News from Jiaxing, Zhejiang – June 22 marked the fifth anniversary celebration of ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division’s Jiaxing facility. Centered on the theme “Five Years Hand in Hand, Win-Win Progress for a Distant Future,” the event brought together government representatives, key customers, and partners, who joined ZF in commemorating this milestone occasion.

Since its commissioning in June 2021, the Jiaxing site has evolved into an integrated industrial base encompassing assembly, manufacturing, R&D, and sales, serving as a pivotal hub in ZF’s strategic commercial vehicle layout in China.

Focus on Core Products, Maintaining Industry Leadership

The Jiaxing plant now operates 12 production lines covering nine major product families and dozens of variants.

In the driveline segment, the facility primarily produces axles for buses and coaches. Featuring a modular design, these axles enable flexible layout configurations for OEMs, with transmission efficiency reaching up to 96%. Delivering low energy consumption and outstanding compatibility with electrification, they have empowered Chinese bus manufacturers including Yutong, King Long, and BYD to expand their global presence.

ZF’s integrated clutch actuator, ConAct, leads the market share in both China and worldwide, thanks to its lightweight design, maintenance-free performance, and exceptional reliability. Its comprehensive clutch product portfolio caters to diverse customer demands.

In steering systems, the electro-hydraulic ReAX steering unit integrates ECU, electric motor, transmission components, and sensors to deliver effortless handling across all operating conditions. Compatible with ADAS systems, it enables lane keeping, L2+ high-level driver assistance, and low-speed autonomous driving within closed campuses, significantly enhancing vehicle safety and intelligence.

Smart Manufacturing Upgrade Boosts Efficiency and Quality

The Jiaxing base is advancing digital and intelligent transformation by rolling out a full digital manufacturing platform, smart logistics, and collaborative robots to achieve automated material handling and fully intelligent assembly lines, with AI applications being continuously expanded.

Through low-cost automation and lean manufacturing initiatives, the plant continuously optimizes line layout and production workflows, greatly improving production efficiency, product quality, and customer response speed, while accelerating its transition toward a smart factory.

Local R&D Capacity Builds a Solid Innovation Foundation

Established in June 2021, the Jiaxing R&D Center spans over 8,000 square meters and is equipped with laboratories, modification workshops, and a dedicated test track. It delivers core capabilities including product system engineering, design simulation, validation testing, and application engineering.

As a key component of ZF’s global R&D network, the center ranks among ZF’s two global core development hubs for electric drive and steering technologies, and is one of three global test centers for electric drive products. The Jiaxing Test Center, launched in January 2022, offers full-chain R&D and testing capabilities, providing end-to-end technical support for on-site products.

Leveraging its local engineering team and proximity to manufacturing workshops, the site streamlines localized support, supply chain development, and cost optimization.

Rooted in China, Serving the World

Upholding its long-term commitment to the Chinese market, the Jiaxing base is steadily advancing localization. The localization rate of flagship products such as front axles now approaches 100%. Meanwhile, the facility is delivering China-developed products to global markets. Advanced systems including ReAX have been exported overseas, demonstrating the global competitiveness of ZF’s Chinese R&D and manufacturing ecosystem.

Andreas Moser, Member of the ZF Board of Management, Head of Industrial Technology and Commercial Vehicle Solutions Divisions

Andreas Moser, Member of the ZF Board of Management and Head of the Industrial Technology and Commercial Vehicle Solutions Divisions, stated: “Looking ahead, global macroeconomic conditions and industry trends will continue to evolve, yet one constant remains: China’s strategic importance to ZF. Our unwavering commitment to sustained investment and deep-rooted development in China, alongside the advancement of sustainable mobility, will remain unchanged.”

Yu Sujie, President Asia-Pacific, ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division

Yu Sujie, President Asia-Pacific of ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division, commented: “Over the past five years, the Jiaxing site has achieved remarkable growth from construction to full-scale operation, demonstrating robust momentum and systematic capabilities. This success stems from the vibrant Chinese market, as well as consistent innovation and excellent execution by our local team. Standing at a new starting point, we will continue to build on local strengths while targeting global markets, deepen technological innovation and partnerships, and drive the industry to new heights.”

Source : www.chinabuses.org

Editor : Sissi

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