Ahead of IAA Transportation 2026, ZF demonstrated its latest safety and motion system innovations for trucks and city buses at its test track near Hanover. During CV Tech Day 2026, the company showcased how commercial vehicles are evolving into software-defined, AI-driven platforms that deliver value today while preparing fleets for future requirements.
As the pace of this transition varies across markets, ZF focused on maximum flexibility through scalable architectures, integrated safety systems and modular electrification. The company said this approach enhances safety, efficiency and total cost of ownership while protecting existing investments.
Rather than focusing solely on disruptive change, ZF outlined an evolutionary approach based on scalable platforms, flexible E/E architectures, system intelligence and digital ecosystems. This enables OEMs and fleets to continuously improve efficiency, safety, uptime and total cost of ownership throughout the vehicle lifecycle while ensuring the sustainable use of existing investments.
“The direction toward the commercial vehicle of the future is crystallising, but the path is non-linear and iterative,” said Andreas Moser, Member of the ZF Board of Management and Head of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division. “At CV Tech Day, we demonstrate how we support our customers with practical solutions that deliver value today and enable a cost-efficient, scalable transition towards zero accidents and zero emissions.”
At its CV Tech Day ahead of IAA 2026, ZF showcased technologies that enable flexible, software-driven transition pathways towards smarter, safer and more sustainable commercial vehicles.
Software-defined vehicle architecture
ZF highlighted its work on software-defined architectures that transform vehicles into upgradeable platforms. Purpose-built E/E and software structures enable continuous enhancements such as improved sensing, predictive maintenance and lower energy consumption throughout the vehicle lifecycle. This approach supports OEMs in introducing new functions through software while minimising hardware modifications.
Scalable 360° safety
ZF demonstrated how it combines ADAS, braking and steering into an integrated safety ecosystem that extends across both truck and trailer. Radar and camera systems provide continuous 360° perception, helping eliminate blind spots and supporting functions such as reversing assistance, driver monitoring and emergency vehicle detection. This system-level approach creates a clear pathway towards higher levels of automation and the long-term goal of zero accidents.
Safer, more precise, more efficient urban operation
ZF showcased solutions tailored to the specific requirements of public transport. Technologies such as City Bus Assist support precise bus-stop approaches and reduce vehicle wear, while dedicated braking strategies improve passenger safety. Systems such as CDC Skyhook continuously adjust damping in real time to enhance stability, ride comfort and operational efficiency in dense urban environments.
Decarbonised transport
ZF presented a flexible pathway towards electrified drivetrains across a wide range of applications. Its portfolio spans hybrid solutions to fully electric driveline systems. This modular approach allows OEMs to electrify existing vehicle architectures step by step, improving efficiency while reducing total cost of ownership.