ZF Friedrichshafen

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A German technology group supplying driveline, chassis, safety, control and industrial systems.

Last updated August 27, 2026

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Overview

ZF Friedrichshafen AG, commonly known as ZF or ZF Group, is a German technology manufacturer headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Baden-Württemberg. The company is best known as a major global automotive supplier, but its engineering and manufacturing activities also serve commercial vehicles, rail, marine, aviation, defense, construction, agriculture, material handling and other industrial applications. Its portfolio spans mechanical systems, electronics, software and integrated vehicle-control technologies. ZF was established in 1915 as a subsidiary of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin to manufacture gears for airships. The restrictions placed on German aircraft production after the First World War encouraged a shift toward automotive engineering. ZF entered the automobile market in 1919, developed early transmissions during the 1920s and began producing steering systems in the following decade. Its move into Friedrichshafen and the adoption of the ZF name helped establish the identity that the company uses today. Transmission technology became one of ZF’s defining businesses. The company developed manual, automated-manual, continuously variable, dual-clutch and automatic transmissions for passenger cars, trucks, buses and off-road machinery. Its 5HP, 6HP, 8HP and 9HP automatic-transmission families became particularly important in the passenger-car market. The 8HP, introduced into production at the end of the 2000s, was designed to improve efficiency while providing a broad ratio spread and smooth shifting. ZF subsequently expanded its electrified driveline portfolio with electric motors, hybrid modules and integrated electric-drive systems. The group’s scope broadened through the addition of steering, chassis, braking, occupant-protection and commercial-vehicle-control businesses. Acquisitions and partnerships involving Lemförder, Sachs, TRW Automotive and WABCO strengthened its position in chassis components, passive and active safety, aftermarket products, braking controls and fleet technologies. The company also supplies axles, dampers, steering systems, airbags, seat belts, electronic control units, sensors and driver-assistance functions. ZF is organized around technologies including passenger-car powertrain and chassis systems, active and passive safety, commercial-vehicle technology and control systems, industrial technology and aftermarket operations. Its customers include vehicle manufacturers and operators, while its products are also sold through aftermarket brands such as ZF, LEMFÖRDER, SACHS, TRW and BOGE. The company’s industrial activities include gearboxes and driveline systems for wind turbines, agricultural and construction equipment, marine propulsion, rail vehicles and specialized machinery. The company has increasingly emphasized electrification, electronic control, automated driving and software-defined vehicle functions. It has partnered with companies including Aeva and Wolfspeed and created a chassis-systems venture with Foxconn. In 2025, ZF announced the planned sale of its passenger-car advanced driver-assistance business to Harman as part of a strategic effort to realign its portfolio while retaining selected chassis-electronics, passive-safety and commercial-vehicle ADAS activities. According to the cited reference material, ZF operated 162 production locations in 29 countries and employed approximately 153,000 people in 2025.

History

ZF Friedrichshafen began in 1915 in Friedrichshafen as Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen, a subsidiary of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin. Its original purpose was the manufacture of gears for Zeppelins and other airships. After the First World War, the Treaty of Versailles restricted German aircraft production, encouraging the company to seek civilian and automotive applications. ZF entered the automobile market in 1919 and filed a patent for the Soden six-speed transmission in 1920. The company moved to Friedrichshafen in 1927 and adopted the ZF Friedrichshafen name. Its helical Aphon transmission entered series production in 1929 for cars and commercial vehicles. Steering-system production began in the 1930s under license. During the Second World War, the company was connected to Germany’s military-industrial production and its facilities were damaged by bombing in 1944. Some operations were relocated, and postwar reconstruction required the company to rebuild its industrial base. ZF resumed technological development after the war. In 1953 it introduced what was described as the first fully synchronized commercial-vehicle transmission. It developed automatic passenger-car transmissions during the 1960s, with series production of the 3HP20 beginning in 1969. The company supplied transmissions to German and other European vehicle manufacturers, then expanded its international manufacturing footprint during the 1970s and 1980s. It entered markets including India, South Korea, China and the United States, and began U.S. transmission production in Gainesville, Georgia, in 1986. The 1980s and 1990s brought broader diversification into chassis, steering and drivetrain components. ZF obtained a majority interest in Lemförder Metallwaren in 1984, creating the basis for ZF Lemförder. It developed transmissions for heavy commercial vehicles and introduced the 5HP18 five-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars in 1991. In 1999, the steering business was separated into ZF Lenksysteme, a joint venture with Robert Bosch. The same year, ZF presented a six-speed automatic transmission, which entered series production in 2001. Expansion continued through acquisitions. Mannesmann Sachs was acquired in 2001 and renamed ZF Sachs, adding clutch, shock-absorber and drivetrain capabilities. ZF acquired Cherry Corporation in 2008, adding automotive electronics and control products. During the global financial crisis, the company obtained a €250 million loan from Germany’s state-owned KfW Bank and undertook restructuring that included the closure of unprofitable locations and a reduction in worldwide employment. ZF’s 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission entered production in 2009 and became a major product family. The company later developed the transverse 9HP nine-speed automatic transmission, which was demonstrated by Land Rover in 2013 and used in the Jeep Cherokee. In 2013, ZF opened a passenger-car transmission plant in Gray Court, South Carolina. A major turning point came with the acquisition of TRW Automotive, announced in 2014 and completed in 2015. The transaction added extensive active- and passive-safety, electronics and chassis capabilities. ZF also acquired the industrial-gear and wind-turbine gearbox business associated with Bosch Rexroth in 2015. Further purchases included Simi Reality Motion Systems in 2019 and WABCO, whose commercial-vehicle control activities were integrated into ZF in 2020. In the 2020s, ZF placed greater emphasis on electrification, automated driving, software and semiconductor partnerships. It announced cooperation with Aeva on lidar, created a silicon-carbide collaboration with Wolfspeed, and formed a passenger-car chassis partnership with Foxconn in 2023. In 2025, ZF announced a strategic realignment involving the planned sale of its passenger-car ADAS business to Harman while retaining other safety, chassis-electronics and commercial-vehicle automated-driving activities. The company remains a large global supplier with operations across automotive and industrial markets.

