Rooted in tradition
ZF through changing times
From the outset, the aim of Zahnradfabrik GmbH, founded in 1915 and today known as ZF Friedrichshafen AG, was to develop innovative products for optimal mobility. Not only technological and economic progress but also social and political developments have shaped the company over the decades. A wide-ranging historical legacy, which the ZF Group works hard to preserve.
Balancing innovation with tradition
ZF has continually grown: from its beginnings as a manufacturer of gear wheels and transmissions for Zeppelin airships to its present form as one of the major international suppliers of driveline and chassis technology. Since its founding in 1915, it has equipped countless vehicles for a variety of customers, first with transmissions and more recently with steering systems, differentials and axles as well. Aston Martin, BMW, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz – ZF has not only helped write its own history, but that of many automakers, shaping the development and products of these renowned manufacturers. Technology has developed at lightning speed over these 90 or so years, and it has always been ZF engineers driving progress in both serial production and motor sports, with their innovativeness, expertise with high-tech materials and constantly refined manufacturing methods.
From tractors to helicopters
They may be old, but they're not ready for the junkyard yet: classic vehicles, from tractors and helicopters to motor yachts and sports cars, excite more than just vintage vehicle fans. With its comprehensive Group Archive and constantly growing Historical Collection, ZF preserves a wealth of technological history. Today, the vehicle collection includes a 1940 Magirus fire engine with ZF standard transmission; a rebuilt ZF Champion; a 1957 Porsche Diesel Junior tractor with ZF A 4 tractor transmission; a 1967 BMW 2000 C with the first ZF automatic transmission for cars, the 3 HP 12, and ZF worm and roller steering; and a 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal with a ZF 5-speed manual transmission and self-locking differential.
The fascination of motor sports
The ZF Group’s motor sports heritage has proven to be as comprehensive as successful. In 1914, Mercedes achieved its first success with Sachs ball bearings, while its legendary Silver Arrow, with aluminum dampers and clutches from Sachs and a locked transfer case from ZF, won victory after victory in 1937. Even BMW equipped its 1930s models, such as the BMW 328 Roadster, with ZF transmissions.
The Scot Jim Clark twice, in 1963 and 1965, won the world championship in the ultimate motor sports discipline, Formula 1. Aboard his Lotus Climax were ZF transmission, synchronization and differential. 1966 saw a triple victory of the legendary Ford GT-40 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also with ZF transmissions. Along with locked transfer cases, shock absorbers, clutches and transmissions, ZF steering systems have also been used in motor sports to enable high performance. Commitment to motor sports is an intrinsic part of our corporate tradition, and continues to be pursued with success to this day. ZF Sachs has been involved in Formula 1 since 1993, and ZF components and systems contribute to success in many motor sports events.
ZF: mark of technological excellence
ZF values the trust of its customers, partners and employees, and is proud to represent technical expertise, quality and service. This trust has grown over the decades, and it can only be understood in the context of the company’s history. For this reason, upholding tradition is of great importance to ZF. Only by paying tribute to the tradition and history of the company does the ZF brand come alive, and what gets the pulse racing is our enthusiasm for – indeed, our wide-eyed fascination with – technology.
In our work with tradition, therefore, we go that extra step: In addition to documenting our corporate history and preserving technological milestones, we at ZF also think of tradition in practical terms. Under the heading ZF Tradition, we offer owners of historic vehicles containing ZF products a central reference point for their questions and problems, and help classic vehicle enthusiasts with technical information, repair advice and replacement parts.
