ZF raises U.S. outlook, pauses hybrid plan for U.S. trucks

ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions has increased its U.S. sales forecast by roughly $50 million, according to an executive at a media event before IAA Transportation in Germany. The company has also put a hold on a hybrid project with a major customer and is focusing on implementing the TraXon Hybrid transmission in Europe and Japan.

Fabian Schlegel, ZF CVS' global head of sales and EMEA region head, and Dirk Wohltmann, head of ZF CVS in North America, made this decision during a meeting with executive management in Switzerland.

Schlegel attributed his optimism to the wear and tear on aged trucks and trailers, which have been in demand as companies cautiously replace older vehicles. He noted that while demand is not a bonanza, it has increased, leading ZF to pull in two months worth of production ahead of schedule to meet customer needs.

ZF's North American division grew 23.7% last year, reaching $1.32 billion in revenue. Wohltmann, who leads R&D for the Americas, highlighted the increasing demand for freight and fleets updating their equipment, as well as uncertainty in the market. He also mentioned tariffs and diesel prices as challenges, but said the market is now ready for investment in efficient solutions.

The company has booked over €5 billion ($5.7 billion) in lifetime business so far in 2026, and its win rate in customer acquisitions is over 90%. Adjusted free cash flow more than doubled to €989 million ($1.13 billion) in the first half, according to ZF's July 30 half-year results.