Wuhan, China – October 18, 2025 – Renowned global automotive supplier, ZF Group, has officially commissioned its new braking systems plant. The facility is located in the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone, also known as China’s “Auto Valley.”
This marks ZF’s third major investment in the city. It signals a new phase in its China strategy, focusing on intelligence and e-mobility.
The new facility will primarily manufacture Electronic Parking Brakes (EPB). It is also slated to introduce production lines for next-generation Electro-Mechanical Brake Calipers (EMB). This move will provide intelligent, lightweight braking solutions for both global and domestic Chinese markets. The project strengthens ZF’s competitiveness in new energy vehicle (NEV) chassis systems. It also solidifies Wuhan’s role as a key manufacturing hub for its Asia-Pacific operations.
A Hub for Intelligent and Green Manufacturing
According to the Wuhan Municipal Government, the ZF plant utilizes intelligent manufacturing and green production standards. It features end-to-end automation, from component processing and final assembly to quality inspection. The facility has also integrated energy management and data traceability systems. This significantly enhances production efficiency and product consistency.
“Wuhan is not only a crucial manufacturing base for ZF in China; it is also central to our future strategy for intelligent chassis and e-drive systems,” said a spokesperson for ZF Group Asia-Pacific. “The commissioning of this new plant further rounds out our braking product portfolio in China, allowing us to meet the rapidly growing demand from the new energy vehicle market.”
ZF has steadily increased its investment in the Chinese market in recent years. In addition to Wuhan, the group operates R&D and manufacturing centers in key locations like Shanghai, Zhangjiagang, and Jiaxing. These operations span transmission systems, chassis technology, and active and passive safety systems. This new plant in Wuhan strengthens its localized production capabilities within China’s automotive supply chain.
The Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone is widely known as “China’s Auto Valley.” It is home to over 700 vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers. The launch of ZF’s new factory will advance the region’s high-end manufacturing sector. It will also create new opportunities for local suppliers and upstream/downstream partners.
Boarden’s Perspective
From Boarden’s perspective, this move underscores a critical trend. As the automotive industry pivots to electrification and intelligence, advanced chassis components are key growth areas. This includes EPBs and brake-by-wire systems. ZF’s latest investment in Wuhan clearly signals a deepening commitment from global suppliers to the Chinese market.
With the proliferation of automotive-grade projects in China, demand for robust protection is rising. This includes protection against surge, ESD, and overvoltage. Boarden remains focused on automotive electronic circuit protection. We deliver reliable, AEC-Q-qualified solutions for intelligent chassis, control modules, and other critical systems. We welcome industry peers and engineers to connect with us. Let’s discuss the evolving challenges and solutions in automotive electronics protection.
