ZF is very well known for its automatic transmissions, and while those have become far from obsolete as ICE vehicles and their hybrid derivatives remain dominant, the firm is not waiting around to be consigned to history. It has been building competence and a range of products for electrified drivetrains and is branching out into technology for autonomous driving, among other things. Last year, it even announced it would no longer invest in transmissions exclusively designed for ICE vehicles.

That shift is requiring investment in new competences, facilities and sustainability, while relationships with OEMs and upstream suppliers are changing. Meanwhile, there is also a pandemic on.