Automotive supplier, ZF, has signed an agreement with NIO, the Chinese EV OEM, which lays out a cooperation in the development of steer-by-wire (SBW) and other technologies. Both companies have also agreed to establish an instant information-sharing mechanism in order to deepen communication, and to conduct regular technical exchanges in relation to processes and quality standards. ZF and NIO also plan to extend their collaboration to the areas of brand promotion, product marketing, technology and quality enhancements, as well as customer service.
The agreement marks the first time that ZF Group has worked with a customer in the steer-by-wire business in the Asia Pacific region, and it also marks that the two sides will jointly promote the evolution and development of technology within many fields such as autonomous driving and electrification.
Dr Holger Klein, member of the board of management at ZF Group, said of the deal, “We are excited to be working closely with NIO, an outstanding representative of the Chinese automotive industry that is actively engaged in technology and business model innovation, and a pioneer in the globalisation of the Chinese automotive industry. We will continue to expand our cooperation with leading automotive customers against the backdrop of the connectivity, electrification and autonomous megatrends, and give full play to ZF’s technology strengths to play an increasingly important role in the open automotive ecosystem.”
Christophe Marnat, executive vice president for active safety systems at ZF Group added, “As vehicles become increasingly electric, autonomous, and software defined, ZF has been establishing a leading position in the industry with its comprehensive by-wire technology offerings, and has been awarded significant contracts by multiple customers with steer-by-wire launches scheduled in all major regions.”
CAPTION: Dr. Holger Klein, Member of the Board of Management (BOM), ZF Group, William Li, Founder, Chairman and CEO of NIO, and senior management on both sides attended the signing ceremony, while discussing a wide range of cooperation topics. Kevin Pan, Associate Vice President, Supply Chain Development, NIO, and Dr. Peter Holdmann, Executive Vice President, Head of Division Car Chassis Technology, signed the agreement.
