ZF has secured a significant contract to supply chassis components to a global vehicle manufacturer, including brake-by-wire technology and advanced steering systems. The agreement marks a milestone for ZF’s Chassis Solutions Division and its development of software-defined vehicle technologies.
The contract includes the supply of ZF’s Electro-Mechanical Brake system alongside traditional braking components, creating a hybrid configuration that combines by-wire technology on the rear brakes with conventional hydraulic systems on the front. The package also includes ZF’s Electric Recirculating Ball Steering Gear.
“We are all proud to see ZF’s technology leadership in the Chassis segment providing tangible value for our customers,” said Peter Holdmann, Board of Management member at ZF and head of Division Chassis Solutions. “Our goal when combining our steering, braking, dampers and actuators as well as corresponding software businesses into a single division was to create the world’s most comprehensive Chassis Solutions product and system offering.”
The brake-by-wire system eliminates the need for brake fluid in the rear, using electric motors instead of hydraulic pressure to generate braking force. The front brakes will utilize ZF’s Colette-type caliper, which the company describes as the most widely used floating caliper globally.
The steering system operates on 48V power and is designed to replace current hydraulic applications while enabling advanced driver assistance features up to Level 2/2+, with potential for higher automation levels.
“This major business win shows that our strategy is correct and successful,” Holdmann added. “With a comprehensive product portfolio consisting of hardware and software with solutions for motion control of vehicles in vertical, transverse and longitudinal dynamics, we supply customers with system know-how from a single source.”
The technology package is part of ZF’s broader strategy to develop components for software-defined vehicles, including features such as autonomous emergency braking and steering in crash situations. The company has not disclosed the identity of the manufacturer or the specific vehicle platform for the new systems.
