Right on Track
September was a dynamic and eventful month for ZF and the automotive industry. A major highlight for both the sector and our company was IAA Mobility 2025, where ZF Group showcased cutting-edge innovations in Vehicle Motion Control, Electromobility, ADAS, and Passive Safety — and engaged in many successful conversations with customers and partners. ZF also reached a new milestone in its wind power business and unveiled a new pod propulsion system for the marine sector. October marks a new chapter for ZF with the appointment of our new CEO, Mathias Miedreich, along with several changes in the responsibilities of the Board of Management. Discover all these stories and many more exciting updates in the latest edition of our newsletter, To Mobility and Beyond. Enjoy!
What's New at ZF
Mathias Miedreich Takes Over as New CEO of ZF
Effective today, October 1, Mathias Miedreich officially assumes the role of CEO at ZF. He has been a member of the ZF Board of Management since January 2025 and has led the Electrified Powertrain Technologies division — a role he will continue to hold. In addition to his current responsibilities, Miedreich will now oversee the Commercial Vehicle Solutions and Industrial Technology divisions, as well as the Asia-Pacific region. Further changes within the ZF Board of Management in addition to their existing responsibilities also take effect today:
- CHRO Dr. Dr. Lea Corzilius will take on responsibility for ZF’s Aftermarket division.
- CFO Michael Frick will assume responsibility for the Electronics and ADAS division.
- Dr. Peter Holdmann will take over leadership of the India region.
Landmark Deal with Employee Representatives to Reshape Division E
Following intensive and constructive negotiations within the Alliance for Competitiveness and Job Security, ZF has agreed on a comprehensive package of measures with the company’s general works council and IG Metall union. It has been decided to restructure the Electrified Powertrain Technologies division (Division E) as integral part of ZF. This joint effort provides comprehensive measures to strengthen competitiveness, coupled with a consistent orientation of the product range and a transparent new path toward possible partial partnerships (“ecosystem”). Passenger car driveline technology will thus remain an integral part of ZF. During the negotiations, contributions from employees in all ZF divisions in Germany were also agreed upon, which will strengthen the competitiveness of the entire company.
With this alliance, we are breaking new ground in the industry and reaching a milestone for ZF. The aim is to strengthen our position as a leading technological player in the market in the long term and to significantly increase our competitiveness. We are aware that the path to this goal will involve tough cuts for our employees. Now it is time to work together to overcome these difficult times for the good of the company. With this alliance, we have set the right course.”
ZF CEO Mathias Miedreich
IAA Mobility 2025 Review
At the IAA MOBILITY 2025, ZF showcased how cars will drive tomorrow: electrically, connected, and safe. The Group is already supplying production-ready drives as well as by-wire systems and software for chassis, and is thus shaping the software-defined electric vehicle of the future. ZF is also setting standards in e-mobility: the SELECT platform combines highly integrated electric drives, power electronics and software. TherMaS controls the temperature – efficiently and precisely tailored to the energy requirements of modern electric vehicles. Many conversations with customers, partners and guests made the IAA a huge success for the Group. Special highlights were the visits of several politicians at the booth – among them German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Gretchen Whitmer , Governor of Michigan.
Vehicle Health Monitoring: Digital Health Checks for Cars
Car users do not want to compromise on the functionality of their vehicles. Especially before long journeys, information about the risk of breakdown due to wear, defects or malfunctions is particularly important. In this context, ZF supports automotive manufacturers in offering monitoring services. Thanks to its comprehensive understanding of the system, the technology group is already able to continuously monitor and document the technical condition of important systems in the chassis or drive train and provide forecasts of their functionality. Corresponding applications provide timely information about relevant effects, such as expected breakdowns, and give valid recommendations for repairs. As a result, the condition of the vehicle can be improved, the safety of the vehicle and driver increased, accidents avoided, and downtime reduced. Fleet operators and shared mobility providers in particular benefit from these digital services.
Further Development for Hybrid Drive: ZF Presents 8HP evo
At the IAA 2025, ZF presented the further developed ‘8HP evo’ automatic transmission – a response to the global boom in hybrid drives. Based on the benchmark 8-speed transmission and equipped with numerous further developments, the 8HP evo is designed for a wide range of hybrid platforms and manufacturer requirements. ZF is thus creating the technological basis for the even more extensive electrification of future model generations.
