ZF puts AKC rear-wheel steering system into volume production in China’s Zhangjiagang

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 10, ZF officially announced that its China-made Active Kinematics Control (AKC) rear-wheel steering system has gone into mass production at its Zhangjiagang plant. This second-generation AKC technology will be featured in models from leading Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers.

ZF's Zhangjiagang factory; photo credit: ZF

ZF said, the AKC system offers key advantages such as compatibility and customizability, significantly improving chassis dynamics for enhanced driving comfort and safety while reducing costs for automakers.

Notably, the Zhangjiagang facility is the first global production site for ZF's AKC technology outside Europe. The facility, which began construction in November 2022, will eventually produce a wide range of chassis components, including control arms, knuckles, tie rods, and stabilizer links. It is expected to generate sales of approximately 2 billion yuan by 2027.

ZF's Zhangjiagang factory; photo credit: ZF

ZF has been developing rear-wheel steering technology for nearly 20 years, particularly in vehicle dynamics control and control algorithms. Its modular software allows for rapid integration, helping automakers meet performance and functional requirements at the vehicle level. The AKC system can deliver up to +/-12 degrees of rear-wheel steering, improving maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds. This is particularly beneficial for electric vehicles with extended wheelbases.

As the automotive industry increasingly shifts toward software-defined vehicles, smart chassis systems like ZF's AKC have become critical benchmarks for intelligent cars. The AKC system transfers steering forces to the rear wheels, enhancing agility during low-speed turns and improving stability at high speeds, offering drivers an exceptional handling experience.

Since 2013, ZF has been a global pioneer in the commercial application of AKC technology, which is widely used in premium vehicles. With the growing demand for enhanced driving experiences in NEVs, the AKC system has been adopted by major Chinese brands such as IM Motors and Dongfeng Motor's MHERO. By the end of 2023, ZF had sold 1.9 million sets of its AKC systems globally, making it the leader in rear-wheel steering technology.

Now in its second-generation platform, the AKC system boasts significant mechanical improvements and expanded compatibility, including the addition of CAN communication interfaces, allowing its use in heavier vehicles like pickup trucks and full-sized SUVs.