Hanover (Germany). As the leading technology group in the commercial vehicle industry, ZF presents groundbreaking innovations and technologies at the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany. The focus lies on the latest solutions for the electrification, automation and safety of commercial vehicles. These include 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 is underlining 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, explains: “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 is setting the pace in the commercial vehicle industry
ZF has secured numerous new customer orders for its latest solutions in the areas of chassis technology, safety and electrification. For example, ZF expects production of electric drive systems for commercial vehicles to double over the next 12 months. Already confirmed orders worth €5 billion underline 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 especially in the Asia-Pacific and North America markets. One example: the growing demand for the eWorX electric power take-off solution, for which ZF expects demand to double in the coming years. ZF is also already seeing initial customer interest in the recently introduced cubiX chassis software. A specially developed version for commercial vehicles has been available since June of this year.
This applies, in a similar manner, to the new OnGuardMAX emergency brake assistant. Overall, ZF expects growth of 20% in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) by 2030.
Setting the strategic course – the basis of current and future 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 already laid the strategic foundation for this current and future success in recent years through the strategic acquisitions of TRW and WABCO. With these portfolio expansions ZF is in a unique position to generate synergies between its divisions. These synergies combined with a flexibility in production give ZF decisive competitive advantages in the commercial vehicle industry.
Innovations at IAA 2024: product highlights
ZF Group presents numerous technological highlights to visitors of the IAA Transportation 2024, such as the new modular e-mobility platform. This platform consists of different e-motors, corresponding invertor three speed transmission, as well as 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 requirements. It enables flexible adaptation to different vehicle categories and thus supports the rapid decarbonization in the commercial vehicle industry.
Another highlight is the TrailTrax concept for the electrification of semi-trailers. This innovative system integrates the AxTrax 2 electric drive axle from ZF and a modular battery system with the trailer EBS. Together, these components help to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 16%. The system transforms a heavy diesel truck into a hybrid vehicle, which not only lowers fuel consumption but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions. In addition, the system can be operated as a plug-in hybrid, which maximizes savings even further.
ZF also exhibits 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 impressively demonstrates the successful technology transfer within the ZF Group. ZF’s hybrid technology was originally developed for passenger cars and subsequently adapted to the specific requirements of commercial vehicles. With it, ZF offers a solution that meets the requirements of modern and sustainable mobility.
cubiX commercial vehicle motion control coordinator is well received by customers
Another example of the successful use of synergies within the Group is the cubiX software solution for different vehicle classifications. This advanced motion control software optimizes the driving behavior of commercial vehicles in terms of stability, safety and performance. cubiX contributes to the standardization and simplification of development processes and enables manufacturers to take advantage of differentiation opportunities of its chassis functions. After being presented just this June, ZF has already received initial interest in cubiX from commercial vehicle manufacturers.
Commercial vehicle solutions for greater safety
ZF also showcases a new lane change assistant for trucks. This system uses radar and camera technology to make lane changes safer. It continuously monitors the traffic situation and actively supports the driver when changing lanes. This is particularly important for trucks with trailers, as such maneuvers pose a high risk for accidents. According to research conducted in Germany, the ZF Lane Change Assistant can potentially prevent up to 12% of accidents on highways, which represents a significant contribution to road safety.
The new version of the OnGuardMAX emergency braking assistance system for the European market is another highlight at the IAA 2024. This system independently recognizes and reacts to obstacles in road traffic. It will be used for the first time in series production trucks by manufacturers, in combination with the new mBSP XBS braking platform. OnGuardMAX exceeds in many areas the current GSR guidelines. It can identify both moving and stationary objects and initiate appropriate braking maneuvers. ZF is thus setting a new standard in the active safety of commercial vehicles and making a significant contribution to accident prevention.