Outline how ZF can help transport operators?
ZF is enabling customers worldwide to unlock new levels of efficiency and performance as well as reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) with a comprehensive portfolio of decarbonisation, automation, intelligent chassis, safety and digital solutions.
Our bus business has grown by 30% over the last three years, and we now have orders in the pipeline of more than €1 billion.
That’s a clear signal we’re delivering what the market needs. From development to deployment, TCO is at the heart of every solution we bring to our customers.
Engineering efficiency, reliability, safety and sustainability into every product and system is the key to unlocking long-term value.
With our deep engineering expertise, global presence and a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions at scale, we see more OEMs and fleet operators equipping their vehicles with our intelligent systems.
Tell us about ZF’s new axle products?
At the Busworld 2025 fair in October, we presented our latest advancements in bus and coach technologies to make people mobility smarter, safer and more sustainable.
This included a new generation of axles for upcoming bus and coach platforms, including the A134 axle which enables overall energy savings through improved recuperation capacity and reduced weight, while maintaining existing installation points.
We also revealed details about our AV134 portal axle, which has up to 20% higher torque capacity and enables more than 4% lower energy consumption compared to the previous generation. The start of production is planned for 2027.
Our latest central electric drive, CeTrax 2 dual, achieves an efficiency rate of at least 94.5%, while our latest electric portal axle – the AxTrax 2 LF – can also generate 20% energy savings compared to its predecessor, to support 6×4 configurations as well as 6×2, providing OEMs with design flexibility.
What other new products has ZF recently launched?
There have been new additions to our electrified auxiliary systems portfolio, including a newly developed Air Supply Unit, featuring our recently launched oil-free e-comp Scroll compressor.
These systems enhance efficiency and significantly reduce noise, vibration and harshness, a growing area of focus given the quiet operation of electric buses.
At the Busworld show, we also launched our Software Update Management System (SUMS) Suite, which enables bus and coach OEMs to meet regulatory requirements for secure vehicle software updates and cybersecurity, in compliance with UN/ECE R156.
Tell us about ZF’s braking and e-drive synergy programme
Based on our new electric drives and the modular braking platform mBSP XBS, the Braking and e-Drive Synergy Programme solution uses advanced software to synchronise driveline and braking into one integrated system.
It maximises energy efficiency while maintaining full stability control, improving operating costs and reducing TCO for fleets.
What safety products does ZF produce?
Our suite of products already meets Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and General Safety Regulation (GSR) standards. At Busworld 2025, we introduced two new solutions that comply with the GSR: The Advanced Driver Distraction Warning, which monitors driver behaviour to detect distraction, fatigue or other unsafe actions, as well as the Event Data Recorder, which can provide vital crash-related vehicle data to support accident investigations and safety analysis.
Fabian Schlegel
Senior Vice President and Head of EMEA Region, ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division
