German automotive components manufacturer ZF Friedrichshafen AG announced it had agreed to strengthen its partnership with China’s Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Farizon), the new energy commercial vehicle unit of Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) titled “Safe, Smart and Sustainable Journey to Farther Horizons” at the IAA Transportation 2024 exhibition in Hanover, Germany with the aim of “accelerating the industrialisation of ZF’s advanced technologies for Farizon’s new energy vehicles”.

Earlier this year the two companies signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at supporting Farizon’s expansion in the methanol hydrogen and electric powered commercial vehicle segment.

ZF said in a statement its latest agreement with Farizon covers “solutions for energy consumption optimisation, truck trailer safety and higher levels of intelligence, supported by ZF’s transmissions, e-mobility solutions, braking, suspension, steering and ADAS technologies.”

The supplier said these technologies would be made available to Farizon for its full range of vehicles, not just for heavy duty trucks.

ZF said it expects its collaboration with Farizon will help accelerate the establishment of a methanol hydrogen ecosystem as the global commercial vehicle industry shifts towards new energy vehicles.

The company said: “Methanol hydrogen fuel offers high energy density, cost effectiveness and emissions benefits, making it a versatile and sustainable alternative to traditional fuels."

Peter Laier, ZF’s board member responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division, said in a statement: “This cooperation demonstrates the commitment of both parties to technological innovation and market development. As the leading supplier of one stop shop solutions to the commercial vehicles industry, ZF is committed to combining technical expertise with flexible and open technology approaches to drive industry innovation and meet the needs of various transportation scenarios.

"The development of methanol-hydrogen-electric technology will provide the commercial vehicle industry with cleaner and more efficient new energy solutions, and we believe that deepening the cooperation between our two companies will help drive the entire industry towards a more sustainable future.”

Fan Xianjun, Farizon Auto CEO, added: “Sustainable development has become a global consensus. ZF and Farizon are leaders in their respective fields and their comprehensive strategic cooperation will provide cleaner, more economical and more efficient solutions for commercial vehicle users in China and around the world, accelerating a new future for zero carbon road transportation.”