2025
Planned sale of passenger-car ADAS business
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
ZF announced the planned sale of its passenger-car ADAS business to Harman for approximately €1.5 billion.
2023
Chassis partnership with Foxconn
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
ZF and Foxconn announced a 50-50 passenger-car chassis-systems venture.
2020
WABCO integration and lidar partnership
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
ZF completed the WABCO acquisition and entered a production-oriented lidar partnership with Aeva.
2019
WABCO acquisition announced
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
ZF announced the acquisition of WABCO, expanding its commercial-vehicle control systems business.
2015
TRW and industrial-gear acquisitions
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
ZF completed the TRW acquisition and acquired an industrial-gear and wind-turbine gearbox business associated with Bosch Rexroth.
2014
Agreement to acquire TRW Automotive
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
ZF agreed to acquire TRW Automotive in a transaction valued at approximately $13.5 billion.
2009
8HP transmission enters production
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
Series production began for the ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission.
2001
Mannesmann Sachs acquisition
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
ZF acquired Mannesmann Sachs and renamed the business ZF Sachs.
1999
Six-speed automatic transmission and steering joint venture
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
ZF presented a six-speed automatic transmission and separated its steering systems activity into a joint venture with Bosch.
1991
5HP18 five-speed automatic transmission
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
ZF introduced the 5HP18, an early five-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars.
1984
Expansion into chassis components through Lemförder
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
ZF gained a majority interest in Lemförder Metallwaren and subsequently established ZF Lemförder.
1953
Fully synchronized commercial-vehicle transmission
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
ZF launched a fully synchronized transmission for commercial vehicles.
1927
Move to Friedrichshafen and adoption of the ZF name
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
The company moved to Friedrichshafen and became known as ZF Friedrichshafen.
1919
Entry into automotive engineering
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
Restrictions on German aircraft production helped redirect ZF toward automobile products.
1915
Company founded as an airship-gear manufacturer
[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
Luftschiffbau Zeppelin established Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen in Friedrichshafen to manufacture gears for airships.

Products and positioning

A high-technology, engineering-led supplier of integrated mobility, safety, electrification and industrial systems.

Passenger-car automatic transmission · 2009
ZF 8HP
The 8HP is ZF’s longitudinal eight-speed automatic-transmission family for passenger cars and related applications. It was developed to combine smooth shifting, a wide ratio spread and improved efficiency compared with earlier automatic transmissions. The architecture has been adapted for different engine outputs and for hybridized powertrains, making it one of ZF’s most recognizable driveline products.
Passenger-car automatic transmission · 2013
ZF 9HP
The 9HP is a transverse nine-speed automatic transmission designed for front- and all-wheel-drive passenger vehicles. ZF developed it with a compact layout and closely spaced ratios intended to support fuel efficiency, refinement and flexible vehicle packaging. Land Rover demonstrated the technology in 2013, and the transmission was subsequently used in applications including the Jeep Cherokee.
Electrified powertrain
ZF electric and hybrid driveline systems
ZF’s electrified powertrain portfolio includes electric motors, integrated electric drives, hybrid modules, power electronics and electronic interfaces. These systems are developed for passenger cars and commercial vehicles and can be combined with mechanical transmissions, battery-electric architectures or hybrid layouts. The portfolio reflects ZF’s shift from conventional transmission manufacturing toward complete, electronically managed propulsion systems.
Chassis technology
ZF chassis and suspension systems
ZF supplies wheel-guidance components, axles, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, stabilizer systems, dampers and complete chassis modules. Its electronic and electromechanical technologies include Continuous Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization. These products are intended to improve ride comfort, handling, body control and vehicle integration across passenger cars, commercial vehicles and selected industrial applications.
Vehicle safety
ZF active and passive safety systems
Following the expansion of its safety activities through TRW, ZF has supplied braking and stability-control electronics, steering-related safety technologies, airbags, inflators, seat belts, steering wheels and crash sensors. The company has also developed advanced driver-assistance hardware and software, including camera- and radar-based functions. In 2025, ZF announced the planned divestment of its passenger-car ADAS business while retaining other safety and commercial-vehicle capabilities.
Commercial-vehicle technology · 2020
ZF commercial-vehicle control systems
This portfolio includes braking controls, vehicle-motion management, connectivity and assistance technologies for trucks, buses, trailers and other commercial vehicles. It was strengthened substantially by the integration of WABCO. ZF also supplies commercial-vehicle transmissions, clutches, axles, steering systems and electric drives, allowing it to combine control electronics with mechanical vehicle systems.
Automotive aftermarket
ZF aftermarket brands
ZF serves the replacement-parts market under the ZF, LEMFÖRDER, SACHS, TRW and BOGE brands. The products cover drivetrain, clutch, suspension, steering, chassis and braking applications. The aftermarket business extends the group’s original-equipment engineering into repair and maintenance channels for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial equipment.

