ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division has launched series production of its fifth-generation electronically controlled air suspension system, OptiRide ECAS, for Hyundai Motor Company. This development follows an earlier rollout of the same system for a major European truck manufacturer in 2024.
Hyundai began equipping its buses for the Japanese market with the system late last year. The suspension offers features such as a kneeling function for easier and safer passenger boarding, as well as dynamic control of chassis height to enhance ride comfort for both drivers and passengers. The technology will now be integrated into Hyundai’s Xcient truck model.
The system allows for height adjustment of the vehicle chassis, improving operational efficiency during loading and unloading, while also enhancing vehicle stability based on load conditions. Key components—including the solenoid valve and pressure sensors—have been combined into a single actuator unit. This design reduces the number of parts and simplifies integration into various commercial vehicle platforms.
According to Paweł Porczyński, who leads the chassis structure product line at ZF, the new generation of OptiRide draws on over three decades of experience and more than 6.5 million units sold. The system is built at ZF’s Wroclaw facility in Poland and features a compact design that reduces the required components—cutting them in some cases from five to two—streamlining installation for manufacturers.
In addition, the system processes suspension data directly at the actuator and utilizes the vehicle’s existing electronic control unit, eliminating the need for a standalone ECU. This further reduces complexity while maintaining full functionality. ZF is a global technology company headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, specializing in driveline, chassis, and active and passive safety systems.
With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, ZF is shaping the future of mobility through advanced technologies in electric mobility, autonomous driving, and digitalization. The company operates in more than 30 countries, employing over 160,000 people worldwide. ZF serves a wide range of customers in the automotive, industrial, and mobility sectors, offering intelligent systems that enhance vehicle efficiency, safety, and performance. Its commitment to cleaner and smarter transportation solutions makes it a key player in the transition to next-generation mobility.
Hyundai Motor Company, based in Seoul, South Korea, is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers, known for producing a diverse range of vehicles from compact cars to premium SUVs and cutting-edge electric models. As a core entity of the Hyundai Motor Group, the company is actively driving innovation in autonomous driving, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and smart mobility solutions. With a global presence in over 200 countries, Hyundai continues to expand its footprint through a focus on sustainability, quality, and customer-centric design. Its forward-looking strategy includes major investments in electrification, connected mobility, and future mobility platforms, reinforcing its vision of “Progress for Humanity.”
