TRW Aftermarket, a business unit of the newly created ZF TRW division, unveiled a TRW branded, all-makes, ride control program.
TRW Aftermarket already offers a Corner Module concept to its aftermarket customers in Europe and Asia; the introduction of the TRW ride control program is another step towards completing this offer in North America, adding to the braking and chassis programs already on sale.
ZF TRW’s central philosophy is ‘safety where you need it most.’ The Corner Module concept encompasses the company’s aftermarket expertise and reflects its Original Equipment (OE) engineering pedigree. TRW Aftermarket offers a unique service proposition by integrating selected ZF TRW products and systems in the ‘corner’ of the vehicle to work in harmony and giving customers the opportunity to source these products from a single OE quality aftermarket focused supplier.
Mark Thorpe, Vice President TRW Parts & Service North America, explained: “The TRW branded ride control program will encompass the best of both ZF and TRW: our combined engineering prowess, manufacturing skill, technological development and marketing support.
“The program signals the next step in our development of selected ZF and TRW aftermarket product lines to offer North American customers market leading ranges which offer comprehensive car park coverage and are first to market with coverage of new vehicles.”
He continued: “Combining the original equipment and aftermarket strengths of the two champions sends the clearest message yet that the newly expanded ZF Group is a true global Original Equipment leader that is also dedicated to serving its aftermarket customers worldwide.”
As the only OE quality manufacturer to offer the global aftermarket a complete portfolio, ZF Group is leading the way in this area. The business advocates that it pays to fit OE quality parts manufactured by a company that has also developed the technologies behind them.
Prior to the introduction of an all-makes TRW branded ride control program in NA, ZF Services’ aftermarket ride control program was taken to market under the well-established product brand Sachs, which stands for high performance and reliability in OE-Quality. The Sachs brand will continue to be available across NA for the European OE Import program.
ZF is a global leader in driveline and chassis technology as well as active and passive safety technology. The company, which acquired TRW Automotive on May 15, 2015, is now represented at about 230 locations in some 40 countries. The two companies, which were still independent in 2014, achieved a sales figure exceeding €30 billion with 134,000 employees. As in previous years, both companies have invested approximately 5 percent of their sales in Research and Development (recently €1.6 billion) in order to be successful with innovative products. ZF is one of the top three automotive suppliers worldwide.
ZF Services and TRW Aftermarket consistently continue ZF's systems competence in the aftermarket. With integrated solutions and the entire ZF product portfolio, the aftermarket organizations guarantee the performance and efficiency of vehicles throughout their life cycle. Its combination of established product brands, digital innovations, customized products and services, and a worldwide service network has made ZF a sought-after partner and number two in the aftermarket.
In 2015, the company is celebrating its centennial. Originally named Zahnradfabrik GmbH, ZF was founded in Friedrichshafen in 1915 by Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH among others. In its early years, the company developed, tested, and manufactured aircraft transmissions. After 1919, the company focus shifted under Alfred Graf von Soden-Fraunhofen, the first Managing Director and later member of the Board of Management and CEO, to the automotive and commercial vehicle industry. In this sector, the company established itself once and for all as a major technology supplier, registering numerous patents for innovative transmission technology. The first location outside Europe was founded in Brazil in 1958, launching a globalization drive that continues today. In addition, ZF constantly expanded its range of expertise – also through acquisitions. For instance, in 1984 ZF acquired the majority share in Lemförder Metallwaren & Co. KG, a move which extended the product portfolio to include chassis technology. Later, in 2001, ZF took over Mannesmann Sachs AG to strengthen its value creation chain with driveline and chassis components. It adopted the current name of ZF Friedrichshafen AG in 1992. Today’s product range includes driveline and chassis technology such as transmissions, driveline and chassis components, as well as complete axle systems and modules. ZF products are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery, rail vehicles and marine applications. The company also focuses on the wind power and electronic components business. In addition, ZF Services represents the Group on the international aftermarket. In May 2015, ZF completed the acquisition of the U.S. automotive supplier TRW which had been previously announced in 2014. The shareholders of ZF Friedrichshafen AG are the Zeppelin Foundation, administered by the City of Friedrichshafen, holding a share of 93.8 percent, and the Dr. Jürgen and Irmgard Ulderup Foundation, Lemförde, with 6.2 percent. The “Motion and Mobility” slogan clearly states the company’s core mission: Right from its foundation, ZF has developed and manufactured innovative products for all people around the globe who want to move things reliably, comfortably, and safely, and experience the ultimate in efficient mobility. Quality, technological leadership, and innovative power have always defined the Group’s identity – today as much as ever.
For further press information and photos please visit: www.zf.com
About TRW Aftermarket
TRW Automotive Aftermarket is a business unit of ZF and is the leading supplier of ‘Corner Module’ parts (braking, steering and suspension) into the global aftermarket. The business supports this offer with maintenance, diagnostics, training and technical support, for the independent aftermarket and official OEM networks. For more information, see: www.trwaftermarket.com
