ZF Demonstrates How Software-Defined Commercial Vehicles Can Create Value in Daily Operations

• Software-defined commercial vehicles create measurable customer value through improved uptime, efficiency and safety
• ZF brings deep understanding of commercial vehicle systems interaction and helps OEMs prepare for future vehicle architectures
• Step by step toward the software-defined commercial vehicle: From digital solutions to connected vehicle intelligence, ZF is developing the building blocks for the commercial vehicle of the future

Friedrichshafen / Hanover, Germany. Ahead of IAA Transportation 2026, ZF is showcasing how software-defined commercial vehicles (SdCV) create measurable customer value through improved uptime, efficiency and safety. Drawing on its deep understanding of vehicle system interaction and integration, ZF helps OEMs prepare for future vehicle architectures. Through digital solutions and connected vehicle intelligence, ZF is gradually turning software-driven innovation into operational reality, delivering customer value today while taking the next evolutionary steps toward software-defined commercial vehicles.

Commercial vehicles only generate revenue when they are on the road. At the same time, new regulations, evolving customer requirements and growing digitalization are increasing complexity in traditional vehicle architectures. OEMs and fleet operators are looking for ways to continuously improve vehicle performance throughout the lifecycle while managing increasing system and software complexity. This shift is accelerating the transition toward software-defined commercial vehicles.

"The software-defined commercial vehicle is not about technology for technology's sake, it is about increasing uptime, improving efficiency and continuously enhancing performance throughout the vehicle lifecycle," explains Ivan Brajdic, Head of R&D at ZF's Commercial Vehicle Solutions division. "Developing and delivering this value for our customers is what drives innovation at ZF."

To this end, ZF is preparing its ADAS, braking, driveline, and other systems as well as digital technologies for future vehicle architectures while already delivering practical applications that create measurable customer benefits today.

Delivering Customer Value Throughout the Vehicle Lifecycle

Secure software update management, vehicle diagnostics, condition monitoring and connected vehicle intelligence are important building blocks on the road toward software-defined commercial vehicles. Building on solutions already launched or announced, ZF supports operators in maintaining compliance, improving uptime, and optimizing vehicle performance throughout the vehicle lifecycle. These include its Software Update Management System (SUMS), ZF [pro] Diagnostics and condition monitoring services via ZF Health Check. All solutions come with built-in state-of-the-art cybersecurity. ZF also increasingly leverages the interaction between different vehicle systems, particularly braking and driveline technologies. The ZF Braking and e-Drive Synergy Program underlines how these synergies can further improve vehicle efficiency.

Building on these capabilities, ZF is extending connectivity and system integration beyond individual vehicle systems to the entire vehicle combination and its operating environment. One example is its Truck Trailer Link (TTL) concept, which establishes a high-speed communication connection between truck and trailer. By enabling bi-directional, real-time data exchange across the entire vehicle combination, TTL creates a foundation for future software-defined functionalities and intelligent vehicle functions. Potential applications include integrating trailer cameras into advanced driver assistance systems and in-cab control of trailer functions, such as lift axles, landing legs, and lighting systems. Truck Trailer Link aims to replace conventional connectors and unify truck-trailer communication through one single, cyber-secure, point-to-point link.

Building the Foundation for Future Commercial Vehicles

Building on today's software services, connected intelligence solutions and vehicle connectivity technologies, ZF continues to develop the foundations for the next generation of commercial vehicles. One example is the SdCV Driver Terminal proof of concept, presented at ZF's CV Tech Day, which explores how service-oriented software architectures and vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity could help improve productivity, safety and operational control in logistics yards. Functions explored through the concept include automatic yard configuration, remote park brake activation and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)-based safety features, illustrating the potential to reduce manual intervention and improve operational control.

Together, these capabilities demonstrate how ZF combines software offerings, connected vehicle technologies and system-level integration to unlock greater value throughout the vehicle lifecycle. This evolutionary approach enables OEMs and fleets to realize operational benefits today while preparing for the software-defined commercial vehicle of tomorrow.

ZF at IAA Transportation 2026

At IAA Transportation 2026, ZF will showcase the next building blocks inthe evolution toward the software-defined commercial vehicle. Among the highlights will be solutions for secure over-the-air software updates, a key enabler for future vehicle architectures. ZF will also present its high-speed truck-trailer connectivity and further advancements in centralized vehicle intelligence, paving the way for new software-defined functions.

On September 14, 2026, ZF will welcome media representatives to its IAA Transportation press conference at 9:20 a.m. These and other technologies will be showcased in Hall 21, Booth B42.