ZF LIFETEC Unveils a Transformable Steering Wheel
ZF LIFETEC presented a pioneering steering wheel concept at IAA Mobility. The concept responds to the transformation that vehicle interiors will undergo in the future in the age of automated driving. The steering wheel system from ZF LIFETEC features an internal electric drive unit that folds the rim downward in approximately two seconds – giving car manufacturers the option to integrate a smooth, silent retraction into the dashboard. This creates space for flexible, individual interior concepts (“Interior of the Future”). The transformable steering wheel offers greater comfort and space in the parking position, as well as in future automated driving modes.
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ZF Gray Court Breaks Ground on Expansion
ZF announced an expansion of its Gray Court, South Carolina facility. Groundbreaking of the expansion took place September 9, marking the start of construction on a new 45,000-square-foot addition that will support the site’s growing logistics operations.
ZF Continues to Expand Steering System Capacity in China
ZF signed an investment agreement with Zhangjiagang Economic Development Zone, announcing the expansion of its localized intelligent chassis technologies in the city. Under the agreement, ZF plans to expand the product portfolio and production capacity of Active Kinematics Control (AKC) and Steer-by-Wire (SbW), in order to meet the growing demand for intelligent, high-performance driving experiences in domestic and international markets, and to support the accelerated transformation and upgrading of China’s automotive industry.
10 GW in Offshore Wind: ZF Wind Power Announces a New Milestone
At the heart of the energy transition lies collaboration. ZF Wind Power is proud to announce a new milestone in System Co*operation: over 10 GW of shipped offshore wind capacity. This impressive number is the result of thirty years of offshore innovation in close partnership with Vestas, one of the world’s leading companies in sustainable energy solutions. This milestone marks a significant step forward in shaping the future of offshore wind through integrated solutions, shared innovation and long-term strategic alignment.
Powered-Up Propulsion: ZF Marine Unveils new POD 4900
ZF is extending its pod propulsion range with the new POD 4900. Designed for larger commercial and recreational vessels measuring up to 150 feet, the system is compatible with engines up to 2,000 HP at 2,450 RPM. Through close cooperation among the three companies, ZF’s POD 4900 will first launch onboard the Azimut Grande 30M superyacht as part of a highly integrated power pack by Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
Product of the Month: ZF ProAI
Video of the Month: Impressions from the IAA Mobility
At IAA Mobility 2025, ZF showcased how cars will drive tomorrow: electrically, connected and safe. Watch now to see our highlights from the show:
What's Next
- ZF Test Systems will be at the Battery Show in Detroit, Michigan from October 7-9. Visit Booth 3643 to discover next-generation solutions for EV battery testing, DC power electronics with advanced SiC technology and full-spectrum testing.
- The Bodensee Youth Conference (on October 8) at the Zeppelin University in Friedrichshafen, Germany fosters open dialogue between young changemakers and leaders in politics, business, science and civil society. Held annually by ZF, Zeppelin University and the Club of International Politics, this year’s fourth edition is titled: “The End of the Liberal Era? – Shaping the Future in Times of Upheaval. Lern more about the BYC on our website
- ZF will be present at AUSA in Washington D.C. (October 13-15), Booth 2611, Hall B, German Pavilion. More information on our website
- Join us on the ZF booth at IREE 2025 in New Delhi, Bharat Mandapam, October 15-17, 2025, hall 5, booth 5.114 + 5.116 and find out how we're redefining India's mobility. Learn more on our website
- Visit ZF at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) (October 29 - November 2) at Booth #1211, Engine Tent.
- ZF Wind Power will be present from October 29 to 31 at Windergy India 2025 in Chennai,to celebrate its 60 GW production milestone in Coimbatore, showcase a 3 GW expansion in India totaling 12 GW of Indian production capacity, and introduce the four new Thrive Partnership Agreements to the Indian market — all powered by strong System Co*operation, innovation, and sustainability from Co*Design to Co*Service.
It is inspiring to see how ZF Group keeps advadvancing in sustainable mobility solutions. As an engineer student, I really admire this kind of commitment on innovation and progress.
Great Innovation. My core interest is working and contributing in this core field of mobility
Let's hope this time the team be at level
Incredible technology!