ZF
earned top ratings in two product groups in the annual "Best Brands"
survey conducted by German publisher ETM in the trans aktuell, lastauto omnibus
and fernfahrer trade journals. ZF was rated as the top brand in the axles and
transmissions categories by around 8,300 readers. Commercial vehicle industry
professionals were asked to name the most impressive brands in 15 product categories.
The readers' poll was part of the renowned Best Commercial Vehicles survey. Accepting
the award in Stuttgart, Dr. Manfred Schwab, Member of the Board of Management
ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Group Executive of the Off-Road Driveline Technology
and Axle Systems Division, commented: "By choosing ZF, commercial
vehicle
industry professionals have once again recognized our efforts to provide them
with the very best transmission and chassis solutions. These first-place ratings
confirm the ZF brand's excellent image and high degree of acceptance." Last
year, ZF took first place in the transmission category. This year, it defended
that honor and also garnered first place in the axle category. With
an annual output of 15,000 portal axle units, ZF is the world market leader in
axle systems for low-floor buses. As the leading supplier of independent suspension
systems for travel coaches, ZF has gained from the integration of this technology
into city buses. Now the company is transforming its innovative axle technologies
into a chassis concept for heavy trucks. This design combines independent suspension
with pneumatic damping modules and linear steering. "The
ZF concept for the commercial vehicle chassis of the future is extremely practice-oriented.,"
Schwab explained. "With the exception of linear steering, all of the components
are currently produced in series for other applications. In terms of safety, handling
and driving comfort, the system offers significant advantages for heavy commercial
vehicles." Trade
journal readers were also impressed by the ZF brand in the transmission product
category. The millions of ZF transmissions in service worldwide are well-known
for their low lifecycle costs, high reliability and easy operation. The AS Tronic
transmission product line alone accounts for annual output of nearly 50,000 units
and is featured as standard equipment in vehicles produced by several major truck
manufacturers. The AS Tronic is also a preferred option offered by name-brand
bus makers. The ZF Ecomat is used in city buses operating throughout the world.
Millions of vehicle operators put their faith in the constantly improving Ecosplit
manual transmissions.
| 
