ZF Shows E-mobility Tech as German Vice Chancellor Visits China

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Habeck visited production lines of stator, rotor and E-Axle and discussed ZF's technological strengths and innovations in the field of sustainable development. He is accompanied by Renee Wang, Executive Vice President, President of China and Operation Asia Pacific, ZF Group, Timo Maisel, Senior Vice President of Electrified Powertrain Technology Division, Asia Pacific, ZF Group, and Tom Chen, General Manager of ZF Electrified Powertrain Technologies (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. 

In China, Electrified Powertrain Technology Division has six plants and two technical centers, with main products including 8-speed automatic transmission, axle drive, electric axle drives, electric motors, power electronics and reducers. As a benchmark in Industry 4.0, the Hangzhou plant represents ZF's achievements and innovative concepts in the field of e-mobility.

Established in 2005, ZF Electrified Powertrain Technologies (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. is mainly engaged in engineering, production, sales and service of gear manufacturing, axle drive, e-motor and electric axle drive system.

For the Hangzhou plant project, in Phase One, ZF has completed three machining and assembly lines with an annual production capacity of 400,000 sets of axle drive systems and reducer gear sets. In Phase Two, ZF mainly produces 800V electric axle drives, including hairpin motor stator and rotor lines, highly integrated electric axle drive assembly lines and fully automated EOL (end of line) testing equipment, with production capacity of 200,000 sets a year. The second e-motor assembly line, with an annual capacity of 300,000 sets, is being installed and commissioned. ZF actively promotes the application of regenerative energy in its plants, using solar energy for power generation, to further reduce the dependence on traditional energy sources and lead the industry in the direction of sustainable development.

Sustainability is the cornerstone of ZF Group’s development strategy. As the world attaches increasing importance to sustainable development, the prospect of e-mobility is promising. ZF will make full use of its technological expertise, enhance product performance and quality, and promote the development of new energy vehicles by collaboration with partners, so as to achieve "carbon neutrality" and make contribution to a green, clean and sustainable mobility.

"ZF has been an integral part of China’s social and economic fabric for 43 years since it entered the Chinese market. It has set a benchmark for German companies striving for success in the Chinese market. Sales from the Asia Pacific region, predominantly from China, constitute approximately a quarter of ZF Group’s worldwide sales. Our accomplishments in the Asia-Pacific have not only bolstered ZF’s global prowess but also fortified the group’s standing in the international market, yielding benefits for both China and Germany," said Stephan von Schuckmann, board member of the ZF Group. "We, at ZF, wish to convey our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the visit of Robert Habeck, the German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, to our Chinese plant. We are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of economic and trade ties between China and Germany, as well as promoting societal sustainable development."

"ZF Asia Pacific Region performed well in 2023 in a number of areas. New business wins in Passenger Cars accounted for a significant proportion of the global total, Commercial Vehicles sales grew rapidly, and Aftermarket grew exponentially. In the Industrial Technology sector, the Asia Pacific business made new breakthroughs, entering new markets and winning new orders. On the financial front, Asia Pacific's contribution to the Group is even more impressive. The size and growth potential of the Asia Pacific market is a strategic target that many German multinationals, including ZF, cannot afford to miss," said Renee Wang, Executive Vice President, President of China and Operation Asia Pacific, ZF Group. 

ZF's sales in China reached 8.1 billion euros in 2023, an increase of 5.2% over the previous year. At present, ZF has more than 50 production enterprises, five R&D centers and nearly 240 aftersales service outlets located in more than 20 cities in China, and hundreds of outstanding passenger cars and commercial vehicle models are equipped with ZF products and technologies. ZF Group attaches great importance to the Chinese market. China's huge market, advanced supply chain, complete infrastructure, growing innovation capacity, and consumers' pursuit of intelligent technology all provide further room for growth for ZF's strategic development.