ZF announces strategic partnership based on hybrid transmission with Chinese brand Foton

ZF and Foton have strengthened their partnership by introducing new hybrid drive systems for commercial vehicles in China to aid decarbonization. The announcement was made during the press day at IAA Transportation 2024.

Building on the success of their joint venture setup to deliver the TraXon automatic transmission and electric drives in China, ZF and Foton have now agreed for the joint venture to introduce ZF’s new hybrid transmission for commercial vehicles to the Chinese market. Under the agreement, ZF will further develop the new hybrid automated manual transmission system TraXon 2 Hybrid for heavy-duty trucks, while the joint venture will manufacture the hybrid transmission.

Leveraging TraXon 2’s highly integrated design and complemented by the hybrid module providing high power and torque, TraXon 2 Hybrid effectively enables OEMs to incorporate hybrid technologies into their existing platforms with reduced integration effort and complexity. It is designed to enhance overall efficiency and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions while still maintaining the range and refueling capabilities of a combustion engine. TraXon 2 Hybrid serves both full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Its versatility allows for seamless integration into various vehicle architectures, promoting flexibility and adaptability. The system is expected to enter SOP globally in 2026, starting with the Chinese market.

Official statements from ZF and Foton

“This partnership leverages our respective resources, strengths and expertise to accelerate the development of our hybrid solution and help bring it to market quickly and cost effectively,” said ZF’s Peter Laier, Member of the ZF Board of Management and responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division. “The world premiere of the new hybrid transmission in China demonstrates ZF’s determination to empower the transformation of China’s new energy vehicles and promote the sustainable development of China’s commercial vehicle industry.”

Chang Rui, Chairman of Foton, added: “Foton Motor has always adhered to the development strategy of efficient and low carbon vehicles. The hybrid AMT system is a key initiative for Foton and ZF to respond to the new energy transformation of commercial vehicles. The signing of this strategic cooperation agreement not only marks the deepening of cooperation between the two parties, but also signifies that Foton will bring more diversified commercial vehicle solutions to China and even the global market, and further promote the green transformation and sustainable development of the industry.”