ZF boosts Make in India with heavy-duty transmission supply pact

By Staff Report June 18, 2025 6:33 pm IST

ZF India has signed a deal to supply locally made manual and automatic transmissions for heavy-duty trucks, supporting the Make in India initiative.

ZF India has entered into a significant relationship with a renowned Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer to supply several thousand manual and automatic transmissions for heavy-duty trucks. The contract, which was finalised in March 2025, includes 9-speed gearboxes suited for vehicles with more than 300 horsepower.

The agreement covers ZF’s EcoMid manual and EcoTronic Mid automatic transmissions, which are designed for trucks weighing more than 25 tonnes and running in the 1300 Nm torque class. These systems will be manufactured at ZF’s Chakan site in Pune, contributing to the “Make in India” initiative.

ZF has a strong presence in India’s high-torque gearbox industry, with 9-speed systems capable of handling up to 1500 Nm and 12-speed variants rated at 3200 Nm. The EcoMid series is appropriate for vehicles with gross weights of up to 55 tonnes and includes both direct drive and overdrive options.

ZF emphasises the advantages of these transmissions, such as increased fuel efficiency, fewer driver strains, and longer clutch lives. The items are part of ZF’s modular platform approach to commercial vehicle solutions.

President of ZF Group India, Akash Passey, highlighted the company’s six-decade history in the nation and its ongoing dedication to operational efficiency. Senior Vice President P. Kaniappan stated that these technologies are critical for improving performance in India’s heavy-duty commercial vehicle industry.

Globally, ZF Group is a leading technology supplier in the automotive and industrial sectors. In 2024, the company had sales of €41.4 billion and employed over 161,600 people across 161 industrial facilities in 30 countries. In India, ZF continues to develop technology for commercial cars that are autonomous, networked, and electrified.