ZF drives localized tech for global mobility

German auto supplier ZF is highlighting its cutting-edge technologies for passenger and commercial vehicles at Auto Shanghai from April 23 to May 2, underscoring its commitment to the Chinese market's rapid evolution.

With a presence spanning over four decades in China, the world's largest and most dynamic auto market, the company has transitioned from selling in China to innovating in China for the world, leveraging local expertise to drive global advancements, said Holger Klein, CEO of ZF Group.

"We have also consistently optimized our production and development processes to the requirements of our Chinese customers and thus literally fulfilled 'China Speed', ensuring we stay at the forefront of a highly competitive market," he said.

Its exhibits include the Chassis 2.0 and the new electric range extender system. The Chassis 2.0, designed for the era of electrification, software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving, integrates the cubiX software, enabling seamless coordination of steering, braking and damping systems with minimal latency.

As the world's largest chassis provider, ZF has equipped the Nio ET9 with the latest generation of its steer-by-wire system that started production in the first quarter. It will supply the electromechanical braking technology to a leading global vehicle manufacturer for almost five million vehicles.

ZF debuted its electric range extender system, set for production in first half of 2026 in Chinese mainstream brands. This compact, cost-efficient solution ensures high efficiency for both electric motors and combustion engines, addressing range anxiety while reducing integration complexity.

Klein emphasized that ZF's technological leadership and cost optimization enable it to remain competitive in fierce competition. The company's Asia-Pacific region allocated 6 percent of its annual revenue to R&D investment last year.

He stressed China's role as an innovation driver, noting consumers' openness to new technologies and supportive policies, which accelerate EV adoption.

With over 50 manufacturing sites and five R&D centers in China, ZF invested 3.5 billion euros in the past five years in the country, localizing advanced technologies and exporting Chinese innovations globally, said Renee Wang, executive vice-president and president of China and Operation Asia Pacific at ZF Group.

She added that ZF's diversified product lines have almost 100 percent local procurement. The company said it has a detailed plan with the goal of achieving 100 percent localization of materials in the next two years.