Auto supplier ZF to partner with Calif. firm on commercial vehicle hybrid systems

[Right Lane Cruiser]

"There is no question that the synergies of this relationship will help accelerate and expand the worldwide adoption of commercial hybrid drive systems."

MLIVE - June 23, 2009

There are now many players in this market segment -- which will become the dominant ones? --Ed.

Automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG said Tuesday it is partnering with a California company to develop a line of series- and parallel-electric hybrid drive systems and components for the North American commercial vehicle market.

The German company, whose North American headquarters are in Northville, signed a memorandum of understanding with ISE Corp., a Poway, Calif.-based supplier of series hybrid drive systems for transit buses and commercial trucks.

The agreement calls for ISE to provide its expertise in integration engineering, sales, subsystem assembly and service support for ZF Hybrid systems and components. ISE also plans to develop and market an ISE-branded parallel-hybrid drive system that incorporates ZF hybrid systems and parts.

ISE will also take over North American sales of ZF hybrid systems, which will be jointly marketed.

ZF, a supplier of driveline and chassis technologies with 63,000 employees globally, has developed parallel-hybrid configurations for... [Read More]

[kngkeith]

There are now many players in this market segment -- which will become the dominant ones?

Seems like all the major heavy duty driveline manufacturers (ZF, Arvin-Meritor, Eaton) are stepping up to the plate. Certainly Allison has something in the works?

Keith