ZF Aftermarket announced at AAPEX that it aims to exceed customer expectations at every stage of product development, supply and service across automotive and commercial vehicle segments with its global network of brands and locations. At AAPEX, the company is showcasing comprehensive solutions to support internal combustion, fully electric and semi-automated vehicles, now and in the future.

“The aftermarket is increasingly critical to mastering the future of mobility. As vehicle and fleet owners seek to extend the life of their vehicles, the aftermarket plays a key role in providing high-quality replacement and remanufactured components that provide enhanced safety, reliability and efficiency,” said Mark Cali, ZF’s head of North America aftermarket passenger car. “ZF is excited to once again participate in AAPEX, the pinnacle of aftermarket shows in North America, to launch new products and meet with customers across the broad spectrum of retailers and customers who trust brands such as ZF, LEMFÖRDER, SACHS, TRW and WABCO for their vehicles.”

Introducing TRW Brake Hoses

The TRW brand designs OE braking systems for more than half of the vehicles in the world. This year at AAPEX, ZF Aftermarket is debuting TRW Brake Hoses as ZF rounds out its extensive line of brake components. The company is introducing over 500 brake hose part numbers in the United States and Canada by year-end, with 64% suited for domestic and Asian vehicles and 36% for European makes and models.

Manufactured to TRW’s OE specification, ZF said TRW Brake Hoses feature exceptionally low volumetric expansion compared to competitors, offering drivers superior pedal feel and improved stopping times. Designed to suit both older and modern vehicles, their exact concentric fitting holes make sure there is a free flow of brake fluid. This is especially important for vehicles with advanced Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as it allows for optimal pressure.

In addition to brake hoses, TRW’s expansive aftermarket braking portfolio for vehicles in North America includes over 3,000 parts spanning brake pads, discs, fluids, boosters and master cylinders.

Remanufactured products reduce cost and boost sustainability

ZF is featuring several of its remanufactured products for the USC market at AAPEX, including TRW steering gears, WABCO Air Compressors and electronic control units (ECUs).

Through remanufacturing, ZF said it returns used products to same-as or better-than-new condition from both a quality and performance perspective. Remanufacturing makes it possible for products to have multiple lifecycles, reducing the carbon impact by reusing components, reducing new material needs and providing cost savings compared to creating a replacement product from scratch. Additionally, remanufacturing fills an increasingly important role in maintaining availability of parts to keep supply chains moving.

“Remanufacturing is a true industrialized process that is different than rebuilding and repair,” said Jeff Stukenborg, head of reman engineering for ZF Aftermarket North America. “We reuse 60-90% of the materials in our remanufactured products, transforming used parts into fully functional units that perform like new. These remanufactured products not only offer excellent performance and similar warranties to new products, but also come at about a third of the cost, making them an efficient and cost-effective choice.”

Stukenborg will present “ZF’s Approach to a Greener Future: Sustainable Design and Remanufacturing” on the AAPEX Sustainability Stage, on Tuesday (1:45-2:15 p.m.), Wednesday (1:00-1:30 p.m.) and Thursday (1:00-1:30 p.m.).

Expansion of Product Portfolio

ZF Aftermarket said it continues to expand vehicle coverage with its extensive portfolio of OE-quality aftermarket products. In 2024, the company has added approximately 320 new parts to its aftermarket product portfolio, expanding coverage for vehicles in North America.