ZF, Yutong ink strategic partnership for new buses

Shanghai, November 7 (Gasgoo.com) Chinese bus-maker Yutong Bus Co., Ltd signed a deal of strategic cooperation with German supplier of driveline and chassis ZF Friedrichshafen AG on October 5 in Zhengzhou, said China Bus Daily. The two companies will work together for new technologies and new products of bus manufacturing and marketing.

A top executive of Yutong noted that the signing of the deal will bring Yutong and ZF into a new stage of partnership beyond the auto parts business. They will join hands in the maximizing of the bus product lineup, development of new buses and exploration of new markets. The two companies had showcased their respective new products and new technologies before inking the deal.  

Actually, Yutong started to cooperate with ZF early in 2001 and since then has used ZF's components for urban buses and travel coaches. The transmissions, steering gears, absorbers, Axle, clutches and other auto parts made by FZ have supplied Yutong buses as standard components, and have earned Yutong buses wide recognition in Chinese and global markets.

In 2007, Yutong sold 25,522 buses, with 3,319 of them exported to overseas markets. The further cooperation with a global auto-parts giant is expected to improve the product quality and brand image of the Chinese bus-maker. The common dedication to the high quality of products and services is also seen as a basis for the Yutong-ZF partnership.

In addition, ZF supplies the Chinese market with driveline and chassis / suspension components, auto transmissions, axle systems, steering technology, as well as products for construction machinery, marine applications, and rail vehicles. ZF is now represented in China with about 20 production companies.