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ZF Braking Systems has officially begun production at its new Wuhan plant, marking a major step in the company’s smart mobility and green manufacturing strategy in China. The advanced facility expands capacity for electronic parking brake (EPB) systems and introduces next-generation brake-by-wire caliper production, reinforcing ZF’s leadership in intelligent braking technologies.
Key Highlights
- New Wuhan plant officially in operation, strengthening ZF’s local footprint in “China Auto Valley.”
- Expands production of electronic parking calipers (EPBs) to meet rising demand.
- Introduces next-generation brake-by-wire caliper (EMB) line for enhanced safety and precision.
- Embodies green and intelligent manufacturing, achieving first-level national green factory standards.
- Supports ZF’s broader goal of advancing intelligent chassis systems for software-defined vehicles.
Strengthening Local Innovation and Global Reach
The Wuhan facility represents both an expansion of production and a strategic milestone for ZF’s presence in China. The plant increases capacity for EPBs—systems that electronically control parking brakes, delivering higher safety and convenience compared to traditional manual solutions. Since ZF first launched EPB technology in 1999, it has evolved through six generations and become a core intelligent braking system produced locally since 2007.
ZF also plans to introduce a brake-by-wire caliper (EMB) production line at the site. This innovation combines electric drive and mechanical braking to achieve faster, more precise, and efficient braking—essential for the industry’s shift toward intelligent and software-defined vehicles.
Executive Perspectives on Growth and Strategy
Dr. Peter Holdmann, Board Member of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, emphasized China’s strategic importance:
“The Asia-Pacific region, and China in particular, is not only a key strategic market for ZF but also a core engine for global automotive technology innovation.”
He noted that ZF is increasing local R&D investment to strengthen its intelligent chassis portfolio, with integrated hardware and software systems driving “a performance leap in next-generation vehicles” across the Chinese market.
Wang Runyi, Executive Vice President of ZF Friedrichshafen AG and President of China and Asia Pacific Operations, highlighted the deep collaboration between ZF and Wuhan’s development zone:
“Our customer network has expanded from China to Asia Pacific, Europe, and even North America, and our global influence has steadily increased.”
Green Manufacturing and Intelligent Production
The new factory, designed around ZF’s green manufacturing principles, integrates smart energy management and automation. 100% of energy consumption is monitored, while natural light and AGV robots enhance operational efficiency. The facility meets first-level national green factory standards and features an ISO 8-level dust-free EMB workshop for precision production.
A Century of Innovation Continues
As ZF celebrates its 110th anniversary, the Wuhan plant embodies the company’s heritage of technological excellence. The Chassis Solutions division, formed in 2024, achieved €10.1 billion in sales with 30,000 employees and 60 production sites globally. This division positions ZF as the only supplier offering complete dynamic control solutions—lateral, longitudinal, and vertical—across the global automotive industry.
With its latest investment in Wuhan, ZF strengthens its role as a driving force behind intelligent mobility and sustainable manufacturing, setting new benchmarks for the future of braking technology in China and beyond.
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