Europe’s annual general aviation convention drew 750 exhibitors from 38 nations many of them variations on an electric propulsion theme Aero Friedrichshafen leader Tobias Bretzel said the 2025 iteration of the event included the most diverse array of aircraft and manufacturers yet It also added several sub-events such as dayslong forums on hydrogen and battery technologies An integral part of the press event was a panel featuring influential women aviators moderated by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s Cate Brancart vice president of marketing at Blackhawk Aerospace Group; Kathrin Kaiser organizer of the Grumman fly-in and author; Mélanie Astles aerobatic pilot and general manager of SAS Airmel cofounder and chief commercial officer at Ang Fei in China The women told their stories about how they got into aviation Ying remembered how she was told that it wasn’t for girls and how she found a flight school that let her wash aircraft for lessons while Astles remembered how she worked at a gas station for seven years to earn money for flight training They stressed the importance of sustainable aviation fuels “to address the problem and not contribute to it,” said Ying 800.872.2672 AOPA is so passionate about supporting flight schools that we're offering you free countertop displays filled with our annual special issue This beginning pilots' resource guide explains what you can expect from your introductory flight through initial training—and how to turn your dream of flying into reality Get instant access to Flight Training's special issue titled You Can Fly: Your Path to Become a Pilot This beginning pilots' resource guide explains what you can expect from your introductory flight through initial training— and how to turn your dream of flying into reality Please review AOPA’s privacy policy to learn more about how your information is used The spring aviation events season is in full swing. Aviation Week editors share insights from Sun ‘n Fun, Aero Friedrichshafen and the Aerospace Maintenance Council’s Competition at MRO Americas Don't miss a single episode. Subscribe to Aviation Week's BCA Podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get podcasts Discover all of our podcasts at aviationweek.com/podcasts Aviation Week's executive editor for MRO and Business Aviation And this episode we'll explore the industry which has been on the move Aviation Week's editor-in-chief of the Weekly of Business Aviation and Managing Editor for Business Aviation for Aviation Week who is our senior editor for Business Aviation you attended SUN 'n FUN in Florida earlier this month What was it like and how was it different from last year SUN 'n FUN as the spring kickoff to show season because many left SUN 'n FUN to take off to AERO Friedrichshafen and that Bill's going to talk about Daher kicked off the show with announcements of avionics and systems enhancements to its Kodiak product line Cirrus Aircraft unveiled the Cirrus IQ and Cirrus IQ PRO for digital aircraft management and they demoed that app during the show Epic Aircraft unveiled the latest version of their single engine made the US debut of its INTEGRAL R trainer and aircraft with aerobatic capabilities Vulcan Air North America is opening a manufacturing facility in North Carolina to build training aircraft you were at AERO Friedrichshafen last week in southern Germany and I saw that the organizers said that it had a record number of aircraft from drones to gliders Tell us about what you saw and what the atmosphere was like That's a phrase that I've reserved in the past for OshKosh But AERO Friedrichshafen in the city of Friedrichshafen in southern Germany really span the gamut of aviation from home-built aircraft up to the largest of business jets This was the 31st edition of AERO Friedrichshafen which traditionally has been a general aviation event They claim that it was up in all categories from previous years I think last year they said there were 500 and .. so that's 70 exhibitors more from 38 countries So it was a European follow up to SUN 'n FUN for spring trade events in aviation This year marked its largest footprint of business aviation aircraft and that's a category that AERO Friedrichshafen is hoping to become the leader of so those two shows are going to be head-to-head with each other my understanding is there will be no static display this year whereas AERO Friedrichshafen had something on the order of 30 business jets and turboprops on display as well as a exhibit hall full of helicopters So it's a category that the organizers hope to increase their presence in a couple of follow up questions about that I saw that they debuted the Business Aviation Dome I mean were most of the aircraft OEMs there Most of the business aviation OEMs were represented both in terms of static display and exhibit space The two newcomers this year were Dassault Aviation and Airbus Helicopters but other business aviation OEMs traditionally have had a presence at AERO Friedrichshafen which housed 15 or so exhibitors and had a presentation stage and that was the center of activities It was right at the head of the static display and right adjacent to the airfield at Friedrichshafen Airport Bodensee is the German reference for Lake Constance which is the really scenic lake on which Friedrichshafen is along the shoreline they're calling it the Business Aviation Show Hub and it's a whole new concept according to the organizers And that included the new Business Aviation Dome and there was also business aviation companies represented in two of the 12 large exhibit halls at AERO Friedrichshafen as well it had more of a profile this year than it's ever had at this event this comes at a time when we've got EBACE next month in Switzerland and this will be the first EBACE where NBAA and the European Business Aviation Association haven't co-produced the event and it's the first time that there will not be a static display at EBACE I noticed a story that you wrote from Aero about that Europe is nearing a decision on facing at 100LL that was a subject I was interested in pursuing when I went to Friedrichshafen I've been following that closely in the United States There's somewhat of a different situation in Europe I think three separate oil or fuel suppliers have applied for exemptions to phase out the lead component of 100LL AVGAS from the European Commission They're going to be given a certain timeframe to do that they'll be allowed to keep tetraethylene lead component at 2032 is what the expectation is the commission will approve and after that Europe will have solely unleaded AVGAS for piston engine aircraft And that's a subject that is being pursued a goal being pursued in the United States as well Neither of you mentioned advanced air mobility Was AEM much of a talking point at either SUN 'n FUN or AERO Friedrichshafen At Friedrichshafen actually saw electric airplanes flying a Swiss training aircraft that was all electric but it's like the Tesla when you start it up I saw the prop turning and I didn't hear anything and that was interesting And then also there was the debut of the first certificated four seat electric aircraft from China I don't know if I'm pronouncing this Rooksang general Aircraft company that also conducted a flight demonstration at AERO Friedrichshafen there was also a hydrogen battery Summit conference that was held in addition to the conference activities at the show that's a topic they've been covering now for a number of years and plan to continue doing so Yeah, it definitely feels like just across the board that alternative sources for engines, electric, hybrid, hydrogen, they're not going away, they're making progress. So stay tuned. One other note, also last week, Aviation Week's own MRO Americas was held in Atlanta and we co-locate we host the Aerospace Maintenance Council's competition We had 86 different teams who practiced for almost a year to compete across these 27 timed judge events So congratulations to all the teams for participating but a special shout out to Team 63 Aircraft Engineers International for winning the general aviation category and also a big congratulations to Team 3 Tarrant County