ZF inaugurated its state-of-the-art Digital Solutions Center in Bengaluru, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to India. Further advancing ZF’s Next Generation Mobility vision, the investment is another validation of India’s importance as a digital solutions hub within the global automotive industry.

An important cornerstone of ZF global fleet solutions development program, the ~15,000-sq ft centre expands ZF’s extensive digital technology development capabilities. The centre is foreseen to employ around 150 people and will support development programs for the domestic market and growing fleet management business globally.

Leveraging the increasing digital capability and connectivity of multiple vehicle platforms, the centre will innovate applications that advance vehicle autonomy as well as enabling fleets to become leaner, greener and safer. Helping to scale up and accelerate ZF’s transformation and leadership in digitalisation, AI, big data analytics and cloud-based solutions, the hub is fully integrated into ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Control Systems division and global R&D network.

The facility will develop, test and deploy an increasingly broad portfolio of integrated functions that are aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency and connectivity across the ecosystem of commercial fleet operators. Technologies currently being developed at the centre include advanced driver behaviour management and fleet operations support, including applications for fuel consumption and tyre pressure monitoring, fleet track and trace, data science and cargo safety and security systems.

Building on the Group’s Fleet Management Solutions (FMS), the Digital Solutions Center will provide access to a strong talent pool, growing local market opportunities, and an increasing number of technology partners seeking to advance cloud solutions, big data and analytics.

“Located in the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru, this new Digital Solution Center which joins an extensive network of ZF WABCO development and manufacturing facilities throughout India, powerfully underlines ZF’s enduring commitment to India as an important hub for pioneering solutions that mobilise commercial vehicle intelligence by leveraging the increasing connectivity of our technologies and commercial vehicles,” said P Kaniappan, Managing Director, WABCO India. “With a wealth of talent in Data Science, Cloud Solutions and Analytics, the centre is another gateway to serve significant domestic and global opportunities, while expanding our capabilities and further enhancing our support for customers world-wide.”

“Digitalisation of commercial vehicle fleets and the transport ecosystem is accelerating at an unprecedented pace,” added Dr Christian Brenneke, Senior Vice President, Product Engineering, for ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Control Systems division. “Connecting this latest hub in India to the group’s global network of advanced digital R&D facilities optimally positions us to stay at the forefront of innovation and technology leadership in this domain.”

ZF’s fleet solutions are currently marketed through a number of brands, including WABCO serving Oceania, Asia, North America and South America, Transics serving customers throughout Europe, and Assettrackr in India.