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Who is ZF?
ZF is a leading worldwide automotive supplier for Driveline and Chassis Technology with 125 locations in 26 countries. The company employs a workforce of approximately 61,000 employees; thereof, 36,400 employees are working in Germany. In 2008, ZF achieved sales of EUR 12.5 billion. ZF takes place 15 on the international ranking list of automotive suppliers.
What is the history of ZF?
In 1915, the company was founded under the name 'Zahnradfabrik GmbH' – hence the abbreviation ZF - for the development and production of transmissions for airships, vehicles, and motorboats. Alfred Colsman, representing the Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH, and the Max Maag Zahnräderfabrik Zurich were responsible for the foundation. ZF expanded continuously by means of new products, technologies, acquisitions, and internationalization: It is now one of the big international automotive suppliers, operating today under the name of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, in short: ZF.
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Who does ZF belong to?
The company shareholders are the Zeppelin Foundation, administered by the City of Friedrichshafen, holding 93.8 percent of company shares, and the Dr.-Jürgen-Ulderup Foundation, Lemförde, with 6.2 percent.
Can I buy ZF shares?
No, the company is not listed on the stock exchange. Shareholders are the Zeppelin Foundation and the Dr.-Jürgen-Ulderup Foundation.
How is ZF structured?
The ZF Group is a decentralized company. Its divisions and business units operate independently and flexibly on the market; they are managed strategically and financially by the Group. The Group is divided into five product-related divisions: Car Driveline Technology in Saarbrücken, Car Chassis Technology in Lemförde, Commercial Vehicle and Special Driveline Technology in Friedrichshafen, Off-Road Driveline Technology and Axle Systems in Passau, as well as Powertrain and Suspension Components in Schweinfurt. In addition, there are independent business units: Aviation Technology, Marine Propulsion Systems, Rubber-Metal Technology, Electronic Components and ZF Services. In 1999, ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Robert Bosch GmbH founded the joint venture ZF Lenksysteme GmbH.
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Does ZF only make transmissions?
Meanwhile, the product range includes transmissions and steering systems as well as complete chassis systems and modules. In all core products, ZF holds first, second, or third place on the world market. 86 percent of total sales is generated by the automotive business of the Group.
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How is ZF preparing for the future?
In order to continue to be present with an innovative product range in all markets, ZF annually invests approximately five percent of its sales in Research and Development. Approximately 4 600 employees worldwide work in this field at six main development centers. In 2008, ZF Friedrichshafen AG invested a total of EUR 697 million in property, plant, and equipment in 2007, amounting to approximately five percent of Group sales.
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What does ZF offer its customers?
ZF’s main priority is to meet its customers’ needs by using leading technology, quality, and service; this is the key to strengthening the international market position. In addition to the benefits of component expertise, the customer profits from the Group’s system know-how. Innovations in Driveline and Chassis Technology provide increased driving dynamics, safety, comfort, and economy as well as lower fuel consumption and emissions in the vehicles of the customers: by land, by sea, and in the air.
What are ZF's values?
Corporate responsibility goes beyond the safeguarding of economic success and jobs. Thus, it is quite natural for ZF to assume responsibility for social assignments, environmental protection, and within the context of several national and international relief projects. ZF plays an active role in society and is continuously engaged in a dialog with the general public and with its employees. The company promotes employees in terms of qualification, performance, motivation, and mobility.
More about ZF's values
TopFAQs on carreer
Which ways offers ZF to join the company?
During studies:
- Summer jobs
- Trainee programm
- Internships
- Dissertations (Diplom, Bachelor, Master)
Post studies:
- direct entry
- International internship
Graduates of which fields of studies are most required?
Graduates of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, IT, industrial engineering or business managemen specialized in process engeneering, mechatronics, automation engineering, automotive engineering, product engineering, environmental engineering and logistics.
Which are the of the trainee program?
The trainee program lasts for 15 months. During this time the trainee will work on three projects in Germany and one in another country. It is possible to submit the application at any time - please use only an online application.
Further information
Is there a minimum length of time for an internship?
- Technical sector: minimum 5 months
- Business sector: minimum 3 months
- International Internship: minimum 3 months