College for winning first place in the school category Mike Lavitt with Aviation Week did an early kickoff of the Aviation Week 2025 photo contest and it was a free seminar called Shoot to Win And he invited a professional photographer and they talked about what judges look for as they review the entries tips on technique and strategy and equipment and how to take good winning photos So it was good for anyone who likes to take photos And I hear he's already received more than 40 entrants just since SUN 'n FUN ended and maybe you can tell me a topic of conversation at the shows you both were at was a lot of people were having conversations about tariffs because it was so new and it was a real topic of conversation Epic Aircraft said that they were offering tariff protection and the goal was to remove uncertainty they said that if new customers sign a deal and if they're tariffs that the company will cover it "Now I'm not saying that's going to last indefinitely it just depends on how crazy it all gets." But like Ron Gunnarson from Piper "It's just such a confusing time and that this is one more thing that's confusing in the airplane business." He's an optimist but he was talking about the list of challenges business aviation has had to deal with we're waiting for it to rain frogs and locusts." But he did quickly say this too shall pass and that it's a fun business and they're in it for life But I think they're just a big question mark still and I sure hope it doesn't rain frogs and locusts at MRO tariffs were frequent conversations I mean I think the industry is global and it's so interconnected and aircraft and engines contain a lot of parts and components can be multiple parts put together But right now in the US parts are getting stuck at customs So the industry is already starting to feel the effects otherwise there's just going to be multiple problems but don't quite know how this is all going to shake out yet But we do know that some of the aircraft deliveries to China have stopped the new president CEO of General Aviation Manufacturers Association listed or raised tariffs as one of the biggest challenges now facing the US industry Aviation Week and Space Technology does have a big tariffs feature in this next issue so it could change by the time we print that And I'd also like to thank our listeners and thank you to Jeremy Kariuki for producing this episode Don't miss the next episode by subscribing to the BCA podcast where you ever listen to them please leave us a star rating or write a review As executive editor of MRO and business aviation Lee Ann Shay directs Aviation Week's coverage of maintenance Bill covers business aviation and advanced air mobility for Aviation Week Network commercial space and uncrewed aircraft systems He is the author of 'Enter The Drones The FAA and UAVs in America,' published in 2016 is managing editor of business aviation for the Aviation Week Network and editor-in-chief of The Weekly of Business Aviation an Aviation Week market intelligence report is expanding its horizons to include larger business aircraft The event is still a haven of general aviation diversity with hundreds of aircraft on show and plenty of examples that show how the industry continues to reinvent itself BJT sister-publication Aviation International News reporters Amy Wilder and Charles Alcock were there to see the change for themselves Since 2003, Business Jet Traveler has been providing subscribers in more than 150 countries with aviation and lifestyle news, reviews, and features. 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All rights reserved technology and equipment will improve efficiency • Upgraded production machinery will come online in 2025 • The new center and machinery upgrades will augment capacity for the marine division by at least 25 percent Germany -- ZF has begun construction of a new logistics center in its headquarters in Friedrichshafen Germany aimed at optimizing material flow and improving site efficiency for its industrial division facility will feature automation and digitalization to modernize logistics reduce operational costs and improve processes in response to market demands ZF is also upgrading its production machinery and measuring room to modernize and support its growing industrial division business which includes marine transmissions and aftermarket components reliability: these strengths make ZF one of the leading suppliers to the automotive and commercial vehicle industry And we want to maintain these strengths by modernizing our locations," says Peter Laier the ZF board member responsible for commercial vehicle and industrial technology we can optimize the flow of materials and factory logistics; it makes us more efficient and flexible but also strategically a clear commitment to the Friedrichshafen location and the excellent skills of its employees." This new facility and equipment will supply Plant 1 of the ZF Friedrichshafen site with greater quality production volume and speed to better serve ZF customers A core component of this is the new automated small parts warehouse while the entire facility will be run by up to 40 employees The facility's modern technology enables a significant increase in efficiency and reduces storage costs alone by more than one million euros per year the center will improve lead times for ZF’s industrial division technologies including its marine and special driveline components ZF is continuing to focus on development in the business areas with the greatest growth opportunities to make them more competitive while investing in long-term opportunities for its employees These include the commercial vehicle and industrial technology divisions based at the Friedrichshafen site A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of the project that will be completed by the end of 2025 and operational by spring of 2026 By Michael Abernethy October 29, 2024 Romano studied in Germany as an undergraduate before earning her medical degree from Eberhard Karls Universität in Tübingen Not long into Alyssa Romano’s pediatrics residency at a hospital in Friedrichshafen a teenager arrived presenting puzzling symptoms coughing and short of breath but didn’t display outward signs of disease or illness she couldn’t hear breathing in his right lung she filed through the medical training she received at Eberhard Karls Universität in Tübingen Then she hit upon the relatively rare cause: a pneumothorax — when air trapped in the cavity outside a lung creates pressure that causes it to collapse and a few days later he left the intensive care unit to return to an active life training and work I’d done had come to fruition and prepared me to do my job well,” said Romano a Lumen Scholar who graduated from Elon in 2016 with a biochemistry degree and a minor in German studies before following those paths into a medical career overseas Medical school is already intense: arduous studies research and long hours in post-doctoral residency who learned English as a first language — did it all in German as well as studying medicine,” Romano said but I knew what I wanted to do and that I was very blessed and lucky to be admitted to medical school.” following in her nurse practitioner mother’s footsteps “She always made a point that each day was a blessing It didn’t feel like work to her,” Romano said “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping people live and live in better ways.” Now one year into a five-year residency in pediatrics at the Klinikum Friedrichshafen GmbH she reflected on the ways Elon prepared her for the journey Romano spent a semester abroad in Heidelberg and realized quickly how much she appreciated German culture and that she wanted to pursue medical studies there She attained what was at the time the highest score ever achieved by an Elon student on the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang a language entrance exam required of foreigners studying at German universities Her Lumen Prize research under the mentorship of Professor of Chemistry Karl Sienerth examined synthesizing metal catalysts used in drug development She also won a highly competitive summer research fellowship through the