From April 23 to May 2, ZF is showcasing its latest car and truck technologies at Auto Shanghai, one of the world’s biggest auto shows. The company, a major global auto parts supplier, is putting a strong focus on the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets. “We’ve made steady investments in new technologies tailored for China,” said CEO Dr. Holger Klein. “Our latest advances include our smart chassis system and a new electric range extender. We’ve also fine-tuned our production and R&D to keep up with the fast pace of the Chinese market.”
With cars becoming electric, more software-driven, and increasingly self-driving, ZF’s new chassis system—Chassis 2.0—is built to keep up. It connects the suspension and control systems to the rest of the car and its surroundings.
At the heart of this system is cubiX, a software platform that makes sure all the moving parts like brakes, steering, and shock absorbers work together smoothly in any driving situation. It does this in real-time, with very low delay.
This new setup is driven by “by-wire” tech—systems that replace mechanical links with electronic control. ZF already supplies key by-wire parts like electronic brakes and steering to top carmakers, including NIO’s new electric luxury model. Earlier this year, ZF also landed a big deal to supply brake-by-wire systems to a major global carmaker for nearly 5 million vehicles.
Chassis 2.0 also includes an active suspension system that keeps the car steady when turning, accelerating, or braking. As self-driving features grow, this kind of comfort and stability will be even more important. ZF’s sMOTION suspension uses advanced damping with dual-valve control. Porsche is already using it in the latest Panamera and Taycan models, and Chinese automakers are showing strong interest as well.
ZF is also revealing a new range extender system designed for electric cars. It combines power generation and drive functions in a single unit, and production is set to begin in the first half of next year.
The design brings several advantages: it allows for all-wheel drive without needing two separate drive systems, it’s compact enough to fit easily under the hood, and it runs both the electric motor and engine efficiently, whether for driving or generating power.
For trucks and buses, ZF is introducing its AxTrax 2 electric axle and the TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission. These systems help reduce emissions, cut fuel costs, and increase driving range. AxTrax 2 features a modular build that combines multiple drivetrain components in a small, powerful package. TraXon 2 Hybrid, meanwhile, is built to improve fuel economy and reduce operating costs.
ZF is also showing off upgrades to its driver assistance tech, braking systems, and power steering—all aimed at making commercial vehicles safer, more comfortable, and more efficient.
“ZF has been part of China’s automotive scene for over four decades,” said Renee Wang, head of ZF China. “With over 50 factories and five R&D centers, we’ve invested billions here in recent years. We’re not just bringing global tech to China—we’re now exporting China-developed innovations to the rest of the world.”
The company has shown it can adapt quickly to a fast-changing market, especially in passenger cars, where its partnerships with Chinese automakers are expanding. In the truck and industrial sectors, most of ZF’s new business now comes from Chinese clients.
