers like Public Fleet Operators. Precise and accurate commercial and technical reports are going to be essential for getting continuous and reliable feedback from the city bus fleets that are in daily operation

Danny Kerkvliet, Head of Product Management, Connectivity Solutions

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Currently Holger Klein holds the position of Member of the Board of Management responsible for the Asia-Pacific region, Car Chassis Technology Division, Aftermarket and Production. He succeeds Wolf-Henning Scheider at the helm of the company.

Holger Klein appointed CEO of ZF

Holger Klein joined ZF in 2014 as a seasoned international industry expert from McKinsey management consultancy. Starting in 2015, he led the integration of U.S. company TRW Automotive post-acquisition, which he completed earlier than planned.

In early 2017, Klein became Head of the Car Chassis Technology Division and realigned its product range with ZF’s “Next Generation Mobility” strategy. He has served as a member of the ZF Board of Management since 2018 and heads the Asia-Pacific and India regions from Shanghai. In addition, he manages the business of the Passenger Car Chassis Technology and Aftermarket divisions and is responsible for ZF’s worldwide production. Under his leadership, ZF won traditional and new automotive OEMs in Asia as customers of ZF’s strategic and future-oriented products. In addition, he succeeded in positioning ZF increasingly as a systems provider. Holger Klein spearheaded the creation of new development centers and production facilities, especially in China, to capitalize on rapid technological change and enable ZF’s business expansion.

Peter Laier to lead ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions division

The Supervisory Board has appointed Peter Laier to the ZF Board of Management to succeed Wilhelm Rehm and to lead ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions and Industrial Technology divisions. The 54-year-old holds a Ph.D. in engineering and held various executive roles at well-known industrial companies such as Continental and Benteler before joining Knorr-Bremse in 2016, where he led the commercial vehicle division until 2021.

From January 1, 2023, Peter Laier will lead the business of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division of ZF, the world’s largest supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, as a member of the ZF Board of Management.

“The almost simultaneous end of three appointments of proven, successful, and highly esteemed board members poses a particular challenge for the company,” says Heinrich Hiesinger, Chairman of ZF’s Supervisory Board. “We are, therefore, very pleased to announce two successors today. The succession process for Dr. Sauer is already in an advanced stage.”

“ZF is undergoing an unprecedented, dynamic transformation. The appointment of Holger Klein as the new Chairman is an excellent and important signal both internally and externally,” says Andreas Brand as a representative of the Zeppelin Foundation of the City of Friedrichshafen, which holds 93.8 percent of all ZF shares. Representing the Dr. Jürgen and Irmgard Ulderup Foundation, which holds a 6.2 percent stake in ZF, Dr. Joachim Meinecke emphasizes: “Dr. Klein possesses the best prerequisites, knows the company, its customers and suppliers, the industry and, above all, the challenges which need to be mastered today and in the future.”

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