Cover Story: ZF: a pacesetter for next generation mobility

ZF: A PACESETTER FOR NEXT GENERATION MOBILITY

Long viewed as a powerhouse in the global automotive industry, ZF continues to go from strength to strength on both a global scale and here in Oceania

A global technology company, ZF supplies systems and components not just for passenger cars, but a whole gamut of vehicles including commercial vehicles and industrial/off highway to enable the next generation of mobility. In spite of the challenges of recent years, ZF Group recently confirmed it had achieved its financial goals in 2021, exceeding both sales and earnings targets. This has enabled the company to continue to make investments towards its strategic orientation and focus on the future of mobility – including its highest ever spend on research and development. “Our Next Generation Mobility strategy underpins all that we do at ZF – that is to focus on developing and delivering technology solutions to make cars, commercial vehicles and other automotive see, think and act in order to reduce emissions and increase road safety,” Head of ZF in Oceania, Mark Lowe, said. As a division of the ZF Group, ZF Aftermarket says it ensures that ZF’s world-leading OE expertise, knowledge and innovation is consistently carried forward into the aftermarket. A €3 billion business (approximately 4.5 billion AUD), ZF Aftermarket is the second largest aftermarket organisation in the world, employing 9,000 people in more than 120 locations across 40 countries. “ZF Aftermarket really is an architect and pacesetter for the Next Generation Aftermarket,” Mark said. “Backed by industry-leading, forward-thinking research and development, ZF Aftermarket defines and embraces the latest technology to ensure the aftermarket is futureproofed. “ZF Aftermarket benefits from more than 100 years of innovation, technology, expertise and experience in developing OE quality parts; and welcomes the opportunity to combine mechanical and digital technologies to change the world for the better.” ZF: a family of brands

ZF says it has long been regarded as one of the world’s leading suppliers in the automotive aftermarket. It states that its brand portfolio is unmatched, with an impressive range of driveline, chassis, steering and braking components from its primary premium brands – ZF, LEMFÖRDER, SACHS, TRW and most recently, WABCO. ZF’s automotive transmissions are fitted as original equipment to many passenger cars, supported by a range of genuine spare parts for service and repair. ZF also offers its original equipment transmission lubricants range as an aftermarket product called ZF-Lifeguardfluid. ZF Aftermarket states that its LEMFÖRDER brand is considered one of the top brands in steering and suspension components, and is utilised as original equipment fitments by more than 50 vehicle manufacturers worldwide. Another brand in ZF Aftermarket’s portfolio is SACHS, with premium grade clutches and shock absorbers, including a standalone shock absorber range for four-wheel-drives, off-road and utility vehicles – SACHS MAX. The local TRW brake program from ZF in Oceania offers more than 9,000 part numbers, for products including brake pads and discs, as well as companion items like brake hoses, brake fluid, brake grease and brake cleaner. The newest member of the ZF family is WABCO, with its passenger car offering including electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) and vacuum pump for diesel and gasoline engines.

Head of ZF in Oceania, Mark Lowe

Sustainability and remanufacturing

With its products, ZF contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate and enhancing safe mobility – all while striving to be climateneutral by 2040. ZF has reaffirmed its continued commitment to remanufacturing, which enables the company to significantly reduce C02 emissions. In 2020 alone, ZF reduced its global C02 emissions by an estimated 12,444 tonnes and realised an estimated energy savings of 8,740,000 kWh through its remanufacturing processes (when measured against the production of the same quantity of new parts). Throughout its aftermarket product portfolio, ZF offers many products which are suitable for electric and hybrid vehicles, including LEMFÖRDER steering and suspension components, SACHS shock absorbers and clutches, and TRW brakes. Of particular note, is the TRW Electric Blue brake pad which is the world’s first aftermarket brake pad for electric and hybrid vehicles. A true OE alternative, the TRW Electric Blue creates less noise and vibration, making it of particular benefit to these sorts of vehicles. ZF also manufactures TRW brake pads using “Powder Adhesive Technology,” which is a dry powder coating adhesive applied to the carrier plate as opposed to a solvent-based adhesive. As a result, ZF estimates that more than 150 tonnes of solvents are saved each year. ZF in Oceania

In 2022, ZF marks 35 years servicing the Australian, New Zealand and the entire Oceania region. From its small beginnings with one office and five employees, ZF in Oceania now counts over 70 employees and multiple distribution hubs across Australia and New Zealand – while being based out of its headquarters in Blacktown, NSW. A preferred partner for customers across the region, ZF continues to evolve and adapt its offerings to improve the mobility experience for everyone. “Our recipe for success is a combination of our strong customer focus, service presence where our customers need it and a growing product and service portfolio, which caters for the latest trends in e-mobility and digital solutions,” Mark said. “As part of our commitment, we are proud to have recently launched the ZF [pro]Tech program locally, to assist workshops in getting jobs done perfectly and efficiently each and every time.” Providing access to an online portal and content hub, ZF [pro]Tech includes vehicle-specific mounting instructions for LEMFÖRDER, SACHS and TRW products, an online parts catalogue, installation and product expert advice, and much more. ZF’s expertise is also highlighted in its current “Tech Experts” campaign which focuses on the faces within its Oceania business. Featuring 10 local ZF product and technical experts – who hold more than 100 years combined hands-on experience with ZF and its brands – the Tech Experts campaign effectively highlights the industry know-how and experience of the local team. For further information on ZF in Oceania, and its brands and services, visit www.zf.com.au or call 1800 ZF SALES (1800 93 72537).