German Academic Exchange Service’s RISE program allowing her to spend 11 weeks at the University of Heidelberg’s Organic Chemistry Institute she joined a team that worked on synthesizing new gold catalyst compounds and how they speed up chemical reactions Those experiences led her to efficiently complete her doctoral thesis exploring ultrasound diagnostics for musculoskeletal diseases She gets emotional when she discusses her Elon professors who supported and encouraged her especially Sienerth and Associate Professor of German Scott Windham “They really believed in me and that meant everything to me,” Romano said Windham gave me a German-to-English medical dictionary and I kept it with me through my entire medical studies I’m not typically sitting at home,” she said “It’s a huge highlight to get to be social with friends and that motivates me to get through difficult days.” Tagged: Associate Professor of German in the Department of World Languages and Cultures In his new book, out May 6, Elon University Professor of History Michael Matthews explores the romantic and sexual lives of Mexico City’s poor and working class during the rule of Porfirio Diaz. The 6th annual Maker Takeover featured students’ experiments, projects, business and creative works to showcase the hard work taking place in Elon University’s Maker Hub. Nia James says when doctors weren’t taking her pain seriously, her athletic trainer and Elon alum John Lavender ’94 was her lifesaving advocate. The graduate of Elon University’s human services studies program works on policy advocacy in Washington, D.C., in a prestigious fellowship with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Get more Elon news delivered to your inbox. © 2025 Elon University | All Rights Reserved Reporters tour the new Business Aviation Dome at Aero Friedrichshafen.  Bill covers business aviation and advanced air mobility for Aviation Week Network. A former newspaper reporter, he has also covered the airline industry, military aviation, commercial space and uncrewed aircraft systems. He is the author of 'Enter The Drones, The FAA and UAVs in America,' published in 2016. Get free business aviation news, insight and analysis from our award-winning editors delivered to your inbox daily. Annual General Meeting elects the new Mayor of Friedrichshafen to the Supervisory Board as representative of the Zeppelin FoundationBlümcke succeeds predecessor Andreas Brand Friedrichshafen, Germany. At an extraordinary assembly, the Annual General Meeting of ZF Friedrichshafen AG elected the new mayor of Friedrichshafen, Simon Blümcke, to the company’s Supervisory Board. He succeeds Andreas Brand, who held the office of mayor until October 31, 2024, and has now resigned from the Supervisory Board. “I’m looking forward to working with the members of the Supervisory Board and Board of Management,” said Simon Blümcke. “Together, we will work to further develop ZF and position it strategically and structurally for the future.” Simon Blümcke was elected mayor of Friedrichshafen in the first round of voting on September 29, 2024. He took office on December 1, 2024. “The constructive cooperation between the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and his deputy is crucial for solving the many challenges and issues,” said Supervisory Board Chairman Dr. Heinrich Hiesinger. “It was characterized by trust, mutual appreciation and the shared responsibility to find solutions for the company. I would like to thank Mr. Zitzelsberger most sincerely for this.” Aero Friedrichshafen Show Director Tobias Bretzel This is the 31st Aero Friedrichshafen, which started in 1978 as a small exhibition of gliders and motor gliders within a regional automotive exhibition. When did this trade event become independent and how has it grown and evolved over the years? Basically, it became somewhat independent when I was born, like 40 years ago. The history of it is the former CEO of the Messe (Trade Fair) here was an aviator himself and said this town deserves its own aviation show because of the rich history of aviation—Zeppelin, Dornier—this is where it started. It became independent at the end of the eighties. There is an expanded exhibition area for business aviation this year, with the first Business Aviation Dome in the static display. Why is business aviation becoming more of an emphasis at Aero Friedrichshafen, in addition to general aviation? Aero Friedrichshafen is adjacent to Bodensee Airport, which has a 7,730-ft. runway. This is helpful for pilots who fly here, but what are some of the other advantages of holding a trade show and conference in this scenic part of southern Germany, along Lake Constance? The traditional business aviation conference in Europe—EBACE—will be held as usual in Geneva in May. Given that there are more business aircraft here this year on static display, do you consider Aero Friedrichshafen to be competitive with EBACE? Sustainable aviation is a major theme at Aero Friedrichshafen. Do you expect to see more electric and even hydrogen-powered aircraft featured here in the future? Structural changes pave the way for partnerships to strengthen individual business areasTechnology group generates €41.4 billion sales in 2024; adjusted EBIT margin at 3.6 percentCompetitiveness programs are improving efficiency As of December 31, 2024, ZF employed 161,631 people worldwide (2023: 168,738), which is around 4 percent fewer than in the previous year. In Germany, the number of employees also nominally decreased by around 4 percent to 52,027 (2023: 54,447). Restructuring costs impact the balance sheet Expenditures in research and development (R&D) were on par with the previous year at €3.6 billion (2023: €3.5 billion). The R&D rate – in relation to the lower revenue – reached 8.6 (2023: 7.6) percent. Investments in property, plant and equipment amounted to €2.3 (2023: €2.2) billion, which corresponds to a capex rate of 5.4 (2023: 4.8) percent. In the area of steering, the technology group is equipping the electric ET9 flagship from the Chinese manufacturer Nio with the latest steer-by-wire system, which eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. The ET9 is the first production vehicle in China with steer-by-wire technology to receive the relevant government approval for mass production. With a comprehensive product portfolio consisting of hardware and software solutions for the motion control of vehicles in vertical, lateral and longitudinal dynamics, ZF provides its customers with unique system know-how from a single source, actively shaping the transformation towards the software-defined vehicle. General Aviation Manufacturers Association Director for European Safety and Sustainability Development Cate Brancart moderated a panel of women aviators and business executives to begin Aero Friedrichshafen media day. Swiss manufacturer Pilatus debuted the PC-12 Pro with new Garmin G3000 Prime flight deck and Autoland capability. Experimental Test Pilot Marc Michel flew the aircraft to Friedrichshafen from Pilatus’ facility at Buochs Airport, Switzerland. CEO Rolf Stuber describes the Smartflyer SFX1 hybrid-electric aircraft, making its first trade show appearance. Rolled out Nov. 6, 2024 in Grenchen, Switzerland, the prototype aircraft is expected to make its first flight this year. Germany’s MT-Propeller certified this Piper Meridian with new PT6A-135A engine and five-bladed propeller. The modification reduces certified outside noise to 66.9 dB(A) from the original 74.9 dB(A). A Bombardier Challenger 604 is parked in front of the Business Aviation Dome, a new feature at Aero Friedrichshafen dedicated to business aviation. Historically a general aviation trade show, the event is hosting 30 business aircraft. Fifteen companies involved in business aviation are exhibiting in the glass-covered Business Aviation Dome, while others are displaying their wares in two of the 12 halls at Aero Friedrichshafen. Aero Friedrichshafen 2025 runs April 9-12 at Friedrichshafen Airport, located on the shores of Lake Constance in southern Germany. Organizers gave reporters an early look at some of the highlights at the media day April 8. HomeDestinationsInterestsTop Places