ZF India Aims For Mobilising ‘Commercial Vehicle Intelligence’
Fredrik Staedtler, Head of ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Control Systems Division, at a global e-conference, had extensively harped on ‘Mobilizing Commercial Vehicle Intelligence’ and also opined that India perfectly fits the bill for the same. “Mobilizing commercial vehicle intelligence in the Indian economy of course will rebound. The mindset of frugal engineering, of driving intelligence into the system is very specific to India and I think this will prevail to bring good solutions and drive also the technology trends of the future sometimes even faster in this wonderful country (India) than in others,” affirmed Staedtler at the e-conference.
It is to be mentioned that ZF is a global technology company and supplies systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Building on its recent acquisition of WABCO, the German auto component major aims to take rapid strides to enable intelligent commercial vehicles, which includes an industry-first autonomous trailer coupling function and energy-saving truck-trailer combination.
“With a clear aim of making mobility and transport cleaner, safer and efficient, we are mobilizing commercial vehicle intelligence to support customers world-wide with India being the focal point. We are launching such programmes in Indian market because there are a lot of things that are market specific or region-specific requirements, particularly in the area of digital and connected vehicle programmes,”, reveals Suresh KV-President ZF India region, stated, while in an emailed response to queries sent by BW Businessworld.
It is to be mentioned that ZF has a presence of over six decades and operates through its two wholly owned subsidiaries and five joint venture partners. With a footprint of 14 manufacturing locations, 1 technology centre and employing over 12,000 people, the company aims to be a leading technology partner to the commercial vehicle industry with the addition of recently-acquired WABCO capabilities.
When asked to shed some light on the solutions it is working upon, Suresh maintained, “In the area of electric vehicles, we are already having quite a few technologies in WABCO electronic braking systems, e-compressor etc. Of course, a lot of portfolio of products from the ZF range. I am sure the Indian customers will be extremely benefitted by these technologies as the industry moves more and more towards electric at least in the bus segment. We can highlight new innovations such as the fuel-saving truck-trailer prototype, designed for energy-efficient driving. It combines a lightweight design and
aerodynamics with optimized chassis space offering major benefits for future electrification strategies.”
When asked to delve deeper its e-mobility strategy for India, Suresh revealed, “We have developed a central drive for the Indian market keeping in mind the cost and the power rating. Central Drive specially developed for the Indian market has a lower power rating and the cost is also significantly reduced as compared to other global markets. We are currently in the final stages of market testing and ongoing discussions with one of the leading OEMs in India.” When asked to reveal the name of the automaker it is allying with, he maintained, “At the moment, we cannot reveal the same as it is in the testing mode but soon, we will communicate and officially launch the products specifically made for the Indian market.”
Without giving any financial projections for next year, ZF India revealed that its topline (Including all JVs and ZF WABCO) was 1.3 bn Euros during CY 2019. Talking about its investment plans, the company has earmarked €42 million for its India Technology Centre at Hyderabad in the next three years. Though it has not firmed up any capex plans, it will not be resorting to any plant closures or layoffs in the near to medium term.
“No, we have so much growth ahead of us and so much dire need of availing of the capacities and capabilities of our Indian footprint. May it be in site may it be in engineering resources or hardware and software, that we want to continue to use what we have there. We want to continue to use the test ride capabilities, the engineering centres that we have in Hyderabad and Chennai and in some other places. We want to continue to use the footprints that we have available in Chennai and surroundings as well as in Pune. I think the growth path, the runway ahead of us requires us to get all hands on deck and continue in India with existing capacities and footprints and further enhance that,” affirmed Suresh.
