Hella and ZF have signed a strategic partnership aimed at developing technology for autonomous cars, with a focus on sensors.

The German car parts manufacturers said they will cooperate on front camera systems, imaging, and radar systems, with a view to bringing a joint camera technology project to market in 2020. The companies said that they expected Euro NCAP safety standards to require camera-supported assistance functions for vehicles to reach the highest level.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Stefan Sommer, chief executive officer of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, said the deal would help drive ZF’s autonomous driving technology development.

“This strategic partnership for sensor technology with Hella enhances our position as a complete systems supplier for modern assistance systems as well as autonomous driving functions.”

Sommer said the partnership was non-exclusive, and that it formed part of ZF’s Vision Zero programme of development partnerships.

Rolf Breidenbach, chief executive officer at HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co., said: “Our knowledge aligns perfectly with ZF’s expertise. By combining our strengths, we clearly aim to provide market leading and high performing assistance systems and autonomous driving systems.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

ZF said the partnership would focus on the joint development of systems solutions, but would also allow each company to develop independent technology at component level.

ZF said: “Here the true potential of a long-term developmental partnership lies in the ability to utilise common system architecture as well as product families which are adapted to each other.”