to Travel by MonthSearchMenuBest time to go to Germany Visit Europe's largest aviation event! AERO Friedrichshafen has been the global platform for all facets of General Aviation for over three decades. With 12 exhibition halls and a static display, featuring everything from gliders and ultralights to business jets and helicopters, the event offers an immersive experience. Organizers anticipate over 700 exhibitors from approximately 38 countries, welcoming more than 35,000 visitors from across the globe, including 63% with pilot licenses. Visitors can expect a diverse range of activities and specialized areas. From Avionics Avenue, showcasing cockpit systems and communication technologies, to the Flight Simulator Area, offering hands-on experiences, the event caters to enthusiasts of all levels. Additionally, the "Be a Pilot" section focuses on pilot training opportunities, while the Engine Area highlights state-of-the-art propulsion systems. The AERO Conferences feature over 270 workshops, presentations, and industry panels, providing valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations in aviation. The 2024 edition introduces the AERO General Aviation Academy, offering high-quality training and education courses for pilots across various disciplines. Accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from hotels and private accommodations to camping grounds and youth hostels, catering to the varied needs of visitors. Originating over 45 years ago as a modest display of gliders and motor gliders, AERO Friedrichshafen has evolved into a pivotal meeting ground for the aviation industry. Both aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals are invited to explore the latest innovations, engage with industry experts, and immerse themselves in the world of General Aviation at the leading show for innovation in Friedrichshafen. Weak economy and market decline reflected in ZF's forecast for 2024 Friedrichshafen, Germany. The accelerated, significant market decline and the associated sharp drop in customer call-offs lead to an adjustment of ZF's annual forecast. In addition, a reassessment of risks in the powertrain technologies business results in lower earnings expectations. The cost-saving measures from the performance programs are showing visible effects, but the expected burden from the market and sales declines is significantly higher than previously assumed. Based on the developments described above, ZF is adjusting its forecast for the financial year 2024 as follows: ZF now expects Group sales between EUR 40 and 42 billion (previously: EUR 42.5 to 43.5 billion).The adjusted EBIT margin is expected to be between 3 and 4 percent (previously: 4.9 to 5.4 percent).The adjusted free cash flow is estimated to be higher than EUR 100 million (previously: higher than EUR 800 million). ZF equips NIO ET9 with steer-by-wire steeringTechnology group is a leading developer and manufacturer of by-wire systems such as brakes and steering without a direct mechanical connection or system fluidsZF with significant market shares in the growing area of by-wire chassis systems through further series starts and customer orders in America and Europe “At NIO, we are committed to delivering groundbreaking innovations that redefine premium driving experience. Steer-by-wire technology is a key enabler of software-defined vehicles, offering enhanced driving comfort, uncompromised dynamics, and future-proof technology,” says Danilo Teobaldi, Principal Chief Engineer at NIO. “Our collaboration with ZF, a globally recognized leader in high-quality automotive solutions, is a testament to our ambition to set new industry benchmarks by deploying our smart EVs on a global-market stage. Since the strategic partnership we signed with ZF in 2022, to the industrialization of this technology, we have demonstrated our ability to execute and deliver cutting-edge solutions. Together with ZF, we are shaping the future of intelligent and electrified mobility, setting new standards for the industry.” Steer-by-wire steering: Advantages in the hands ZF's steer-by-wire technology is therefore a further development of electric power steering - ideally suited for electric and automated vehicles. Division Chassis Solutions: Orders in key market regions In addition to NIO, a second major global car manufacturer is already using the modern steering technology on an industrial scale. There are also customer orders for the steer-by-wire system in Europe. "The series application shows that our strategy is correct and successful. With a comprehensive product portfolio consisting of hardware and software with solutions for vehicle motion control in vertical, lateral and longitudinal dynamics, we provide our customers with system expertise from a single source. In this way, we are actively shaping the transformation towards the software-defined vehicle," explains Holdmann. In January 2024, the technology group merged the Active Safety Technology and Car Chassis Technology divisions into one powerful unit in order to exploit the full potential of the future chassis business and continue to act as an innovation leader. This created a new powerhouse in the industry. As a direct result of this new division, ZF announced a major order for brake-by-wire braking systems at the beginning of the year: Almost five million vehicles from a leading global vehicle manufacturer will be equipped with electromechanical braking technology. With the most comprehensive range of by-wire technologies that do not require mechanical connections or system fluids, ZF plays a leading role in the development and industrialization of modern chassis systems. ZF Supervisory Board elects Dr. Rolf Breidenbach as new Supervisory Board Chairman as successor to Dr. Heinrich HiesingerBreidenbach, former Chairman of the Hella Management Board, has been a member of the ZF Supervisory Board since March 2023Hiesinger was a member of the ZF Supervisory Board for four years and its chairman for three years Ingrid Jägering is to become a new member of the Supervisory Board “The shareholders welcome the election of Dr. Rolf Breidenbach as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ZF. With his many years of varied experience in the automotive and automotive supplier industry, he is exceptionally well qualified to constructively support the demanding transformation process of the group,” explained Friedrichshafen's Lord Mayor Simon Blümcke, as representative of the Zeppelin Foundation, which holds 93.8 percent of the shares in ZF Friedrichshafen AG. “Ingrid Jägering will provide valuable impetus to the ZF Supervisory Board in challenging times with her exceptionally broad industry know-how and her extensive commercial and financial expertise,” said the new chairman of the Supervisory Board, Rolf Breidenbach. “We look forward to her advice and to working with her on our board.” ZF is continuing to focus on development in the business areas with the greatest growth opportunities to make them more competitive while investing in long-term opportunities for its employees. These include the commercial vehicle and industrial technology divisions based at the Friedrichshafen site.  A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of the project that will be completed by the end of 2025 and operational by spring of 2026.  The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive. © Copyright 2025 The Maritime Executive, LLC. All rights reserved. Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world according to people familiar with the matter Private equity firms American Industrial Partners and FountainVest Partners are also pursuing the ZF unit could fetch several billion euros in a sale The information on this page is intended for journalists If you click NO you will come back to Mynewsdesk.com A space where visions come true: excellence in lighting design The global Destination Porsche concept focuses on people and their interaction with the brand LTS uses sophisticated lighting solutions that turn every room into a stage where each and every detail of the Porsche cars are perfectly presented Lighting is used to direct attention to the cars‘ distinctive lines and high-quality materials thereby enhancing the perception of their dynamic design Precision and flexibility: Lighting solutions for maximum design freedom but also feature DALI control to seamlessly adapt the lighting atmosphere LTS light transforms rooms and perfectly dovetails with the changing exhibitions in the modular Porsche showroom Lighting is used to create separate areas and a visible structure Be it dramatic lighting to highlight certain vehicle features or discreet basic lighting for an inviting atmosphere – any requirements can be met with LTS solutions Light and emotions: highlighting the Porsche DNA What makes this lighting design so attractive for architects and lighting designers is the symbiosis of technology and emotions The technical possibilities provided by LTS make the room shine and allow visitors to fully immerse in this experience that holds more than visual impressions Areas where customer can live their dreams This is an inviting area where customers can get inspired and gather first impressions The more intense conversations and detailed car configurations take place in the more exclusive and discreet meeting room. The look-and-feel experience is key in this context: Customers touch materials and select colours. Each of the areas are optimally illuminated with tailor-made LTS lighting Light creates a welcoming atmosphere and supports the decision-making process by clearly highlighting details and nuances optimised acoustics and a well-chosen level of privacy ensure that each assistance area offers the perfect environment for authentic conversations with the customer customers can experience the entire range of available materials and equipment for their Porsche Precise lighting brings out the splendour of leather paint and metal samples so that all colours and textures are perfectly presented Customers can not just see the surfaces but actually touch them which makes their choice both a visual and haptic experience The combination of perfect lighting and high-quality materials creates an environment that makes the decision-making process a pleasant and inspiring moment Every customer journey culminates in the delivery zone of a Porsche dealership This is where the sports car is awaiting its new owner This moment is filled with positive suspense and pleasant anticipation – the longed-for joy of driving the new Porsche light plays an indispensable role: It is directed at the vehicle from the flawless paintwork to the precise lines of the body LTS lighting creates an atmosphere that makes for a particularly grand handover moment It emphasises emotions such as pride and excitement The feeling of owning and driving a Porsche starts right there for the customer Customised lighting art for global success The customised lighting solutions from LTS make the Porsche Centre in Friedrichshafen the perfect example of modern lighting design that shows how light can transform spaces and intensify emotions and experiences This vision of lighting design has been realised in 25 Porsche centres around the globe and underlines the expertise and innovativeness of LTS as a leading partner in architectural lighting making it the third largest luminaire manufacturer in Europe is an internationally valued partner of well-known customers LTS offers products for superior architectural and retail lighting as well as lighting technology for hospitality and office LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH has been a member of the Swedish Fagerhult Group When you choose to create a user account and follow a newsroom your personal data will be used by us and the owner of the newsroom for you to receive news and updates according to your subscription settings To learn more about this, please read our Privacy Policy, which applies to our use of your personal data, and our Privacy Policy for Contacts which applies to the use of your personal data by the owner of the newsroom you follow Please note that our Terms of Use apply to all use of our services You can withdraw your consent at any time by unsubscribing or deleting your account ZF reports sales of around €22 billion with an adjusted EBIT margin of 3.5 percent for the first half of 2024Structural development through investments in high-margin and forward-looking areasGroup updates full-year sales outlook for 2024 ZF Friedrichshafen AG closed out the first half of 2024 through to June 30 with sales of around €22 billion (2023: €23.3 billion) sales revenues were close to the previous year’s level under market conditions that again proved challenging amid sluggish purchasing activity and signs of recession Adjusted EBIT totalled €780 million (2023: €941 million) equivalent to an adjusted EBIT margin of 3.5 percent (2023: 4.0 percent) “The persistently challenging market environment is reflected in our sales our earnings and cash generation are meeting our expectations,” said ZF CFO Michael Frick we are improving our competitiveness and – in line with the guiding principle ‘Strengthening our strengths’ – continuing to push ahead with the structural development of our company forward-looking areas such as commercial vehicles and industrial technology chassis solutions and the service business.” The more efficient organization of the German locations with the aim of merging them into several site networks will be part of this structural realignment Frick pointed out that the ongoing carve-out of ZF LIFETEC (Passive Safety Systems division) is on track: “The last formal measures are currently ongoing We are exploring all strategic options in an open-ended process to further develop ZF LIFETEC in the best possible way and will act accordingly when the time is right ZF LIFETEC is expected to gain the strategic advantage to further enable growth in sales and profitability The division’s sales once again performed above global light vehicle production in the first half-year of 2024.” Organic growth close to previous year’s level ZF generated sales of approximately €22 billion (€21.9 billion; 2023: €23.3 billion) Adjusted for exchange rate and M&A effects mainly from the joint venture for car chassis systems agreed with Foxconn – organic sales were nearly unchanged compared to the first half of 2023 (– 0.1 percent) ZF achieved an adjusted EBIT of €780 million (2023: €941 million) Earnings were influenced by continuing high R&D expenditures declining volumes due to weak trends in vehicle markets and fixed costs for launches of new plants and products Adjusted free cash flow is minus €494 million (2023: minus €525 million) free cash flow improved despite high investments and margin pressures,” said Frick Net liabilities amounted to €10.5 billion as of June 30 This represents a decrease of around €1 billion as compared to June 2023 The leverage ratio improved year-on-year from 3.06x to 2.67x The scope of the company’s liquidity was €7.5 billion at the reporting date This includes the non-utilized revolving credit facility (RCF) of €3.5 billion that has been extended to 2029 The first half of 2024 was marked by numerous significant financial transactions In January ZF issued a green euro bond with a volume of €800 million This was followed in April by a green bond transaction in the U.S Only a few weeks ago ZF placed a €650 million bonded loan on the market and secured two loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Recovery and Development (EBRD) with a total volume of €525 million “With these financial transactions we have gained planning reliability for the coming years,” said CFO Frick “The strong market demand for the bond issues shows that investors continue to believe in ZF.” ZF already remarked on the weak economic environment at the beginning of the year and expects conditions to worsen in the second half With customer call-offs slower than expected and in view of the current weak demand for all-electric vehicles the company has conservatively adjusted its sales forecast for 2024 to a range between €42.5 billion and €43.5 billion ZF confirms its previous full-year projection of between 4.9 and 5.4 percent because the company intends to make further flexibility gains in production and assumes that the effects