ZF Group

Introducing Photosynthesis Paint – ZF’s boldest leap toward sustainable mobility. Today, we are excited to unveil what we believe could redefine the future of automotive innovation: Photosynthesis Paint, a groundbreaking new coating that converts sunlight into clean, renewable energy using a bio inspired process modeled directly on photosynthesis. Developed by our advanced materials team, Photosynthesis Paint uses special pigments that capture sunlight and convert it into usable energy for the vehicle. As part of this process, the surface forms subtle, organic patterns - tiny leaf like textures and delicate vine structures - which evolve over time as the paint absorbs more light. This dynamic surface expression transforms sustainability into a visible design feature, blending engineering with nature in a completely new way. With this technology, vehicles could supplement battery power passively - whether driving, charging, or simply parked outdoors - opening new possibilities for reduced energy consumption and a more harmonious connection between mobility and the environment. A moment of honesty… While real automotive R&D has delivered impressive advances like solar active paints and ultra thin photovoltaic coatings (no vines involved), Photosynthesis Paint is entirely an April Fools’ creation. At ZF, our real breakthroughs focus on chassis and driveline technology - innovations grounded in engineering, not botany. Happy April Fools’ Day! #AprilFoolsDay

Advancing innovation through global knowledge sharing. 🚗🌍🤝 Last week, our ZF Hub UK in Solihull became a true hub for collaboration during the Automotive Technology Trade Mission, organised by the British Embassy Berlin and the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT). We welcomed 18 pioneering UK tech companies across #AI, #cybersecurity, #robotics, servo drives, and #hydrogen — sparking a dynamic exchange of ideas, expertise, and ambition, both on-site and virtually with ZF engineering teams worldwide. More than presentations, this was hands-on collaboration. Through interactive workshops on real ZF challenges, solution showcases, and a session with Plug and Play Europe, participants didn’t just share knowledge — they co-created it. A standout moment: the UK–Germany roundtable, unlocking practical pathways for partnership. At ZF, we believe innovation thrives on open dialogue, diverse thinking, and strong partnerships. By connecting minds globally, we accelerate progress and nurture the next generation of engineering talent. Thank you to all delegates and partners for your energy and openness. Together, we’re shaping the future of mobility. 💡🚘🌍 Baden-Württemberg International (BW_i)

Electrification, digitalization, and autonomous driving are transforming not only the products we create but also the way we develop them. To deliver faster and more efficient solutions in this dynamic environment, companies are increasingly turning to virtual development. Instead of building complex physical prototypes, products are now created digitally first: faster, more flexible, and more closely aligned with customer needs. More: https://lnkd.in/dctaYFBY

At a festive event in Paris on Wednesday evening, CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project) honored the ZF Group for its transparency in reporting on climate and environmental matters. ZF received the top grade “A” in the reporting category “Climate” and an “A-” in “Water.” The award was accepted by Dr. Michael Karrer, Senior Vice President Sustainability & EHS at ZF. “We are very pleased about this recognition and view it as a confirmation of our work over the past years,” says Karrer, adding: “The CDP rating is also further proof of how businessrelevant sustainable action has become.” Customers increasingly require at least good results in CDP reporting from their suppliers in order to consider them in tenders. Investors and capital markets also now view this independent rating as the gold standard in corporate environmental reporting. CDP is a global non-profit organization that operates the world’s only independent environmental disclosure system for companies, capital markets, cities, states, and regions. In 2025, more than 22,000 companies reported annually to CDP in the Climate category, and around 9,000 companies in the Water category. 

At #ZF, we believe that reliability is earned through rigorous testing, cost efficient validation and a commitment to excellence. That’s why we’re proud to share a major launch: the commissioning of our brand-new cold chamber in Coimbatore, India. This state-of-the-art facility can test #gearboxes and #powertrain systems at extreme temperatures down to –40°C and validate products up to 10 MW. With this addition, we expand our global ability to ensure performance under the toughest conditions the planet can deliver. Combined with our mobile cold chambers in Lommel (Belgium) and Witten (Germany), ZF's global design teams can now validate wind power gearboxes worldwide, replicating Nordic environments; anytime, anywhere. Why does this matter? Because in the #windindustry, every degree, every gust, and every extreme condition matters. Our expanded testing capabilities mean even greater confidence and reliability in the field, empowering a sustainable future together with our partners… worldwide.