Brand decisions

2025
Planned divestment of passenger-car ADAS activitiesM&A
Background
ZF announced a portfolio realignment intended to focus resources on selected chassis-electronics, passive-safety and commercial-vehicle technologies.
Action taken
ZF announced the planned sale of its passenger-car ADAS hardware and software business to Harman International for approximately €1.5 billion.
Aftermath
ZF stated that it would retain chassis electronics, passive-safety technologies and ADAS development for commercial vehicles.
Transaction value. €1.5 billion (2025)
Source
2023
Passenger-car chassis partnership with FoxconnM&A
Background
ZF sought to expand the scalability and customer reach of its passenger-car chassis-modules business.
Action taken
ZF and Foxconn announced a 50-50 partnership, with Foxconn acquiring half of ZF Chassis Modules GmbH.
Aftermath
The parties positioned the venture as a platform for broader automotive and supply-chain opportunities.
Source
2019
WABCO acquisitionM&A
Background
ZF aimed to strengthen its position in commercial-vehicle braking, control and connectivity technologies.
Action taken
ZF announced the acquisition of WABCO and later integrated the company as its Commercial Vehicle Control Systems division.
Aftermath
The transaction broadened ZF’s commercial-vehicle technology portfolio.
Source
2014
Agreement to acquire TRW AutomotiveM&A
Background
ZF sought to broaden its automotive-systems portfolio beyond driveline and chassis engineering.
Action taken
ZF agreed to acquire TRW Automotive for approximately $13.5 billion and sold its ZF Lenksysteme stake to Bosch to facilitate the transaction.
Aftermath
The acquisition was completed in 2015 and substantially expanded ZF’s active-safety, passive-safety and electronics businesses.
Transaction value. $13.5 billion (2014)
Source
2008
Crisis financing and restructuringStrategy
Background
The global financial crisis placed pressure on automotive suppliers and ZF’s operating footprint.
Action taken
ZF took a €250 million loan from state-owned KfW Bank and reorganized operations, including the closure of unprofitable locations.
Aftermath
The restructuring was intended to stabilize the company and reduce the need for further employment cuts.
Loan. €250 million (2008)
Source

Recent events

2025
ZF announces planned sale of passenger-car ADAS business to Harman[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
M&A
ZF announced that it would sell its passenger-car advanced driver-assistance hardware and software activities to Harman International for approximately €1.5 billion, subject to the transaction’s conditions. ZF stated that it would retain selected chassis-electronics, passive-safety and commercial-vehicle ADAS capabilities.
2023
ZF and Foxconn establish a chassis-systems partnership[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
M&A
ZF and Hon Hai Technology Group announced a 50-50 passenger-car chassis-systems partnership. Foxconn agreed to acquire half of ZF Chassis Modules GmbH.
2022
ZF and Wolfspeed announce silicon-carbide collaboration[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
Other
ZF and Wolfspeed announced a German research-and-development center and a broader cooperation concerning silicon-carbide power semiconductor technology for electric mobility.
2020
ZF completes acquisition of WABCO[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
M&A
ZF completed its acquisition of WABCO, adding braking control, fleet connectivity and other commercial-vehicle technologies. WABCO was integrated into ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Control Systems activities.
2020
ZF partners with Aeva on automotive lidar production[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
Other
ZF entered a partnership with Aeva to support production applications for lidar sensors intended for automated-driving systems.
2014
ZF agrees to acquire TRW Automotive[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
M&A
ZF agreed to acquire TRW Automotive in a transaction valued at approximately $13.5 billion. The deal materially expanded ZF’s capabilities in active safety, passive safety and electronics.
2014
ZF sells its stake in ZF Lenksysteme to Bosch[1]ZF Friedrichshafenen.wikipedia.org
M&A
To remove an ownership obstacle connected with the TRW transaction, ZF sold its interest in the steering joint venture ZF Lenksysteme to Robert Bosch. The business subsequently became Bosch Automotive Steering.

Sources18 sources

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