of the implemented performance measures will intensify over time ZF is also confirming its original projection of €800 million for free cash flow Outlook: ZF at IAA Transportation in Hanover CFO Michael Frick also referred to ZF’s presence at IAA Transportation in Hanover The ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division as the world’s leading commercial vehicle supplier will present solutions for commercial vehicle customers and fleet operators ZF will be onsite at the trade fairgrounds (Hall H21 Booth B54) in the Lower Saxony capital from September 17 to 22 At the mobility move conference and trade fair from April 1-3 in Berlin ZF will present its latest key technologies for city bus manufacturers and fleets to drive decarbonization and make public transport more efficient ZF is also a participant in the lecture program at the trade exhibition Simplified through system approach: electrification of buses ZF is presenting its newly developed CeTrax 2 electric central drive for the first time in a German premiere the new drive features significant improvements As part of the in-house modular electric drive system it features innovative components such as the electric motor resulting in significantly improved performance and lower consumption CeTrax 2 has a continuous output of 210 kW and a peak torque of 8,700 Nm This makes it suitable for buses with a gross weight of up to 19 tons the required installation space is comparable to that of its predecessor CeTrax 2 also benefits from ZF's extensive experience in the development of state-of-the-art functions such as cybersecurity Engineering and consulting services for highly automated driving To meet manufacturers' future needs for automated and highly automated driving solutions ZF provides expertise in hardware and software development and application operators can make the transfer to safe and highly automated vehicles faster and easier This was successfully demonstrated in the RABus project in Mannheim and Friedrichshafen ZF Mobility Solutions was involved in the selection evaluation and mapping of the routes as well as the requirements profile for hardware and software in support of the project ZF Mobility Solutions also provided expertise in highly automated driving functions and Level 4 vehicle platform approval processes ZF can be found at mobility move 2025 at Booth 66 responsible for the development of electric drives for commercial vehicles at ZF will discuss the new electric modular drive system and its efficiency benefits at the E-Bus Forum 2 at 1:15 p.m Supervisory Board appoints Miedreich as of January 1 2025Miedreich will head the Electrified Powertrain Technology division the Supervisory Board of ZF Friedrichshafen AG appointed Mathias Miedreich to the Board of Management of the technology group effective January 1 Miedreich will be responsible for the Electrified Powertrain Technology division Mathias Miedreich has many years of experience in the automotive industry After graduating with a degree in Business Administration from the Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Miedreich spent several years in various management roles for Siemens Continental and Faurecia in Germany and abroad a global materials technology and circular economy specialist based in Brussels commented on the appointment: “With Mathias Miedreich we are specifically strengthening our Board of Management team which is doing an outstanding job in these times to realign ZF and make it more competitive As the future head of the Electrified Powertrain Technology Division he has a special responsibility in view of the challenges that ZF is currently facing in the transition to electric mobility Mathias Miedreich is familiar with our customers global value chains and expectations regarding sustainable mobility As representative of the Zeppelin Foundation its chairman Andreas Brand said: “With Mathias Miedreich as the new board member we’re relying on his expertise in the automotive industry and in the field of electric mobility We’re convinced that he will make a valuable contribution to ZF we’re supporting the strategic goals of adapting this division to market requirements and technological developments.” Simon Blümcke, the newly elected mayor of Friedrichshafen, has officially joined the Supervisory Board of ZF Friedrichshafen AG the former mayor who stepped down from his board position following the conclusion of his term on October 31 will now serve as Chairman of the Supervisory Board for the Zeppelin Foundation on the capital side Blümcke’s appointment to the Supervisory Board will run until the end of the current term in March 2028 The remaining 6.2% of ZF shares are held by the Ulderup Foundation which also has representation on the board stating: “We are pleased to have Simon Blümcke on board and anticipate a productive collaboration The seamless handover ensures continuity and stability particularly during these challenging times We also extend our gratitude to Andreas Brand for his dedication and contributions over the past 15 years during which he played a pivotal role in navigating ZF through significant transformations and strategic acquisitions.” Blümcke expressed his enthusiasm for his new role saying: “I look forward to working closely with the Supervisory Board and Management Board to drive ZF’s strategic development and future positioning.”Blümcke was elected as Friedrichshafen’s mayor on September 29 and officially assumed his duties on December 1 A further change is set to occur on the employee side of the Supervisory Board at the start of the new year Deputy Chairman and former District Manager of IG Metall Baden-Württemberg the current head of IG Metall’s Baden-Württemberg district Preparations for her formal appointment are underway to ensure a smooth transition Dr Hiesinger acknowledged Zitzelsberger’s service stating: “The collaboration between the Chair and Deputy Chair has been marked by mutual trust and shared responsibility in addressing complex challenges Zitzelsberger’s dedication and wish him the best in his future endeavors.” The story of ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ has reached far and wide. But who are makers of ‘MAKE IN INDIA’? What is their story? ‘Machine Maker’ is a dedicated magazine that seeks to bring the incredible stories... Read more info@themachinemaker.com +91-703-093-2700 Contact Us India's Top expanding at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2030 Automotive suspension systems are witnessing tremendous upsurge in the demand in the region owing to growing consciousness regarding vehicle safety and increasing sales of luxury vehicles These systems play a vital role in keeping vehicle tires in contact with the road.Failure or poor functioning of suspension systems can pose a threat to passengers and drivers Such failures occur due to negligence of driver Suspension systems are used in passenger vehicles They promote even and balanced tire and brake wear These factors are estimated to drive the growth of the automotive suspension systems market in the region.Continuous strengthening of global vehicle standards is the major constraint hampering the growth of the market Frequent updates in vehicle safety standards and increasing need for passenger safety may affect the production of vehicles Prominent automakers are implementing lightweight suspension solutions to meet requirements of buyers and abide by environmental standards implementation of lightweight solutions is easy for established market players whereas new entrants may find it difficult to implement as lightweight suspension solutions are high in cost Prominent vendors in the market include Continental AG; Tenneco Inc.; F-TECH INC.; WABCO Holdings.; and Multimatic Inc Asia Pacific Automotive Suspension Systems Market Report Highlights Automotive Suspension Systems Market: Vehicle Estimates & Trend Analysis4.1 Automotive suspension system market: Vehicle Movement Analysis Automotive Suspension Systems Market: System Estimates & Trend Analysis5.1 Automotive Suspension Systems Market: System Movement Analysis Automotive Suspension Systems Market: Damping Estimates & Trend Analysis6.1 