While the world has been turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic, we are witnessing how the human spirit displays its best attributes during the worst of circumstances.
Our health-care workers, medical researchers and first responders have been working tirelessly to fight this worldwide scourge, and we will eventually prevail as we always do.
One group that rightfully has been brought into focus are the drivers and mechanics that have been keeping the supply lines running, hauling medical supplies, food and goods across our countries to help ensure people have what they need in these tumultuous times.
As many have been asked to stay home, this only is possible if they can receive goods there or must go only a few miles to restock food and other necessities.
ZF salutes these unsung heroes and now more than ever supports the global commercial-vehicle industry as it completes its acquisition of WABCO, one of the world’s largest producers of commercial vehicle brakes and advanced driver-assist systems for this market.
This combination creates a top-three commercial-vehicle supplier with all the major powertrain and chassis capabilities to service this diverse industry in areas such as long-haul trucking and mass transit such as city buses.
Whether it is goods or people that need transport, ZF stands ready to deliver the critical systems and components to do so safely and efficiently.
As ZF and WABCO now move forward to combine strengths and develop the next generation of technology, much of what we will see soon are systems that support the driver and help keep them safe and alert while saving fuel.
Much has been made of the importance of CV logistics and last-mile delivery, and the current crisis has brought this into sharp focus. ZF has developed systems that can automate dockyards and even swap trailer loads without a driver, leaving them free to take care of paperwork or other priorities.
The company also is exploring how deliveries can be made with the support of intelligent technologies and is working with leading companies such as DHL to develop more efficient distribution of goods.
As we hope for a vaccine and new treatments to combat this deadly virus, we look forward to continued safe and efficient transfer of this precious cargo and celebrating the heroes that keep the supply lines running.
Martin Fischer (left) is president of ZF North America and member of the Board of Management.
