ZKW among the top 10 of all Austrian applications at the European Patent Office
The ZKW Group filed a total of 38 patents – out of a total of 2,146 applications from Austria – with the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2024. This puts the Wieselburg-based lighting systems specialist in eighth place among all Austrian patent applications to the EPO. At the same time, ZKW is the most innovative company in Lower Austria when it comes to patent applications. Among the inventions registered by ZKW are the latest lighting innovations for the automotive industry – such as a headlight with a coupled light guide. ZKW has filed a patent application for the replaceable headlamp cover lens as a sustainable solution. Another innovation deals with neural networks and AI to optimize the temperature and light management of LED modules. “The numerous patent applications underline the high innovative strength of the ZKW Group. Our intelligent lighting systems enable greater flexibility in vehicle design and more safety on the road,” says Wonyong Hwang, CEO of the ZKW Group.
Won Yong Hwang is the new CEO of the ZKW Group
Won Yong Hwang (54) will take over the position of CEO of the ZKW Group on January 1, 2025. The experienced manager was most recently COO at LG Electronics Vehicle Solution Company, to which ZKW also belongs.
ZKW strengthens software engineering with LG Soft India
Close cooperation with LGSI to drive forward software development for automotive lighting systems
Hermann Seitz takes over management of ZKW Lichtsysteme GmbH with locations in Wieselburg and Wiener Neustadt
On September 1, Hermann Seitz (56) will take over the position of General Plant Manager at ZKW Lichtsysteme GmbH. He succeeds COO Andreas Nix, who most recently held this position. Seitz can look back on a wealth of industry experience and has already held several positions at ZKW – including General Plant Manager of the ZKW electronics plant in Wiener Neustadt. “I am looking forward to taking on this responsible role and contributing to the success of the ZKW Group. My goal is to drive forward the economic development of ZKW Lichtsysteme GmbH with its sites in Wieselburg and Wiener Neustadt through continuous improvements in all areas and to secure this in the long term. Solution-oriented and unselfish cooperation as a team that is prepared to go the extra mile with and for each other is essential for me, and the active demonstration of these values by me and all managers is a must.”
ZKW awarded the “safe and healthy working” seal of approval
The General Accident Insurance Institution (AUVA) has awarded ZKW the “safe and healthy working” seal of approval. This is in recognition of the lighting system specialist’s strong commitment to the health and safety of its employees. The award of the seal of approval requires a systematic evaluation by the AUVA, in which occupational safety and health protection are checked according to various criteria. “The seal of approval proves that we offer our employees demonstrably safe and healthy working conditions and devote the utmost attention to occupational safety,” explains Dr. Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
ZKW consistently focuses on sustainability
In its current Sustainability Report for the 2023 financial year, the ZKW Group highlights its most important sustainability topics. The Group, which develops and produces high-quality lighting and electronic systems for the global automotive industry at twelve locations in eight countries, was able to achieve record sales of around 1.5 billion euros in 2023 despite difficult conditions. Sustainable management is an important concern for the ZKW Group and its customers. The aim is to decarbonize the entire production process by 2025 and to promote environmentally friendly production by saving energy, avoiding waste and switching to green electricity. By 2038, net-zero targets are to be implemented for all ZKW products along the entire value chain and thus climate-friendly production. “Sustainably profitable growth requires responsible action. With our sustainability strategy, we are taking a consistent approach and assuming responsibility for people and the environment,” says Dr. Steger.
Andreas Nix is the new COO of the ZKW Group
Andreas Nix (59) will take over the position of COO of ZKW Group GmbH on 1 June 2024.
ZKW works together with the Four Rings for the Matrix LED headlights in the Audi Q8
Audi’s new SUV flagship relies on premium technology and clear design. The HD Matrix LED headlights from ZKW, developed jointly with Audi, are a perfect match. The premium lighting system offers digital daytime running lights with selectable, digital light signatures that allow the headlights to be customized. An optional additional laser high beam provides even more range. The high-tech headlamp also has a dynamic indicator light and a blue ambient light for the laser. Development and production of the premium lighting system are based in Wieselburg. “The project demonstrates our expertise in the development of high-end technologies for headlights. Innovative solutions such as the new digital daytime running light signatures are pioneering on the market,” says Dr. Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
Slovakian Prime Minister Fico puts in a night shift at ZKW in Krušovce
Prime Minister Robert Fico worked a night shift at the ZKW plant in Krušovce on May 1. “I take my hat off to all the employees here,” said Fico after finishing his shift on the headlight assembly line, praising the hard work of the workforce.
ZKW ranks fourth among all Austrian applications at the European Patent Office
The ZKW Group filed no fewer than 46 patents – out of a total of 2,355 applications from Austria – with the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2023. This puts the Wieselburg lighting systems specialist among the top 5 in Austria. The developments registered by ZKW with the EPO reflect the latest lighting technologies for the automotive sector. The illuminated vehicle front is regarded as a top innovation in the lighting and styling sector. Another innovation that ZKW has applied for a patent for is ultra-thin light guide plates, which are intended to replace OLED lights and revolutionize vehicle styling. “Ongoing research and innovation is the DNA of our company. With innovative lighting systems, we create more flexibility in vehicle design,” explains Dr. Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.