Automotive suspension system market: Damping Movement Analysis Automotive Suspension Systems Market: Component Estimates & Trend Analysis7.1 Automotive Suspension Systems Market: Component Movement Analysis Automotive Suspension Systems Market Country Estimates & Trend Analysis8.1 Automotive Suspension Systems Market Share About ResearchAndMarkets.comResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets Replacing Hiesinger on the board will be Ingrid Jägering In a key leadership transition, the Supervisory Board of ZF Friedrichshafen AG has elected Dr Rolf Breidenbach as its new Chairman The decision marks a strategic move to ensure long-term leadership continuity as ZF continues its transformation within the evolving automotive landscape a seasoned automotive industry expert and former CEO of Hella GmbH & Co has been a member of ZF’s Supervisory Board since March 2023 “Dr Breidenbach brings a wealth of experience from the global automotive sector and is exceptionally well-positioned to guide ZF through its ongoing transformation,” said Simon Blümcke Lord Mayor of Friedrichshafen and representative of the Zeppelin Foundation which holds a 93.8% stake in ZF Friedrichshafen AG Breidenbach holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen University and has held senior roles in consultancy and automotive manufacturing including a long stint at McKinsey & Company was praised for his strong leadership during challenging times helping steer ZF with strategic insight and stability He had earlier indicated that he would not seek a second term ending in 2028 due to personal plans and proactively offered to step down early to enable a smoother transition at a crucial time for the company “We are deeply grateful to Dr Hiesinger for his outstanding contribution and leadership,” said Blümcke “His early decision to pass the baton ensures continuity and stability as ZF pursues key transformation initiatives.” She is expected to be formally elected to the board at the upcoming General Meeting of ZF Friedrichshafen AG Jägering brings with her over three decades of experience in top industrial and financial roles at leading companies including Siemens “With her extensive industry and financial expertise Ingrid Jägering will be a valuable addition to the board during these transformative times,” said Dr Breidenbach “We look forward to her insights and collaboration.” As ZF advances its strategic priorities in electrification the refreshed Supervisory Board is set to play a pivotal role in steering the group’s long-term growth and innovation agenda ZF LIFETEC Develops Active Heel Airbag For Next-Gen Vehicles Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Hands Reins To Local Leaders In Strategic Shift Evera Steps In As BluSmart Exits, Acquires Cabs To Expand Airport EV Operations MG Windsor PRO Set To Launch With Level 2 ADAS Jeep India Launches Wrangler Willys '41 Edition With Exclusive Heritage Styling Retail Growth Eases In April As Value-Sensitive Trends Shape Auto Market: FADA ZF established a unique, enterprise-wide functional and governance model for citizen developers. This includes a development portal with over 100,000 site visits and 17,000 unique users since its launch last year. The number of Power Platform solutions has more than doubled in just one year with over 25,000 apps and 37,000 unique active users. Citizen development is one of the key strategies in our IT digitalization adoption and Microsoft Power Platform is a key enabler of this strategy. Dr. Milan Kumar, Global Head - IT Data & AI, Process Automation, ZF Group Our goal at ZF is to encourage Power Platform development without compromising security or quality. Thekla Laux, Manager of IT Process Automation Enablement, ZF Group The speed with which we can set up our shopfloor management solution to meet the needs of each factory in our network has really surprised and impressed employees. Dennis Schimmel, Head of Lean goes Digital, ZF Group We are Microsoft Empowering others Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. The automotive supplier aims to gradually decrease the number of employees in Germany by 11,000 to 14,000 by 2028. The ZF group is reorienting its structures (Image: ZF) The auto supplier ZF plans to cut up to 14,000 jobs in Germany by the end of 2028 The group announced this today in Friedrichshafen The extent to which reductions are planned at the locations is now being specified "The reduction should be made as socially acceptable as possible by using the demographic structure of the workforce and the turnover," the company said ZF plans to establish several site networks with leaner structures 54,000 people are employed by the company in Germany The highly indebted company only imposed a strict austerity program on itself this spring costs are to be reduced worldwide by about six billion euros ZF hopes to improve its position to tackle the further shift to e-mobility starting in 2026 ZF CEO Holger Klein had already announced in April that the number of employees in Germany will not be sustainable in the long term we want to strengthen our competitiveness and consolidate our position as one of the world's leading supplier companies," he now explained The main reason for the austerity measures is the high debt of the corporation This originated mainly from the acquisition of the auto supplier TRW and the brake specialist Wabco the corporation is paying hundreds of millions of euros in interest which is majority owned by the Zeppelin Foundation of the city of Friedrichshafen must invest billions in the coming years to master the transformation The company plans to increase its investments in the areas of commercial vehicle technology industrial technology and aftermarket while reducing jobs given the high competitive and cost pressure and the weak market development for electric cars is on the Electrified Drive Technologies division it's clear: the future belongs to electric mobility We have made advance payments here and will continue to invest heavily in this area," explains ZF CEO Klein The company assumes that the shift towards electric mobility will lead to declining volumes of transmissions for conventional and hybrid vehicles This development should also be taken into account there is currently a drastic lack of demand for purely electric vehicles which leads to overcapacity in the production lines for electric drives set up with high investments Around 169,000 people work for ZF worldwide Approximately 10,300 people are employed at Lake Constance ZF is present at more than 160 production sites in 31 countries the company achieved a turnover of around 46.6 billion euros By clicking on „Subscribe to Newsletter“ I agree to the processing and use of my data according to the consent form (please expand for details) and accept the Terms of Use. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy Copyright © 2025 Vogel Communications Group growing at a CAGR of 3.0% from 2023 to 2030 This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends helping you make informed business decisions The growth in the commercial vehicle propeller shaft market is driven by several factors each deeply interconnected with technological advancements One of the primary drivers is the increasing focus on fuel efficiency and the reduction of carbon emissions In response to stringent environmental regulations worldwide stronger materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum for propeller shafts which help improve fuel efficiency and reduce overall vehicle weight the rising adoption of electric and hybrid commercial vehicles has introduced a new set of requirements for propeller shaft design as these vehicles necessitate systems that can accommodate different powertrain configurations This shift toward electrification in the commercial vehicle market is creating a demand for propeller shafts that are not only compatible with electric drivetrains but also optimized for performance under these new conditions The rapid expansion of e-commerce is another key factor driving demand in this market the logistics and transportation industries have seen an unprecedented increase in demand for medium and heavy