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Who is ZF?
ZF is a leading worldwide automotive supplier for Driveline and Chassis Technology with 121 production companies in 27 countries. In 2011, the Group will achieve a sales figure of roughly EUR 15.5 billion with approximately 72.100 employees. ZF is among the top 10 companies on the ranking list of the largest automotive suppliers worldwide.
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.
More about ZF's History
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?
ZF is a decentralized company with divisions and business units that operate independently and respond flexibly to the needs of our customers. However, the Group sets the strategy of divisions and business units, and the Group‘s overall interests take priority over the individual interests of the divisions and business units. The Group is divided into four divisions: Powerline Technology, Chassis Technology, Commercial Vehicle Technology and Industrial Technology. In addition, there is the independent business unit 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. 65 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 5,400 employees worldwide work in this field at eight main development centers. In 2010, ZF invested 646 million euro in research und development.
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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
