A new provider of parallel-electric hybrid drive systems and components for North American commercial vehicles has been launched via a strategic relationship jointly established by ZF Friedrichshafen AG (ZF), based in Friedrichshafen, Germany, and Poway, CA-based ISE Corp. ZF is a major international supplier of driveline and chassis technology to both automotive and truck OEMs with a strong North American presence and ISE is a designer and manufacturer of hybrid propulsion systems and components for the global heavy-duty vehicle market.
According to a jointly issued news release, the two firms have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) “that outlines plans for an intended Strategic Collaboration and Development Partnership. The combined expertise of the two companies will result in a product portfolio of Series and Parallel hybrid-electric drive systems and components unrivaled in the world.”
Key details of the MOU include:
- ZF using “ISE expertise for integration engineering, sales, subsystem assembly, and service support for ZF Hybrid systems and components in the North America commercial vehicle market.”
- ISE ‘s intention “to develop and market an ISE-branded parallel hybrid drive system for the North America commercial vehicle market that incorporates ZF Hybrid Systems & Components.”
- North American sales of ZF Hybrid Systems and Components will be sold through ISE and jointly marketed by both companies.
“We are very excited about this groundbreaking relationship where ZF’s worldwide expertise in driveline products and parallel hybrid drive systems, combined with ISE’s top-level expertise in Series Hybrid Drive Systems and high performance energy storage systems, will provide the broadest and most capable product range to meet all commercial vehicle applications,” said Wolfgang Schilha, senior vp-- Bus Driveline Technology, ZF Friedrichshafen AG.
“ISE is thrilled with the opportunity to partner with ZF, who are without question, the world’s most capable provider of driveline products and parallel hybrid drive systems for medium and heavy duty applications,” said Rick Sander, president & CEO of ISE. “With our combined resources, expertise and complimentary products, along with ISE’s hybrid market expertise in North America, this partnership is without question, the envy of the industry.
“There is no question that the synergies of this relationship will help accelerate and expand the world-wide adoption of commercial hybrid drive systems resulting in substantial environmental and sustainability improvements, along with improved business solutions,” Sander added.
