Pursuing Networked Traffic Concepts Together: ZF Is a New Partner of the Mobility as a Service Alliance

• Special interest platform spanning Europe fosters integration of public and private transport services
• Mobility-as-a-service concepts play a key role in the urban mobility of tomorrow
• With its comprehensive portfolio, ZF offers all technologies for networked and automated solutions from a single source

Friedrichshafen. ZF is the first major automotive supplier to participate in the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Alliance. The objective of this special interest group that spans Europe is to bring about a paradigm shift in urban mobility, promote networked mobility concepts, and create uniform standards for technologies and legislation.

Traffic jams, lack of parking, air pollution – better mobility concepts are needed to avert the threat of complete gridlock in many city centers. There is great potential for new providers in the mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) segment, which focuses on linking public transport and services such as taxis and ride-sharing and bike-sharing providers to form a seamless network. The backbone for this is formed by autonomous and zero-emission cargo and people movers as well as robo-taxis that are to take passengers to their desired destination on demand in the future. In order to accelerate the development and dissemination of such systems even further, ZF is now the first major automotive supplier to join the MaaS Alliance, a special interest group working to facilitate mobility-as-a-service concepts throughout Europe.

All-round package for autonomous shuttles of the future
As the industry’s only systems supplier, ZF offers all the components needed for autonomous people movers from a single source. In addition to sensors, mainframe computers, software and functions, actuators (e.g. steering systems and brakes), and electric drives, the Group’s comprehensive technology portfolio also includes safety products.

At the same time, ZF is continuously developing its integrated systems for networked and automated applications. As recently as spring of this year, the Group further strengthened its position in the growth markets for MaaS solutions by acquiring a majority stake in Dutch mobility provider 2getthere. For more than 20 years, 2getthere has been offering autonomous shuttles for a variety of applications, with the application spectrum of the fully automated electric transport systems ranging from airports, industrial parks, and theme parks to urban transport infrastructures.

Hand in hand for holistic solutions
Together with the partners of the MaaS Alliance, ZF wants to better identify and find sustainable solutions for the challenges posed by the new mobility concepts. “By joining the alliance, we are establishing important contacts both with other mobility service providers and with the public sector, making it possible to bring together our different perspectives and expertise and pull together in the same direction,” says Klaus Kimmelmann, Head of Corporate Strategy at ZF.

The MaaS Alliance was founded as part of a public–private partnership. Its primary objective is to enable the launch of a uniform and open market for MaaS solutions within Europe and beyond. For more information, visit the MaaS Alliance website at www.maas-alliance.eu.

Caption:
Autonomous shuttles such as those of the ZF company 2getthere will relieve traffic even more in the future. Image: ZF

Kay Robinson Communications UK
phone: +44 121 506-5316 e-mail: kay.robinson1-contr@zf.com

Florian Stemmler, Technology and Product Communications
Phone: +49 7541 77-2367, e-mail: florian.stemmler@zf.com

Robert Buchmeier, Head of Technology and Product Communications
Phone: +49 7541 77-2488, e-mail: robert.buchmeier@zf.com

ZF Friedrichshafen AG
ZF is a global technology company and supplies systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, enabling the next generation of mobility. With its comprehensive technology portfolio, the company offers integrated solutions for established vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility.  ZF continually enhances its systems in the areas of digital connectivity and automation in order to allow vehicles to see, think and act.

In 2018, ZF achieved sales of €36.9 billion. The company has a global workforce of 149,000 with approximately 230 locations in 40 countries. ZF invests over six percent of its sales in research and development annually.

For further press information and photos, please visit: www.zf.com

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