ZF Friedrichshafen AG

ZF Friedrichshafen AG, globally recognized as ZF Group, embarked on its journey on August 20, 1915, in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Originally established as Zahnradfabrik GmbH, meaning 'gear factory', its initial purpose was to manufacture high-precision gears for Zeppelin airships and other aerial vehicles, a critical need during that era of burgeoning aviation technology. The company was co-founded by Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the visionary inventor of the Zeppelin airship, and Alfred von Soden-Fraunhofen, an accomplished engineer. This foundation in precision engineering for demanding applications set the stage for ZF's future trajectory.

As the automotive industry began to flourish, ZF astutely pivoted its expertise. By 1918, the company had already started producing transmissions for automobiles, marking its entry into a sector where it would eventually become a global leader. The 1920s saw further evolution, with the company transforming into a stock corporation, Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AG, in 1921. A significant milestone was the development of the innovative helical ZF Aphon transmission for cars and commercial vehicles in 1929, showcasing its early commitment to advancing automotive technology. The company further diversified its portfolio by venturing into steering systems in 1932. Despite the adversities of World War II, including significant damage to its Friedrichshafen facilities, ZF demonstrated resilience and a continued drive for innovation. The post-war era heralded a period of significant expansion and technological advancement. ZF became a pivotal supplier to major German automakers and expanded its global footprint, establishing subsidiaries and factories worldwide, including in key markets like the USA, India, South Korea, and China. Key innovations during this period included the first fully synchronized transmission for commercial vehicles in 1953 and the development of automatic transmissions for passenger cars in the 1960s. The acquisition of Lemförder Metallwaren AG in 1984, later rebranded as ZF Lemförder GmbH, further strengthened its chassis technology capabilities. A transformative move came in 2015 with the acquisition of TRW Automotive, significantly expanding ZF's expertise in safety systems and autonomous driving technologies. Today, ZF stands as a global technology powerhouse, supplying comprehensive systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial technology, with a strong focus on next-generation mobility solutions encompassing electrification, automated driving, vehicle motion control, and integrated safety.