ZF and HELLA have announced a strategic partnership where both automotive suppliers will cooperate on sensor technology – particularly for front camera systems – imaging and radar systems.

ZF will further strengthen its portfolio as a systems supplier of both modern assistance systems and autonomous driving functions, while HELLA will drive technological development and benefit from an increased market share for its leading technologies.

“This strategic partnership for sensor technology with HELLA enhances our position as a complete systems supplier for modern assistance systems as well as autonomous driving functions,” says Dr Stefan Sommer, CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co CEO Dr Rolf Breidenbach said their knowledge aligns well with ZF‘s expertise.

“By combining our strengths, we clearly aim to provide market leading and high performing assistance systems and autonomous driving functions. In addition, this cooperation will strengthen HELLA‘s position as a well-regarded supplier for imaging and radar sensor technologies.”

The first joint development project in camera technology will start immediately, with the objective of a market launch in 2020.

In the mid to long-term, the partners will also provide camera systems for automated driving functions as well as for commercial vehicles and off-highway applications.

In the long term, ZF and Hella will identify opportunities to provide volume-production solutions in the short to mid-term by jointly building up their product portfolio. While the joint development will focus on systems solutions, each will continue to develop and to offer its technology independently on a component level.