ZF ramps up production capacity of EPS system in China

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On November 29, ZF Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of ZF Group, signed an investment agreement with Shanghai Anting Economic Development Center, for the second phase of expansion for its electronic power steering (EPS) systems, aiming to expand the production scope and capacity for EPS system products in China, according to a post on ZF's WeChat account.

Photo credit: ZF

Notably, the latest move marks the second production expansion since the inital agreement signed in July 2022, which was completed in May 2023. It highlights ZF's commitment to deepening its localization efforts in the Chinese market.

Under the agreement, ZF will lease additional space in Anting Town, Jiading District, Shanghai, which covers a construction area of approximately 3,700 square meters, to expand its EPS production capacity. The project is scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2025.

ZF's EPS system, characterized by its comprehensive product line, exceptional steering performance, and high redundancy, is designed to support Level 3 and above autonomous driving functions. By leveraging advanced power electronics and high-performance electric motor control technologies, this system offers significant improvements in dynamic and static vehicle performance, resulting in enhanced driver comfort and safety. Furthermore, the electronic nature of EPS and its lower energy consumption make it a more environmentally friendly choice. ZF has successfully integrated closed-loop torque control logic into this product, offering dual-redundant EPP (Electronic Power Pack) for Level 3+ autonomous driving capabilities, and mechanical system featuring higher rack forces. This system can cater to mobility needs of customers and broaden the company's market prospects.

ZF said it has been committed to bringing the latest global product technologies and updates to the Chinese market. Since localizing EPS production in 2010 and introducing the first EPS system to a Chinese automaker in 2012, ZF has maintained high standards of service for local clients. In 2022, ZF achieved mass production of dual-redundant steering products capable of supporting Level 3/Level 4 autonomous driving, enabling OEMs to upgrade their vehicles. In addition, ZF's locally developed steer-by-wire system is expected to enter volume production in the first quarter of 2025.

Through continuous investment and innovation, ZF is steadfast in advancing its localization strategy in China. Over the past two years, ZF has successfully invested in new factories and technical centers in eight cities across the country, introducing a series of new technologies and bringing more core engineering projects. In terms of localization achievements, the company has achieved mass production of rear-wheel-steering systems in China in 2024, with steer-by-wire systems and other technologies to be produced locally in 2025.

ZF Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. houses the Anting Technology Center and EPS manufacturing plants. The company focuses on the development of products and technologies related to automotive active safety systems (braking and steering), passive safety systems, electronics, advanced driver assistance systems, and vehicle motion control systems. Its EPS portfolio includes column-mounted, belt-driven, and dual-pinion steering systems.