Improving Competitiveness in Challenging Times

The market environment in the automotive industry remains challenging. This is reflected in the half-year figures ZF presented yesterday. The technology company is improving its competitiveness and – in line with the guiding principle ‘Strengthening strengths’ – continuing to push ahead with structural development. ZF is investing primarily in high-margin, forward-looking areas such as commercial vehicles and industrial technology, chassis solutions and the service business. All this is shown in the latest edition of our LinkedIn newsletter. The SCALAR orchestration platform, a software solution for the transport industry, is one of the topics in this edition. Others are the company's new safety technologies for commercial vehicles, ZF [pro]Manager, a digital management tool for automotive workshops and ZF's new e-bike drive system. Learn more about all these and other interesting topics, in the 7th edition of our LinkedIn newsletter "To Mobility and Beyond". Enjoy!

What's New at ZF

ZF Half-year Figures Reflect Challenging Environment

ZF closed out the first half of 2024 through to June 30 with sales of around €22 billion (2023: €23.3 billion). Taking into account special effects, mainly from M&A activities, sales revenues were close to the previous year’s level under market conditions that again proved challenging, amid sluggish purchasing activity and signs of recession. Adjusted EBIT totalled €780 million (2023: €941 million), equivalent to an adjusted EBIT margin of 3.5 percent (2023: 4.0 percent).

Learn more in our press release

ZF’s SCALAR Orchestration Platform with New Capabilities

As the transportation industry evolves, software solutions are becoming increasingly critical in managing complex logistic systems. By integrating ZF’s deep expertise in vehicle systems into the development of its software solutions, ZF’s AI-powered orchestration platform SCALAR can help fleet managers optimize their fleet operations through predictive diagnostics and avoid unplanned downtime of their vehicles.

Learn more about SCALAR

For more news about ZF Scalar follow our showcase page SCALAR @ ZF

ZF Board of Management Change

Board of Management member Stephan von Schuckmann left the ZF Board of Management as of July 31, 2024, at his own request and for family reasons. His responsibilities will be provisionally assumed by CEO Dr. Holger Klein (Electrified Powertrain Technologies Division and Asia-Pacific Region) and Prof. Dr. Peter Laier (Materials Management).

Learn more in our press release

New Side Airbag from ZF LIFETEC can Increase the Crumple Zone

A two-stage side airbag from ZF LIFETEC uses milliseconds before an unavoidable crash to build up valuable distance and better protect the occupants. The Pre-Crash Dual Stage Side Airbag (Dual Stage SAB) triggers its first stage around 200 milliseconds before the collision and pushes the occupants a few centimeters into the vehicle interior, away from the expected impact point. Thanks to this gain in space, the actual side airbag with the second stage can develop its full protective effect during the collision.

Learn more about the new side airbag

ZF [pro]Manager: Taking Customer Relationship into the Digital World

With its global innovation ZF [pro]Manager, ZF Aftermarket will present a holistic digital management tool at Automechanika 2024 (September 10-14) that enables automotive workshops to deal professionally with modern customer requirements. Today's customers expect a convenient digital service characterized by seamless and transparent communication, as well as proactive information and digital payment options. Through proactive and transparent information to car owners, workshops have the opportunity to significantly strengthen customer loyalty and generate additional business.

Learn more about this world premiere in our press release

Quote of the Month

"The persistently challenging market environment is reflected in our sales. Meanwhile, our earnings and cash generation are meeting our expectations.”

ZF CFO Michael Frick during the half-year figures press conference

Post of the Month: ZF's Latest Commercial Vehicles Safety Technologies

Video of the Month: Meet the new ZF CentriX

At the Eurobike 2024 bicycle trade fair, ZF presented its new 48-volt drive system for e-bikes for the first time. Watch the video to find out what’s behind our ZF Bike Eco System.

ZF FutureStarter of the Month: Alexander Grupp

ZF Rescue Connect: When Every Minute Counts

FutureStarter Alexander Grupp has driven the “ZF Rescue Connect” project from an idea to market maturity. With the Group behind him and a lot of personal initiative, he has fulfilled a childhood dream.

Learn more in our website article

Celebration of the Month: 110 Years Maserati

ZF is celebrating Maserati's 110th birthday with a special campaign: ZF Tradition is now collecting pre-orders for replicas of the S5-17. To say thank you and mark the 110th anniversary of the cult brand Maserati, ZF will award certificates to future customers for Maserati restorations completed by ZF Tradition.

Learn more in our website article

What's Next

At Testing Expo China in the World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre in Shanghai (August 28 to 30), ZF will present its e-mobility test benches and its TESCON automation software in Hall 1, Booth 3020.

Visit ZF at the SMM in Hamburg (September 3 to 6) at booth 219 in hall A3 and discover the new ZF Hybrid Module on site. Or learn more about the ZF AT CR Thruster series, one of the best thruster solutions on the market, directly from our experts.

From September 10 to 14, ZF Aftermarket unveils future-proof mobility solutions at the Automechanika Frankfurt in the Forum, Level 1. Learn more on our website

Visit ZF at the IAA Transportation (September 17 to 22) in Hanover, where the company will showcase our latest commercial vehicles innovations focused on safety, decarbonization and digitalization in Hall 21, Booth B54.