ZF Friedrichshafen is Prepared for the Future of Commercial Vehicle Technology

The automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG is pushing its offerings for intelligent, clean, and safe commercial vehicle technology with various products. With the recent acquisition of WABCO, ZF is further expanding its technology portfolio and becoming a partner for the largest transformation in the transport world to date.

(Friedrichshafen) The commercial vehicle industry is heading into the future with significant challenges: foremost, CO2 emissions must decrease, safety must increase, and fleets must be digitally connected. Following the acquisition of WABCO at the end of May as a strategic “Perfect Match,” ZF is supporting its customers with unique system expertise in this mobility transformation: The product and system portfolio for intelligent commercial vehicles is comprehensive. Based on this, complementary development projects are already being realized at an accelerated pace: The autonomous trailer coupling function and the energy-saving truck-trailer combination have resulted in two world premieres in the past four months. Additionally, ZF is paving the way for intelligent, clean, and safe commercial vehicles with more electric drives and advanced electronic assistants. This was demonstrated by the commercial vehicle supplier today at a digital press event in the ZF Forum.

Largest Transformation in the Transport World

The largest transformation in the transport world to date makes ZF a sought-after partner. And it leaves little time: In the EU, for example, manufacturers must reduce the CO2 fleet emissions of new commercial vehicles by 15 percent by 2025 and by 30 percent by 2030. Electrified drives are increasingly in demand for buses and trucks. Furthermore, the EU mandates the use of new driver assistance systems starting in 2022, and from 2024, advanced warning systems such as the so-called “blind spot assistant” will also be required for new registrations.

ZF Offers Complete Solutions for the New Normal

With the integration of WABCO, ZF can leverage the advantages of its now complete, unique portfolio for trucks, buses, and trailers for its customers. “WABCO fits strategically perfectly with ZF and has enabled us to further expand our global leadership position as a future-oriented complete provider and system integrator for the commercial vehicle industry. With the clear goal of making mobility and transport cleaner, safer, and more efficient, we are mobilizing commercial vehicle intelligence to support our customers worldwide,” says Fredrik Staedtler, head of the new division Commercial Vehicle Control Systems. “In just four months after the WABCO acquisition, we have realized initial development projects that demonstrate our complementary competencies at the system level. When it comes to solutions for the transformation and for the next generations of commercial vehicles, we are moving forward with full force,” adds Andreas Moser, head of the Commercial Vehicle Technology division.

Transformation is Electrified

Thus, the semi-trailer technology carrier presented as a world premiere is perfectly suited for energy-efficient and, subsequently, locally emission-free driving: It combines lightweight construction and aerodynamics with a space-optimized chassis. The latter describes an important approach to provide space for all future types of electrification. Furthermore, ZF is generally intensifying its successful electrification activities for commercial vehicles – the electric axle AxTrax AVE has been in service in everyday transport for years. Later this year, the company will start series production of the electric central drive CeTrax. By no later than 2023, a complete modular electric drive system with axle and central drives for buses and trucks up to 44 tons will be established. This will be technology-open like other E-systems from ZF, meaning it can be combined with batteries or fuel cells, for example. With the eTrailer, ZF is extending its expertise to the entire combination. This trailer with an integrated electric motor transforms any conventional truck into a hybrid vehicle that consumes up to 16 percent less fuel. Additionally, with the eTrailer, traction and acceleration improve, while noise levels and brake wear decrease.

Assistants Protect Drivers and Make Logistics More Efficient

ZF is also taking a forward-looking approach to safety issues. Today, the first coupling assistant, which allows trucks to automatically drive under the defined trailer and dock automatically, had its world premiere in the industry. Additionally, the Advanced Reversing Assist, an advanced reverse driving assistant for trucks, was introduced. Both solutions reduce the risk of accidents on the yard as well as the personnel and time required – and reduce stress levels for employees. Because there are fewer maneuvering damages, costs for downtime and repairs also decrease. For automated vehicle operation, an advanced control of the dynamic driving systems based on the software platform ADOPT (Autonomous Driving Open Technology) increases safety, efficiency, and productivity. The ADOPT approach combines ZF’s expertise in autonomous driving with artificial intelligence in the commercial vehicle world. Ultimately, it helps simplify and accelerate the development of applications for automated and autonomous driving. ADOPT is specifically designed to support automated driving modes by enabling precise maneuvers and stable vehicle control in response to real-world automated driving.

ZF is also expanding its capabilities in digitization and vehicle connectivity. This allows processes in logistics and transport to be optimized. This can further contribute to the efficiency and safety of fleets.

Photos: © ZF Friedrichshafen AG
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Title: Lightweight construction in trucks and aerodynamics in trailers together reduce weight and consumption – combined with space optimization, this enables efficiency for all drive types and new approaches for electromobility
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