Transmission suppliers hedge their bets on truck of the future

The megatrends affecting passenger and commercial vehicles are broadly similar, but with slight nuances in how their various components and systems are affected. While vehicle manufacturers are looking towards autonomous driving and e-mobility as areas to offer exciting new automotive user experiences, trucks are ultimately used for commercial purposes. With this in mind, innovation is governed primarily by total cost of ownership (TCO).

According to ZF, the transmission is becoming an increasingly important area for innovation in heavy trucks, and is being influenced by new advances in electronics and software.

“The megatrends guiding the commercial vehicle industry are still around cost efficiency and the environment, but the transmission, engine and vehicle systems all need to work together now,” observes Winfried Gründler, Vice President of ZF’s Truck & Van Driveline Technology business unit. “Therefore,