ZF Adds New Truck Transmission Production Line in Germany

ZF has opened a second production line for its TraXon commercial vehicle transmission system at its headquarters in Friedrichshafen, aiming to expand global manufacturing capabilities and enhance production flexibility.

The new line, covering more than 1,800 square meters, is located adjacent to the existing TraXon production line. It follows a design model developed at ZF’s plant in Jiaxing, China, and reflects the company’s efforts to integrate global operations and apply lessons from its international facilities to improve efficiency and output.

Equipped with an overhead conveyor system and extended assembly stations supported by computer-assisted processes, the line also features a new testing platform capable of handling multiple power take-off (PTO) configurations and testing retarders. According to ZF, the setup is intended to meet growing global demand for high-quality, versatile heavy-duty truck components.

The concept for the new line was led by ZF’s German planning team, while Chinese suppliers who had collaborated on the Jiaxing project supported the implementation. The German plant had previously assisted in the setup of the Jiaxing facility, and this latest effort marks a reversal in roles, with the Chinese team now contributing to the installation in Friedrichshafen.

ZF said the project underscores its “local for local” manufacturing strategy, which aims to enhance supply chain resilience and optimize delivery timelines. The Jiaxing experience has helped streamline the German production line, reducing costs and improving delivery performance.

The second-generation TraXon transmission is designed for heavy-duty trucks and is marketed in China, Europe and North America. Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, ZF board member and head of the company’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division, said the addition of the new line will strengthen ZF’s global production flexibility and improve responsiveness in a challenging geopolitical and supply chain environment.

Yu Sujie, president of ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions Asia Pacific, said the project reflects successful cross-regional collaboration and the export of proven manufacturing practices from China to Europe. The TraXon product family includes standard, hybrid and bus-specific variants and serves a broad international customer base.

ZF is a global technology group supplying systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial applications. In 2024, the company reported €41.4 billion in sales. It operates 161 production sites across 30 countries and employs approximately 161,600 people worldwide.

ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division, formed through the integration of WABCO and ZF’s former commercial vehicle unit, provides components and systems that support vehicle automation, connectivity and electrification.

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