At IAA Transportation 2024 in Hannover, SAF-Holland’s strategic vision for enhancing transportation was on full display. Under the theme “For Better Transportation,” the company emphasized their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and safety as key pillars to support operators, OEMs, and customers. Christoph Günter, President EMEA and CTO at SAF-Holland, shared with Rajesh Rajgor, that their approach aligns with emerging global needs for efficient and sustainable transport. “This year is pivotal for us, as we’re showcasing the results of several major acquisitions that are expanding our technological capabilities significantly,” Günter explained.
In a series of recent acquisitions, SAF-Holland has strategically added diverse technological strengths to their portfolio. Haldex, a leader in braking and air suspension systems, was fully integrated in March 2023. “With Haldex’s extensive background in mechatronics, we’re significantly bolstering our in-house expertise,” Günter noted. In February 2024, the Italian axle and suspension specialist Tecma Srl joined SAF-Holland, followed by Assali Stefen Srl in July, further enriching their offerings in heavy-duty and specialized suspension applications. SAF-Holland also acquired IMS Limited in 2022 and KLL Equipamentos para Transporte Ltda., a Brazilian suspension leader, back in 2016. “Together, these acquisitions represent a major leap forward, enabling us to offer a broader, integrated range of solutions,” he added.
Advancing Digital and Mechatronic Capabilities
SAF-Holland’s extensive exhibit at IAA 2024 featured thirteen product displays, over half of which were entirely new. Key among these was the e-axle technology, tailored for electrified trailers and engineered to operate reefer units autonomously. Günter highlighted how early investment in this technology led SAF-Holland to a commercialized, production-ready e-axle with over 2.7 million kilometers of field-tested performance. “We’re delivering an advanced e-axle product that’s unique in the market, allowing our customers to drive operational efficiency,” he said. SAF-Holland’s strength in electrification is already setting benchmarks with units now active on 150 trailers.
In parallel, the company is navigating the fast-evolving digital landscape. The acquisition of Haldex brought valuable mechatronics knowledge to SAF-Holland’s trailer EBS portfolio, which is also being used for automated coupling technology. “This integration is transformative; we can now keep our R&D processes in-house and gain a substantial competitive edge,” Günter emphasized.
Noteworthy developments extend to India, where SAF-Holland recently opened a new technology center in Pune. This center, an extension of their York operations, will serve as a hub for software development and predictive maintenance, while also collaborating globally with teams such as those at the Haldex facility in the UK. “The Pune center is more than just a tech addition; it’s a symbol of our commitment to fostering innovation with a global footprint,” shared Günter. Located close to leading universities and a deep talent pool, the Pune site is poised to accelerate SAF-Holland’s software and IT capabilities, reinforcing their global backbone in digital solutions.
The IAA event further underscored SAF-Holland’s regional adaptability. The company’s advanced suspension and axle systems meet specific regional standards, such as EBS requirements in Europe, now spreading to markets like China and the U.S., where air disc brakes are gaining traction. “As a global player, we are adapting these technologies for regional needs, which allows us to scale our solutions internationally,” Günter noted. The integration of cybersecurity protocols in Europe’s trailers is also being expanded across SAF-Holland’s international markets, aligning with rising global safety standards.
Günter concluded by emphasizing SAF-Holland’s commitment to both quality and cost-efficiency. “The commercial vehicle industry demands tangible customer value; every new technology must offer a solid business case. This industry isn’t about luxury but about effective solutions that deliver real operational value,” he said. SAF-Holland’s approach ensures that each innovation, from e-axles to digital coupling systems, addresses fleet operators’ needs while maintaining cost-competitiveness and premium quality, reinforcing their leadership in the transport technology space.
