ZF and BMW Sign Agreement for Future-Oriented Drive Technologies
Key Highlights
- The agreement extends until the late 2030s, ensuring long-term planning and stability for both companies.
- Focus on continuous development of the 8HP transmission to meet future electrified drive requirements.
- Highlights the strategic importance of open-technology and low-emission mobility in the automotive industry.
- Strengthens ZF's role as a key system supplier and innovator in drive system technology.
- Facilitates collaboration to reduce market risks and accelerate advancements in sustainable mobility.
ZF Friedrichshafen AG and the BMW Group have signed a long-term supply agreement for passenger car drive systems, with a core focus on the supply and continued development of the proven 8-speed automatic transmission (8HP). The contract, worth several billion euros, runs until the late 2030s and establishes a foundation for open-technology and low-emission mobility for both companies.
As part of the partnership, the 8HP transmission will be continuously developed to provide customers with the most powerful and efficient transmission that meets the requirements of future drive concepts, with a special emphasis on electrified drives.
"Together with BMW, we are sending a strong signal for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in an industry undergoing dynamic change," said Mathias Miedreich, CEO of ZF. "This agreement highlights the strategic importance of our 8-speed automatic transmission as a key technology for the transformation of drive systems."
The agreement strengthens ZF's position as a system supplier and creates planning stability for both companies. Sebastian Schmitt, head of ZF's Electrified Drive Technologies division, noted that the long-term planning horizon enables both organizations to align the next generation of the 8HP specifically toward efficiency, performance, and long-term viability.
"The new agreement with BMW shows how important long-term planning horizons are for technological advancements," Schmitt said. "It creates clarity and stability for both companies and enables us to align the next generation of the 8HP specifically toward efficiency, performance, and long-term viability."
Close collaboration under the agreement will help reduce risks in a rapidly changing market environment and lay the foundation for low-emission mobility going forward.