🌱Keeping sustainability in focus🌱 We are making determined progress toward our climate goals. Since 2025, all our locations worldwide have been fully supplied with electricity from renewable energy sources – five years earlier than planned. Together with the systematic increase in our energy efficiency, we have managed to cut greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations by over 80% compared to 2019. These and further developments can be found in the current sustainability report, which is part of ZF’s annual report: https://ow.ly/vSkY50YwI94

Today, ZF presented its 2025 annual results. At the press conference ZF’s CEO Mathias Miedreich emphasized that the technology group has operationally surpassed its 2025 targets. “The fact that our efficiency program is gaining traction encourages us to stay the course. Performance and profitability take precedence over sales and size. But we also know: continuing our upward path will require full focus and maximum effort across the Group,” he said. “The numbers reflect our past, while our business momentum points to our future. We will steadily rebuild the level of profitability our owners – and we ourselves – expect.” Get all important key figures from ZF’s fiscal year 2025 in our annual report: www.zf.com/annualreport

Annual Results 2025: ZF Improves Operating Performance and Reduces Debt ZF improved its operating performance in fiscal year 2025 and exceeded its guidance for operating profit and cash flow. The adjusted EBIT margin – guided at 3.0 to 4.0 percent – rose from 3.5 percent in 2024 to 4.5 percent, corresponding to adjusted EBIT of €1.7 billion (2024: €1.5 billion). Adjusted free cash flow, guided at more than €500 million, reached €1.4 billion (2024: €305 million). Sales totaled €38.8 billion (2024: €41.4 billion). Despite macroeconomic volatility and subdued global market dynamics, this represents organic growth of 0.6 percent. As part of its strategic decisions, ZF also terminated several non‑profitable electric mobility projects ahead of schedule. While the one‑time charge results in an accounting loss, the move creates new strategic room to maneuver. Further details on ZF’s fiscal year 2025 are available in our press release: https://ow.ly/jHxO50Ywbqr

Local actions, global impact: International Women’s Day 2026 at ZF. Over the past few weeks, International Women’s Day has brought many inspiring moments to life across ZF. From Turkey to India, Mexico, Germany, China, Malaysia and far beyond, teams created their own ways to recognize the strength, contribution, and impact of women in our workplaces and communities. All events, like workshops, conversations, cultural activities, and small gestures of appreciation showed one thing clearly: Real progress starts locally and grows globally when we support one another. At ZF, we are committed to moving from awareness to action: ⭐ promoting equity, not just equality ⭐ strengthening inclusion in every region ⭐ listening, learning, and adapting to local realities ⭐ enabling change through collaboration and shared responsibility The images below reflect how our global teams bring these values to life. #GiveToGain #InternationalWomensDay #StrongerTogether

🚀 Every year, ZF hosts the internal competition “ZF Excellence Award,” honoring outstanding achievements across the company. In the current competition, an international team from India, Germany, and the USA won in the “Sustainability” category. The team developed TempAI, an AI-based technology that is already in series production. 🌡️ TempAI can, for the first time, precisely infer temperatures inside the e motor – entirely without additional sensors. Using AI enables temperature control that is 15 percent more accurate. Precise temperature monitoring in the motor is crucial for its performance, efficiency, and longevity. 🌱 At the same time, TempAI helps reduce the amount of heavy rare earth elements (HREE) needed in the permanent magnets of e motors, conserving valuable resources. HREE increase the heat resistance and performance of permanent magnets. Using AI also makes it possible to design e motors in a more compact way.” With TempAI, ZF demonstrates how digital intelligence can create real ecological benefits – making electromobility more efficient, more sustainable, and more powerful. #Sustainability #SustainableThursday #ZFExcellenceAward