ZF turns workshops into experts for driver assistance systems
Current driver assistance systems are inconceivable without front cameras. In the event of a repair or replacement, workshops have so far had to rely on the car manufacturer's original parts. But now ZF Aftermarket is launching ZF Smart Camera, a modern camera for driver assistance systems for the independent aftermarket.
The spread of vehicles with driver assistance systems has once again accelerated significantly since July 2024. Since then, EU regulations have made Automatic Emergency Brake Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist and Lane Departure Warning, among others, mandatory equipment in all new cars. And all of these driver assistance systems require data from a camera sensor in order to fulfil their function.
After an accident or glass damage, it may be necessary to replace the front camera, for which there were previously no spare parts available in the open market. With its ZF Smart Camera, ZF Aftermarket is now launching a camera sensor that enables independent workshops to carry out repairs easily and simply. With a unique unit consisting of ZF's own hardware and software, the ZF Smart Camera fulfils the specifications of car manufacturers and maintains the function of driver assistance systems at OEM level.
The ZF Smart Camera will be launched in ten versions, which can be used to equip more than 50 vehicles. These include many models from the Stellantis Group (Citroën, DS, Peugeot, Opel) and Nissan.
The range of spare parts, which will be successively expanded over the coming months, is also embedded in a complete ADAS ecosystem from ZF Aftermarket to support workshops in ADAS service. This also includes the necessary workshop equipment for the diagnosis and calibration of the spare part in the vehicle, for which ZF Aftermarket offers its own diagnostic software under the name ZF MultiScan. Sensor adjustment is carried out using ZF's own calibration walls. Vehicle workshops learn how to use both in training courses as part of the ZF [pro]Tech workshop concept, in which they can train their employees to become ADAS experts.
"With the expansion of our ADAS offering, we are once again underlining our commitment to Maximizing Uptime and creating additional added value in cooperation with our customers," comments Markus Wittig, Global Head of Business Line Passenger Car at ZF Aftermarket. "Through targeted access to our three central pillars - innovative products, intelligent tools and diagnostic solutions as well as practical training - we enable mobility professionals to actively shape change. For us, Uptime not only means more Uptime for the end customer's vehicle, but also increased productivity for our partners. Our goal is to provide sustainable support for their processes through a strong, holistic ecosystem."