List of 3 large vehicle electronics manufacturers in Germany

Vehicle electronics are a central component of modern vehicles and play a crucial role in improving safety, efficiency and comfort. There are several leading manufacturers in Germany that are active in this field and play an important role worldwide. Three of these companies are Robert Bosch GmbH, ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Continental AG.

1. Robert Bosch GmbH

Robert Bosch GmbH, based in Stuttgart, is one of the world’s leading technology and service companies. The company was founded in 1886 by Robert Bosch and has developed over the years into one of the largest suppliers in the automotive industry. Bosch is particularly strong in the field of vehicle electronics, where it offers innovative solutions for driver assistance systems, engine control units and infotainment systems.

Bosch’s most significant products in the field of vehicle electronics include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), which helps to stabilise vehicles in critical driving situations, and the Bosch iBooster, an electromechanical brake booster used in hybrid and electric vehicles. These technologies have improved the safety and efficiency of vehicles worldwide.

In 2022, Bosch generated sales of around 88.4 billion euros and employed around 420,000 associates worldwide. The company invests heavily in research and development, particularly in the areas of electromobility, automated driving and connected vehicles.

Update 2024: Katja von Raven will be appointed to the Bosch Board of Management on 1 October 2024. She will then be responsible for the Power Tools division and Bosch Global Service Solutions.

2. ZF Friedrichshafen AG

ZF Friedrichshafen AG, known for its expertise in driveline and chassis technology, also plays an important role in the field of vehicle electronics. ZF was founded in Friedrichshafen in 1915 and has developed into a global technology group that offers solutions for the automotive industry as well as for aviation and mechanical engineering.

One of ZF’s outstanding products in the field of vehicle electronics is the ZF ProAI, a high-performance computer for autonomous driving. This system enables the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in vehicles, which forms the basis for autonomous driving. In addition, ZF develops electronic solutions for the control of hybrid and electric drives.

In 2022, ZF generated sales of around €43.8 billion and employed around 165,000 people worldwide. The company continuously invests in the further development of its electronics solutions to meet the challenges of modern mobility, including electrification, digitalisation and autonomous driving.

3. Continental AG

Continental AG, headquartered in Hanover, is one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world and offers a wide range of products and solutions in the field of vehicle electronics. The company was founded in 1871 and originally started out as a manufacturer of rubber products and tyres. Today, Continental is active in the areas of vehicle safety, drive technology, infotainment and connectivity

In the field of vehicle electronics, Continental is particularly well known for its ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which include driver assistance systems such as lane departure warning systems, adaptive cruise control and emergency brake assistants. These systems make a significant contributioon to improving road safety. Another important product is the Continental Cockpit, a fully integrated and networked cockpit that seamlesly connects driver and infotainment systems.

In 2022, Continental generated sales of around €39.4 billion and employed around 190,000 people worldwide. Continental has a strong focus on innovation and develops technologies that drive connected, automated and sustainable driving

Image source:  Brock Wegner