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Group ZF bets on diverse energy options for cleaner future, ET Auto

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The ZF Group is a key supplier of transmissions, axle systems, chassis and suspension components across trucks and light vehicle industry.

New Delhi: The third largest global Tier-I supplier ZF Group, which has set a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2040, is betting on a technology- mix for a cleaner future rather than taking a straight leap to EVs (electric vehicles).

“We are open to all powertrain technologies, but it will be different for PV (passenger vehicle) and CV (commercial vehicle) applications. In the former, we see a significant trend for BEVs (battery electric vehicles). For CVs, powertrain range is more open, so we see BEV applicability for short and medium distances including city buses and last mile connectivity. For longer distances, fuel cells, H2 ICE (Hydrogen internal combustion engine) are preferable,” Dr Peter Laier, member of the Board, ZF Group, told ETAuto. Laier is responsible for the India region as well as the group-wide production.

“Even diesel engines, which will be manufactured for some time, are suited for specific applications,” he said.

H2 ICE is considered emission free in Europe. Even in India, the government is supportive of hydrogen technology with its National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Laier said ZF has also refreshed its India strategy with a focus on four major areas- introducing advanced global technology solutions, strengthening its footprints for manufacturing, sourcing and R&D hub, working on retaining talent to leverage local markets, and integrating its existing acquisitions.

“We have identified India as an important hub to support global projects in terms of engineering, manufacturing and software. India is a significant growth opportunity for us where we develop for the world. It gives competitiveness in production and stability in supply chain to make it a long term engineering base,” he said.

The company, which is the largest CV solutions supplier, said that newer trends in AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), along with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) or ESC (Electronic Stability Control) are being explored in some divisions.

The Group is a key supplier of transmissions, axle systems, chassis and suspension components across trucks and light vehicle industry. It feels that there is still some room for improvement in the PV segment by bringing in new products.

The company has committed EUR 200 million in India for setting up a new manufacturing site in Oragadam, near Chennai which is expected to complete by the end of FY24.

The German auto supplier is also working on extending its capacities in the Coimbatore plant, which caters to domestic and exports demand. “We want to expand our material sourcing from India to EUR 2 billion by 2030.”

ZF started operations in the Indian market in 1984 through its JV partner. In 2007, it setup the first wholly owned subsidiary ZF India. Currently, the automotive supplier has 14 entities (including 3 JVs), 10 engineering centres and 18 manufacturing units, with over 15,000 employees in the country. It also has R&D centres in Pune, Coimbatore, Chennai and Hyderabad, employing over 4600 engineers.

  • Published On Apr 14, 2023 at 02:32 PM IST

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<p>The ZF Group is a key supplier of transmissions, axle systems, chassis and suspension components across trucks and light vehicle industry.<br /></p>
The ZF Group is a key supplier of transmissions, axle systems, chassis and suspension components across trucks and light vehicle industry.

New Delhi: The third largest global Tier-I supplier ZF Group, which has set a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2040, is betting on a technology- mix for a cleaner future rather than taking a straight leap to EVs (electric vehicles).

“We are open to all powertrain technologies, but it will be different for PV (passenger vehicle) and CV (commercial vehicle) applications. In the former, we see a significant trend for BEVs (battery electric vehicles). For CVs, powertrain range is more open, so we see BEV applicability for short and medium distances including city buses and last mile connectivity. For longer distances, fuel cells, H2 ICE (Hydrogen internal combustion engine) are preferable,” Dr Peter Laier, member of the Board, ZF Group, told ETAuto. Laier is responsible for the India region as well as the group-wide production.

“Even diesel engines, which will be manufactured for some time, are suited for specific applications,” he said.

H2 ICE is considered emission free in Europe. Even in India, the government is supportive of hydrogen technology with its National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Laier said ZF has also refreshed its India strategy with a focus on four major areas- introducing advanced global technology solutions, strengthening its footprints for manufacturing, sourcing and R&D hub, working on retaining talent to leverage local markets, and integrating its existing acquisitions.

“We have identified India as an important hub to support global projects in terms of engineering, manufacturing and software. India is a significant growth opportunity for us where we develop for the world. It gives competitiveness in production and stability in supply chain to make it a long term engineering base,” he said.

The company, which is the largest CV solutions supplier, said that newer trends in AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), along with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) or ESC (Electronic Stability Control) are being explored in some divisions.

The Group is a key supplier of transmissions, axle systems, chassis and suspension components across trucks and light vehicle industry. It feels that there is still some room for improvement in the PV segment by bringing in new products.

The company has committed EUR 200 million in India for setting up a new manufacturing site in Oragadam, near Chennai which is expected to complete by the end of FY24.

The German auto supplier is also working on extending its capacities in the Coimbatore plant, which caters to domestic and exports demand. “We want to expand our material sourcing from India to EUR 2 billion by 2030.”

ZF started operations in the Indian market in 1984 through its JV partner. In 2007, it setup the first wholly owned subsidiary ZF India. Currently, the automotive supplier has 14 entities (including 3 JVs), 10 engineering centres and 18 manufacturing units, with over 15,000 employees in the country. It also has R&D centres in Pune, Coimbatore, Chennai and Hyderabad, employing over 4600 engineers.

  • Published On Apr 14, 2023 at 02:32 PM IST

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis.

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  • Get Realtime updates
  • Save your favourite articles


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