ZF India Secures Major Contract for Heavy-Duty Clutch Systems

ZF India Pvt Ltd. has won a significant supply contract from a major Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer for its locally produced heavy-duty clutch systems, the company announced Tuesday.

The agreement, finalized in May 2025, covers the supply of several thousand units of ZF's 430mm diameter clutch system, with production scheduled to begin in mid-2026. The clutches will be manufactured at ZF's facility in Chakan, Pune.

The clutch system has been specifically engineered to handle the demanding operating conditions typical in India and is intended for use with higher horsepower engine platforms. According to the company, the product will be supplied for both domestic models and select export vehicles from the unnamed OEM partner.

"This business win is a strong endorsement of our advanced heavy-duty clutch technology which perfectly addresses the demanding operating conditions in India," said Paramjit Singh Chadha, Senior Vice President of ZF's CVS Division in India.

The new clutch system incorporates advanced lining materials that extend clutch life by up to 20 percent compared to previous versions, which is expected to reduce maintenance costs and vehicle downtime. The system features an optimized clutch load designed to provide a more comfortable and less fatiguing driving experience while simultaneously increasing the overall clutch lifespan.

Additionally, the design is compatible with both manual transmission and automated manual transmission systems, making it adaptable to future driveline architectures. The enhanced durability translates to longer replacement intervals, which fleet operators can leverage to reduce their total cost of ownership.

The contract reinforces ZF's localization strategy in India, where the company has been expanding its manufacturing footprint. Akash Passey, President of ZF's India Region, emphasized that the business win demonstrates the company's ability to combine global technological expertise with local production capabilities.

"This win highlights our commitment to strengthening India's role as a key hub in ZF's commercial vehicles business," Passey stated.

The German technology company, which reported global sales of €41.4 billion in 2024 with approximately 161,600 employees worldwide, operates 161 production locations across 30 countries. The company supplies mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial applications.