ZF Holds Rank 8 in the German Patent Statistics
21.06.2012
In 2011, ZF Friedrichshafen AG achieved a new top value regarding the number of patent applications: With 669 patent
applications in Germany, ZF defends its excellent rank 8 of the patent statistics 2010. In the current ranking of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (GPTO), the supplier company is at eye level with automotive manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Audi, or BMW. The majority of the new patent applications can be ascribed to the forward-looking development of emission reducing concepts for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
With rank 8, ZF proves its technological leadership in driveline and chassis technology once again. The number of new patent applications has always served as an indicator for the innovative strength of companies. ZF continuously expands its competencies: In 2011, the Group invested a total of EUR 754 million and had 6,200 employees in Research and Development worldwide. At the same time, the Group maintains important development locations in Europe, North America, and Asia, i.e. in all important vehicle markets.
The predominant part of the patents was granted for new transmission concepts as well as for electronic and hybrid
applications. An example is the new 9-speed automatic transmission (9HP) for passenger cars with transverse engine and front-wheel drive. ZF's engineers developed a space-saving transmission design with nested gearsets because of the limited installation space of front-transverse vehicles. Further patent applications account for lightweight design concepts in driveline and chassis technology as well as safety installations for pedals.
applications in Germany, ZF defends its excellent rank 8 of the patent statistics 2010. In the current ranking of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (GPTO), the supplier company is at eye level with automotive manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Audi, or BMW. The majority of the new patent applications can be ascribed to the forward-looking development of emission reducing concepts for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
With rank 8, ZF proves its technological leadership in driveline and chassis technology once again. The number of new patent applications has always served as an indicator for the innovative strength of companies. ZF continuously expands its competencies: In 2011, the Group invested a total of EUR 754 million and had 6,200 employees in Research and Development worldwide. At the same time, the Group maintains important development locations in Europe, North America, and Asia, i.e. in all important vehicle markets.
The predominant part of the patents was granted for new transmission concepts as well as for electronic and hybrid
applications. An example is the new 9-speed automatic transmission (9HP) for passenger cars with transverse engine and front-wheel drive. ZF's engineers developed a space-saving transmission design with nested gearsets because of the limited installation space of front-transverse vehicles. Further patent applications account for lightweight design concepts in driveline and chassis technology as well as safety installations for pedals.
