Despite challenges in the global automotive market, ZF Foxconn Chassis Modules (ZFFCN), a leading global automotive supplier, is thriving. The company projects doubling its annual sales from USD 4.4 billion (EUR 4 billion) to USD 8.8 billion (EUR 8 billion) by 2029, driven by a robust inflow of orders from prominent original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis.
ZFFCN operates two plants in Malaysia, located in Kulim and Pekan, which serve a diverse array of clients. These operations are positioned for further expansion, both by increasing business with existing customers and attracting new brands. The company’s strong foothold in Malaysia reflects its commitment to the region’s growth and its strategy to meet rising demand by scaling up production.
Celebrating 30 years in the business, ZFFCN has built a legacy of expertise in assembling axle modules across 25 international locations. The joint venture, formed between ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Foxconn (Hon Hai Technology Group), traces its origins back to August 1994 when its first axle sets were delivered to BMW from its Duncan, USA, plant. Over the years, ZFFCN’s proximity to clients and excellence in logistics have cemented its partnerships with some of the world’s top automotive brands.
Eike Dorff, CEO of ZFFCN, remarked on the company’s achievements:
“We have two great reasons to celebrate today. First, our teams around the world have demonstrated market-leading expertise in chassis modules over the past three decades. I am deeply grateful to both our teams and our partners for their trust. Second, our recent surge in orders positions us to double our sales by 2029, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Our adaptability, customer focus, and passion continue to drive our success.”
Thinus Steyn, ZFFCN Vice President for the Asia-Pacific Region, echoed these sentiments:
“Reaching 30 years of excellence and 22 years of successful axle systems in the Asia-Pacific region is a testament to our strong customer relationships and exceptional teamwork. Our plants in Malaysia have expanded in response to growing demand, and we remain committed to cultivating local talent to continue this legacy. Our agility and production adaptability in Southeast Asia strengthen our position as a trusted partner for OEMs and Asian NEV customers alike.”
ZFFCN’s flexible production capabilities allow it to cater to both mass production and the more specialized Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly concepts for its international clients. Its customized Just-In-Time (JIT) and Just-In-Sequence (JIS) processes, alongside its open approach to various automotive technologies, attract both established OEMs and new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers in Asia.
By focusing on localized production and logistics, ZFFCN has become a preferred partner for brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche in the Asia-Pacific region over the past two decades. The company continues to build on its rich expertise in logistics, industrialization, and engineering to offer solutions for all types of vehicles, including internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrids, and fully electric or battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
For more information, visit the ZFFCN’s website.