ZF India Accelerates Commercial Vehicle Innovation with Landmark Clutch System Deal

ZF India Pvt. Ltd. has made a significant stride in strengthening its footprint in India’s commercial mobility sector by securing a major contract from one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The agreement covers the supply of ZF’s newly developed 430mm heavy-duty clutch system, a product specifically designed for high-performance engines and India’s demanding road and climatic conditions. This achievement not only marks an important business milestone but also reinforces ZF’s deep commitment to localisation, innovation, and the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Under the agreement signed in May 2025, production of several thousand clutch systems is set to commence by mid-2026 at ZF’s advanced Chakan facility near Pune. The plant, which already serves as a hub for high-end driveline and chassis technologies, will now spearhead the production of this next-generation clutch system for both domestic and export markets. This localised manufacturing approach not only enhances ZF’s operational efficiency but also reduces reliance on imports, contributing to the development of India as a global manufacturing hub for commercial vehicle components.

Akash Passey, President – Region India, ZF Group, expressed that this business win reaffirms ZF’s strategic focus on innovation and localisation. He emphasized that the company’s global technological expertise, combined with a strong local manufacturing footprint, enables ZF to deliver advanced driveline systems that meet international quality standards while catering to India’s unique transport requirements. Paramjit Singh Chadha, Senior Vice President – CVS Division (India), ZF Group, added that the new 430mm clutch system showcases ZF’s engineering excellence in creating durable and future-ready solutions for commercial vehicles. According to him, the clutch is designed to perform reliably in the country’s tough operating conditions while maintaining compatibility with modern driveline systems, including Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs).

The newly developed clutch system has been engineered with advanced lining materials that extend service life by up to 20%, significantly lowering maintenance costs and improving operational uptime for fleet owners. It also delivers smoother engagement, reduced pedal load, and enhanced driver comfort — key advantages for long-distance commercial operations where comfort and control directly affect performance and safety.

This contract represents a defining step in ZF’s continued journey to support India’s transformation into a technology-driven, self-reliant manufacturing powerhouse. The company’s focus on merging local production with global innovation ensures that Indian customers benefit from world-class solutions designed to meet local realities. As the nation’s commercial vehicle industry evolves rapidly, ZF India’s heavy-duty clutch system sets new benchmarks for durability, performance, and driver comfort, reaffirming the company’s leadership in shaping the future of mobility.

By empowering vehicle manufacturers with advanced components built in India and for India, ZF continues to drive progress in sustainable and efficient transportation — a clear reflection of its mission to deliver smarter, safer, and more reliable mobility solutions for the next generation of commercial vehicles.