Maximum reliability ceased to be the only decisive criterion for modern commercial vehicles a long time ago: In order to be able to meet the ever-growing demand, whether it is from fleet operators, legislators, or truckers, trucks and buses also have to be more efficient, economical and environmentally-friendly, as well as safer and more comfortable. ZF Friedrichshafen AG continues to contribute to the achievement of these objectives. The technology company demonstrated its overall competence at IAA Commercial Vehicles.
ZF’s innovations for driveline, chassis, and steering systems have always kept in mind the intelligent interplay between the three. This is because completely new functions can derive from the networking of individual systems, as is shown by the ZF Innovation Truck at its trade fair debut at the IAA 2014: The hybrid version of the TraXon automatic transmission system is combined with the Servotwin superimposed steering system and telematics solutions from Openmatics in this truck prototype.
In this way, the truck,which is more than 25 meters long incl. semitrailer and trailer, can be remotely maneuvered conveniently and safely using a tablet – and it is locally emission-free because only the electric motor in the hybrid system is active during the process.
Just how important such assistance functions could be in future generations of vehicles is underlined in FERNFAHRER, ZF’s study on the future of transport – a study the technology company discussed with partners at Hanover. One of the conclusions of the study is that the logistics sector will undergo greater industrialization in the future. In the light of the already noticeable shortage of drivers, truckers will in future concentrate more on the actual activity of driving. Loading and unloading on the ramp must then be separated from the actual driving activities.
Leveraging efficiency potential in trucks
As the latest development in commercial vehicle driveline technology, the technology company will be presenting its modular, automatic TraXon transmission system at the IAA 2014 in Hanover. This is particularly versatile and offers for the first time a dual clutch and hybrid module for heavy trucks. The technology company generates additional value added for customers with its extensive electronics expertise. Using intelligent gearshift strategies such as PreVision GPS, the transmission is aware of the route ahead and selects the gears with the same degree of anticipation as a driver on his/her familiar daily route. Furthermore, ZF utilizes its expertise in electrical systems and electronics for efficient hybridized truck drivelines and active chassis systems such as CDC 1XL.
ZF adopts lightweight construction right across the broad product portfolio for trucks – with a particular focus on the chassis. The weight of commercial vehicles is still being reduced thanks to complete front and rear axles, suspension arms, as well as damper modules and systems from ZF. The new independent suspension IS 80 TF for heavy trucks alone saves 40 kilos compared to the current air-spring solid axle which is guided by control arms. Particularly with regard to chassis, downsizing has a positive effect in many ways: For example, a lower curb weight of trucks increases the load capacity, whilst lower unsprung masses increase comfort and reduce bearing wear. Moreover, ZF lightweight technology can compensate for the extra weight associated with the additional components required for the EURO 6 standard.
Modern bus technology ensures mobility
The continuous trend towards urbanization is causing environmental damage and noise exposure to increase in metropolises around the world. Concepts for compelling public transport are all the more required. ZF technology is contributing towards making this economically feasible: For instance, the ZFEcoLife automatic transmission for buses makes public transport both more fuel-efficient and quieter.
If they are to be deployed in efficient Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems with separate bus lanes, transport means also require sophisticated low-floor axles. In this respect, the RL 82 EC front independent suspension and the AVE 130 rear electric portal axle from ZF are the benchmarks: ZF-chassis technology supports a continuous level, barrier-free floor and low vehicle floor height.
Additional benefits come along with ZF’s telematics solution, Openmatics. Operators can use this across the entire range of buses and trucks irrespective of the manufacturer – and thanks to the app concept, extend them with applications of their choice – even ones they have developed themselves. The latest Openmatics app is called “Profi Driver”: It offers proactive driver training and thus considerably contributes to reducing fleet consumption, vehicle wear, and maintenance costs.
With the innovative “Driving Times” app, dispatchers are able to identify violations of driving and resting periods at an early stage and to respond proactively. These are, however, only two examples of many by which Openmatics illustrates at the IAA how everyday life of fleet operators and drivers can be made easier and more efficient.
ZF take-over of TRW Automotive: Agreement signed
ZF Friedrichshafen AG and TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which ZF will acquire TRW. The combined company will be a global leader in the automotive supplier business with pro forma combined sales of about €30 billion (approx. $41 billion) and 138,000 employees. Together, ZF and TRW will be uniquely positioned to benefit from the megatrends of the automotive industry on a global basis. Both companies have acknowledged technology positions in high-growth segments that profit from the megatrends towards fuel efficiency, increased safety requirements and autonomous driving. ZF is an important player in driveline and chassis technologies, whereas TRW is a significant supplier of active and passive safety technologies, including advanced driver assistance systems. Both of them have demonstrated a strong track record based on high product quality and continued innovation for their customers. Stefan Sommer, Chief Executive Officer of ZF, said: “The acquisition of TRW fits perfectly into our long-term strategy. The transaction combines two highly successful companies that have remarkable track records of innovation and growth and solid financial positions. We are strengthening our future prospects by enlarging our product portfolio with acknowledged technologies in the most attractive segments.” Sommer continued: “This is an acquisition in the spirit of a partnership. We look forward to welcoming TRW’s employees to our company and are committed to working closely with them to realize the potential of this exciting combination. The Detroit metro area will remain a major business center for the company, and we expect employees from both companies to benefit from the enhanced career opportunities at a larger, more diversified company.” John C. Plant, Chairman and CEO of TRW, observed: “We have long respected ZF as a very successful company in our industry with similar values and focus on innovation. This transaction provides significant benefits for our shareholders who will receive a full and certain value for their shares, as well as for our employees, customers and communities, all of which will reap the benefits of being part of a larger, more diversified global organization. Our employees have shown admirable dedication in growing TRW into the formidable company it is today, and our strong performance is a testament to their hard work.” With the acquisition of TRW, ZF would more than double its sales in two of the most significant countries of the world for automotive sales – China and the US. The combined group will generate about half of its sales in Europe and half in North America, Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world. ZF will remain headquartered in Friedrichshafen. TRW will be integrated into ZF as a separate business division. |