commercial vehicles reliable propeller shafts to handle the higher payloads and longer distances required in the current logistics environment changing consumer preferences are also influencing market growth There is an increasing expectation for smoother rides which has led to the adoption of advanced engineering solutions such as precision-engineered joints and enhanced vibration-damping technologies These innovations improve the driving experience thus propelling demand for high-performance propeller shafts these factors underscore the importance of continued innovation and adaptation within the propeller shaft market as it remains a critical component in the evolving commercial vehicle landscape.How Do Innovations In Propeller Shaft Design Address Industry Demands?The commercial vehicle sector is evolving rapidly with increased pressure on manufacturers to produce vehicles that are lighter Propeller shaft design has seen significant innovation in response to these demands One major area of focus has been reducing the overall weight of the shaft without compromising its strength By incorporating advanced materials such as carbon fiber and high-strength composites manufacturers are able to significantly reduce the weight of propeller shafts contributing to lower fuel consumption and reduced wear and tear on other vehicle components the shift toward multi-piece propeller shaft designs has enabled better flexibility especially in larger vehicles that require longer shafts to span the distance between the engine and the rear axle These multi-piece systems not only improve ease of maintenance but also help in handling higher loads and torque levels more effectively particularly the use of constant velocity (CV) joints and more sophisticated universal joints have also contributed to the enhancement of propeller shaft performance leading to smoother operations and reduced vibrations as they extend the life of commercial vehicles while also improving driver comfort which is becoming an increasingly important factor in fleet operations.Key Insights: FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS:Some of the 42 companies featured in this Commercial Vehicle Propeller Shafts market report include: Martin Fischer hands over responsibility for the North and South America regions to Dr ZF Friedrichshafen AG is partially reassigning the responsibilities of its board members Martin Fischer does not seek an extension of his contract with ZF Peter Holdmann will be responsible for the North and South America market regions previously led by Fischer Peter Holdmann was appointed to the ZF board by the supervisory board in March 2024 He is currently responsible for the Chassis Solutions division and the Corporate Quality department Holdmann will also take over responsibility for the North and South America market regions from Dr The Passive Safety Technology division previously led by Fischer will now be assigned to CFO Michael Frick; the Electronics and ADAS division will be transferred to CEO Dr who holds a doctorate in mechanical and automotive engineering from RWTH Aachen University After holding various management positions in the Car Chassis Technology division he assumed overall responsibility for the Chassis Modules and Chassis Systems business unit in 2008 With the acquisition of TRW Automotive in 2015 he moved to the new Active and Passive Safety Technology division and headed the Brake and Steering business from the Detroit Holdmann has headed the Car Chassis Technology division which was transferred to the new Chassis Solutions division at the beginning of the year he became a member of the ZF Board of Management Heightened safety in the event of a crash including comfort seating positions for advanced automated drivingZF's inflator enables inflation of particularly large airbags due to increased volumeThe internal pressure in the airbag can be adjusted to the occupant's stature and weight drivers will have flexible seating position options To provide the best possible protection in the event of a crash new airbag concepts are required that adapt their depth of effect to the respective seating position ZF LIFETEC has developed a dual contour airbag for the passenger side which can be inflated in two different sizes ZF LIFETEC is also developing a dual contour airbag for the driver's side for the next generation of partially or fully automated vehicles Level 3 highly automated driving is possible in more vehicles and is being approved in more countries Drivers can turn away from the traffic when the system is activated - provided they can take back control of the vehicle at any time if they are asked to do so this restriction could be removed if the vehicle covers certain sections of the route completely independently Drivers will also be able to change the seat position and angle of the backrest to a slightly more comfortable seating position if the automated control system takes over the driving task For both the driver and front passenger side occupant protection is only guaranteed for the standard upright seating position “Our aim is to ensure that occupants in comfort seating positions also enjoy at least the same safety standards they are accustomed to in automated driving,” said Harald Lutz Crash tests have shown that if a frontal crash occurs while the front occupants are in the comfort seat position - a backrest angle of around 40 degrees - the classic combination of seat belt and airbag may no longer provide optimum protection for the occupants the distance between the inflated airbag and the occupant is too great to optimally cushion and restrain the passenger It is important to note that the 90-degree angle from the backrest to the seat surface is defined as 0 in this recline specification — meaning that the normal seating position is around 20 degrees a solution is needed that offers a high level of safety for both positions This is the idea behind the dual contour airbag the solution consists of an airbag that is designed for the standard seating position that can also be enlarged when the occupants are in a comfort seating position ZF LIFETEC utilized experience gained from the development of a dual-contour passenger airbag which will be ready for application this year The new driver airbag also offers two stages which extend accordingly depending on whether the person behind the steering wheel is in an upright or comfort seating position The two-stage function can be regulated via a control unit that switches a system of bag-cushion-tethers These tethers are connected to an active release unit In order for the dual-contour driver airbag to fully deploy which ZF LIFETEC has developed for airbags with particularly large volumes It can fill the two volume sizes of the driver airbag integrated in the steering wheel within milliseconds Lutz emphasizes that this type of airbag can provide a depth adaptivity of approximately 200 mm on the driver's side The maximum total inflation volume of a dual-contour airbag is currently achieved on the passenger side and is up to 190 liters “This is the absolute benchmark in this field,” noted Lutz “ZF LIFETEC thus offers a high level of safety and covers all future requirements in terms of adaptivity.” As the airbag control system is integrated into the car's electronics the vehicle can identify which seat position the driver is in at the moment of the crash and which stage of the gas generator needs to be triggered In addition to seat tilt and weight sensors can be integrated into the system for a more precise assessment of the scenario in the interior It is possible to implement a further adaptation in the dual-contour airbag This allows the inflation pressure of the airbag to be varied depending on the size If sensors or interior cameras provide the relevant information and detect a tall air vents can be opened to modulate the inflation pressure and thus optimize restraint for the occupant which ZF LIFETEC already offers in other airbags in series applications the restraint function of the airbag in many vehicles is already more efficient today and at the same time takes into account the ‘real-life safety’ approach,” summarized Lutz.