As the leading technology group in the commercial vehicle industry, ZF presented groundbreaking innovations and technologies at IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany. The focus was on the latest solutions for the electrification, automation, and safety of commercial vehicles. These included an e-mobility platform, the TrailTrax e-trailer concept, the cubiX chassis software, and the latest version of the OnGuardMAX emergency braking assistance system. With these and other technological highlights, ZF underlined its key role in the transformation of the commercial vehicle industry. ZF is also taking numerous new customer orders worth billions of euros, further emphasizing its leading international position in the transport vehicle sector.
Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the Board of Management of the ZF Group responsible for the ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions division, explained: “ZF is increasingly strengthening its position as a pacesetter in the commercial vehicle industry. Our past investments in our product development with a firm focus on innovations are now paying off. With our broad product portfolio and the synergies that we utilize within and between the various divisions, we are setting new standards in the industry. Our customers’ strong interest in our products, the high volume of recent orders and our strategic cooperations with key customers are all proof of this development.”
ZF Sets the Pace in the CV Industry
ZF has secured numerous new customer orders for its latest solutions in chassis technology, safety, and electrification. For example, ZF expects production of electric drive systems for commercial vehicles to double over the following 12 months. Confirmed orders worth €5 billion underlined ZF’s strong market position—especially in Europe, where the company is becoming the number one in electrified driveline technologies for commercial vehicles.
ZF also anticipates further growth of e-drive systems, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and North America markets. One example is the growing demand for the eWorX electric power take-off solution, for which ZF expected demand to double in the coming years. ZF also reported initial customer interest in the recently introduced cubiX chassis software. A specially developed version for commercial vehicles has been available since June of that year.
The same applies to the new OnGuardMAX emergency brake assistant. Overall, ZF expects growth of 20 percent in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) by 2030.
Strategic Foundations for Success
With the broadest range of products and solutions on the market, ZF is the world’s most successful supplier of commercial vehicle technologies. The Group has laid the strategic foundation for its current and future success in recent years through the strategic acquisitions of TRW and WABCO. These portfolio expansions place ZF in a unique position to generate synergies between its divisions. These synergies, combined with flexibility in production, give ZF decisive competitive advantages in the commercial vehicle industry.
Innovations at IAA 2024: Product Highlights
ZF Group showcased numerous technological highlights at IAA Transportation 2024, including the new modular e-mobility platform. This platform comprises different e-motors, corresponding inverters, a three-speed transmission, and its associated electrical components. This comprehensive modular package offers manufacturers the flexibility to configure the e-drive system to their specific requirements. From last-mile delivery vehicles to 44-ton trucks, the kit meets a wide range of needs, enabling flexible adaptation to different vehicle categories and supporting the rapid decarbonization of the commercial vehicle industry.
Another highlight was the TrailTrax concept for the electrification of semi-trailers. This innovative system integrated the AxTrax 2 electric drive axle from ZF and a modular battery system with the trailer EBS. Together, these components help reduce CO2 emissions by up to 16 percent. The system transforms a heavy diesel truck into a hybrid vehicle, lowering fuel consumption and significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, the system can operate as a plug-in hybrid, maximizing savings even further.
ZF also exhibited the new TraXon 2 hybrid transmission. This transmission enables purely electric driving functions for both fully hybrid and plug-in hybrid commercial vehicles. The development of this transmission demonstrates the successful technology transfer within the ZF Group. Originally developed for passenger cars, ZF’s hybrid technology has been adapted to meet the specific requirements of commercial vehicles. With it, ZF provides a solution that meets the demands of modern and sustainable mobility.
