ZF establishes third research and development center in China
- New center in Guangzhou strengthens development expertise in the Asia-Pacific region
- Focus on future technologies such as automated driving and electric mobility
Guangzhou, China/Friedrichshafen, Germany. ZF Friedrichshafen AG is establishing a third Chinese research and development center in Guangzhou southern China. Representatives of ZF and the local authorities have signed an agreement and ZF plans to invest approximately €90 million in the new development center.
ZF already has two development centers in China, both located in Shanghai. With their respective focus on the development of active and passive safety technology as well as driveline and chassis technology, the two centers support ZF customers throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, the massive expansion of future technologies such as automated driving and e-mobility has created additional demand for engineering capacities, which ZF is addressing with the establishment of the research and development center in Guangzhou.
“The decision to build a third development center in China is of great importance and confirms ZF’s strategic goal of further expansion in the largest global automotive market,” says Dr. Holger Klein, member of ZF’s Board of Management and responsible for the Asia-Pacific region. “The new center will develop key technologies and system solutions for ZF that we can also use in other market regions.”
The new research and development center in Guangzhou, is planned to be operational by 2023. In addition, the center will also be home to a satellite of the Shanghai-based research and development centers in order to optimally serve customers in southern China.
The development center in Guangzhou will have core competencies in engineering and research and development and will cover aspects such as software development and related technologies for the mobility of the future. Together, the three research and development centers in China will be able to offer ZF customers comprehensive system solutions ranging from software to hardware, thus contributing to clean, safe, and affordable next-generation mobility. The settlement in Guangzhou also follows the ZF approach of localizing research and development directly in the respective markets and quickly adapting to the industry trends in electrification, automation, connectivity, and mobility services in China.
ZF in China
ZF has been represented in China since 1981. The expansion of business in China is an important goal of ZF’s “Next Generation Mobility” strategy. ZF operates around 40 production facilities in China representing all divisions; the headquarters for the Asia-Pacific market region and two research and development centers are located in Shanghai. In 2018, ZF generated sales of €6.2 billion in China with 14,800 employees.
Andreas Veil, Head of Business and Finance Communications,
phone: +49 7541 77-7925, email: andreas.veil@zf.com
Dr. Jochen Mayer, Business and Finance Communications,
phone: +49 7541 77-7028, email: jochen.mayer@zf.com
Kay Robinson Communications UK
phone: +44 121 506-5316 e-mail: kay.robinson1-contr@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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