ZF, Hella, team up for strategic partnership

ZF and Hella have announced a strategic partnership in which both automotive suppliers co-operate on sensor technology, imaging and radar systems.

In press release, ZF said it would strengthen its portfolio as a systems supplier of both modern assistance systems and autonomous driving functions, while Hella will push forth technological development and take advantage of increased market access for its current products.

The first joint development project between the two companies will be for camera technology and will start immediately with a goal of market launch in 2020.

“This strategic partnership for sensor technology with Hella enhances our position as a complete systems supplier for modern assistance systems as well as autonomous driving functions,” says Dr. Stefan Sommer, CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

“By combining our strengths, we clearly aim to provide market leading and high performing assistance systems and autonomous driving functions,” said Dr. Rolf Breidenbach, CEO at H KGaA Hueck & Co. “In addition, this co-operation will strengthen HELLA’s position as a well-regarded supplier for imaging and radar sensor technologies.”

In the mid to long term, ZF and Hella will also provide camera systems for automated driving functions as well as for commercial vehicles and off-highway applications, the announcement said.

In the long-term, both sides will identify opportunities to provide attractive volume-production solutions in the short to mid-term by jointly building up their product portfolio. While the joint development will focus on systems solutions, each ZF and Hella will continue to develop and to offer its technology independently on a component level.