ZF and Woolong Electric plot global leadership for e-motors

The JV, called Wolong ZF Automotive E-Motors, will produce electric motors and electric components for the Chinese and global automotive market and for use in ZF driveline systems

Autocar Professional BureauBy Autocar Professional Bureau calendar 10 Mar 2020 Views icon5694 Views Share - Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Share to Whatsapp
In Shenyang, China, 6,000km from Schweinfurt, Germany, the contract for establishing a new Joint Venture with ZF was signed by Jiancheng Chen (right), CEO of Wolong Electric.

In Shenyang, China, 6,000km from Schweinfurt, Germany, the contract for establishing a new Joint Venture with ZF was signed by Jiancheng Chen (right), CEO of Wolong Electric.

ZF Friedrichshafen AG and the Wolong Electric Group Co of China have officially signed off on their joint venture today. The partners will develop and produce electric motors and electric components for various vehicle applications at the Chinese Shenyang location, among others, working under the name 'Wolong ZF Automotive E-Motors Co'. Volume production is slated to start next year. The new joint venture will also supply components for the new ZF hybrid transmission.

"The joint venture with Wolong reinforces our market position and our competitive edge in China as well, which continues to be the biggest market for electromobility in the world," said Jorg Grotendorst, Head of the ZF E-Mobility Division. "As we're already using the available capacities for production and development on-site, we can start operations immediately." ZF holds a 26% share in the joint venture. Wolong has been a supplier for the ZF E-Mobility Division in China since 2018. In November 2019, the partners agreed to start a joint venture.

 

A joint venture with a global outlook
Volume production for the Wolong ZF Automotive E Motors venture has been slated to start on the Chinese market in 2021. "Founding Wolong ZF Automotive E-Motors Co Ltd also opens up a global perspective for us," commented Jiancheng Chen, Chairman of Wolong Electric. "We want to make this joint venture a global market leader for vehicle motors which use sustainable sources of energy."

To back this ambition, plans have been made to open other locations in the EU and North America. By 2025, around 2,000 employees are expected to work in production and development for Wolong ZF Automotive E Motors Co Ltd.

 

RELATED ARTICLES
Forvia Appning and 4screen partner to transform the onboard experience

auther Autocar Professional Bureau calendar15 Jul 2025

The partnership aims to enrich the driver and passenger experience by providing personalized and contextual recommendati...

ZF unveils next-gen intelligent chassis sensor

auther Autocar Professional Bureau calendar15 Jul 2025

Upgraded version’s integrated accelerometer enables even more precise detection of relative motion in three dimensions a...

First BYD EV rolls off the line at new plant in Brazil

auther Autocar Professional Bureau calendar14 Jul 2025

Chinese EV maker takes just 15 months from breaking ground to producing the Dolphin Mini, the first locally manufactured...