-
€249,99 Incl. VAT
This article was published as part of the research process for our list of the largest automotive suppliers in Germany. The list contains a wealth of information, such as turnover figures, sector classifications, areas of activity, address data, contact details suitable for serial letters and names of the management.
In Germany, powertrain suppliers play a central role in the automotive industry. These companies develop and produce components that are crucial for the performance, efficiency and reliability of vehicles. Three of the most important powertrain suppliers in Germany are ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Mahle GmbH and the Schaeffler Group.
1. ZF Friedrichshafen AG
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, or ZF for short, is one of the world’s leading suppliers to the automotive industry, especially in the field of driveline and chassis technology. The company was founded in Friedrichshafen in 1915 and originally began with the production of gears and transmissions for airships and aeroplanes. Today, ZF offers a wide range of driveline products, including automatic transmissions, hybrid drives and electric drives.
One of ZF’s outstanding products is the 8HP automatic transmission, which is used in numerous premium vehicles worldwide. It is characterised by high efficiency and fast shifting. ZF is also heavily involved in the development of electric drives to support the transition to electromobility.
In 2022, ZF generated sales of around €43.8 billion and employed around 165,000 people worldwide. The company is known for its innovative strength and continuously invests in research and development, particularly in the areas of electrification, digitalisation and autonomous driving.
Update 2024: Almost 5,000 employees at ZF in Friedrichshafen have received a job guarantee until 30 June 2028.
2. Mahle GmbH
Mahle GmbH, headquartered in Stuttgart, is a leading global supplier to the automotive and engine industry. The company was founded in 1920 and specialises in the development and production of components for combustion engines, electric drives and thermal management solutions.
Mahle’s key products include pistons, cylinder liners and valve trains for combustion engines. With the increasing importance of electromobility, Mahle has also expanded its activities in the field of electric drives and thermal management. One important product is the electric air conditioning system, which ensures efficient temperature control in electric vehicles.
In 2022, Mahle generated sales of around 12 billion euros and employed around 71,000 people worldwide. The company is known for its technological expertise and works closely with car manufacturers to develop customised solutions for current and future mobility requirements.
3. Schaeffler Group
The Schaeffler Group, headquartered in Herzognaurach, Germany, is a leading global automotive and industrial supplier. The company was founded in 1946 and is best known for its developments in the field of rolling bearing technology and precision components. Schaeffler supplies a wide range of powertrain products, including clutches, transmission systems and hybrid modules
An important product of the Schaeffler Group is the E-Clutch system, which enable electronic control of the clutch, thereby reducing fuel consumption and increasing driving comfort. Schaeffler is also heavily involved in the development of components for electric and hybrid drives to support the transition to electromobility.
In 2022, the Schaeffler Group generated revenue of approximatly 15.8 billion euros and employed around 83,000 people worldwide. The company invests heavily in research and development to create innovative solutions for the mobility of the future, particularly in the areas of electrification and digitalisation
Image source: Benjamin Child
