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The European Investment Bank (EIB) is granting €425 million to ZF Friedrichshafen AG to enhance its braking and steering systems. This funding is part of a broader €1.3 billion investment aimed at driving innovation in the automotive sector, particularly focusing on automated driving technologies. ZF’s advancements in x-by-wire technology will facilitate higher vehicle automation, improving safety, control, and comfort.
Key Highlights
- €425 million EIB loan to ZF Friedrichshafen AG
- Total investment of €1.3 billion in R&D for advanced braking and steering systems
- Development of x-by-wire technology, including steer-by-wire systems
- Focus on software-defined vehicles and automated driving
- 30% of investments in EU cohesion regions like Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic
- Creation of jobs and training in new skills, especially in software
The loan will support the development of innovative braking and steering technologies, essential for the next generation of automated vehicles. X-by-wire technology, including steer-by-wire systems, eliminates the need for mechanical connections between the steering wheel and the steering system, leading to improved vehicle control, enhanced steering flexibility, and increased stability at high speeds.
In addition to hardware advancements, the project emphasizes the integration of software, moving towards domain and zone architectures in vehicle electronics. This approach consolidates all software for specific functional areas into central control units, a crucial step towards autonomous driving.
The investment not only aims to foster efficient and sustainable mobility in Europe but also contributes to job creation and skill development in the automotive industry. Approximately 30% of the investments will be made in EU cohesion regions such as Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic, promoting regional development.
This collaboration marks the third significant project between the EIB and ZF. Their partnership began in 2016 with efforts to enhance combustion engine efficiency and continued in 2021 to accelerate innovation in autonomous driving.
Nicola Beer, EIB Vice-President, stated, “This project is an excellent example of how the EIB supports the innovation capacity of the European transport and automotive industry. Technological leadership in highly innovative braking and steering systems is crucial for strengthening the competitiveness of the European industry and securing jobs along the entire value chain. This transaction underlines the successful strategic cooperation with ZF, a supplier with high innovative strength in this future area.”
Michael Frick, ZF Management Board member, added, “We are pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with the EIB. The EIB stands for long-term financing and is recognized as a sustainable investor. That suits us well as a company with two foundations as shareholders.”
This investment underscores the commitment to advancing automotive technology and securing the future of the European automotive industry.
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