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.
ZKW supplies premium headlamps and rear lamps for the BMW XM
The narrow front and rear lights, which were developed by ZKW in Wieselburg, are very unusual. At the front, the dark, high-resolution LED headlamps blend harmoniously into the front of the BMW XM. At the rear of the powerful SUV, BMW relies on all-round, narrow full LED lamps with separate controls. “Alongside the BMW X7, the BMW XM is the first rear lamp project with the BMW Group. We are proud to be able to incorporate our innovative lighting solutions into these premium models,” says Dr. Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
ZKW honored with DVN Lighting Star Award
The lighting systems specialist ZKW is delighted to have received another prestigious award. On February 28, the Wieselburg-based company was presented with the “Lighting Star Award” for “Best front lighting design” by the industry association DVN (Driving Vision News) in Munich. The award recognizes the innovative front lighting design that ZKW developed for the animated “Thorhammer” LED headlights of the Volvo EX90. When switching to high beam, the daytime running lights split upwards and downwards to reveal the main headlights. “We are particularly pleased about the award, which rewards the elaborate development of this unique, brand-typical front lighting,” explains Dr. Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
CES 2024: ZKW and LG present vehicle lighting systems of the future
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, which takes place from January 9-13 in Las Vegas, ZKW and LG will be showcasing their innovations in the areas of intelligent vehicle lighting and infotainment. The highlight is the LG concept car, which is equipped with high-resolution microZ-LED headlights from ZKW. This should make cinema-like “drive-in theater” projections possible in the future. ZKW will also be presenting the latest innovations such as the intelligent “Illuminated Panel” and an illuminated bumper (together with Rehau), animated rear lights, sustainable headlights as well as the new headlight for the Volvo EX90 with the moving “Thorhammer” and GM Chevy Silverado headlights for the important American vehicle market. “With our locations in Silao/Mexico and Troy/Michigan, we offer customers in the USMCA economic area innovative lighting systems that can interact with other road users and increase driving safety,” explains Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
ZKW expands site in Mexico by a further 100 million euros
Lighting systems specialist continues to invest in the production plant in Silao – As part of the opening of the new construction phase, the foundation stone for the next expansion is already being laid.
ZKW and ÖAMTC Fahrtechnik present the lighting technologies of the future live
ZKW and ÖAMTC Fahrtechnik presented the vehicle lighting of the future at an event on the topic of “Driving Safety & Light”, which took place on 14 November at the Melk/Wachauring Driving Technology Centre. In addition to presentations by experts, both companies demonstrated the latest technologies in automotive lighting technology live – including high-resolution, glare-free high beam, light projections for greater road safety as well as person, vehicle and obstacle detection using modern sensor technology and artificial intelligence. “With the onset of the dark season, the topic of ‘safety and light’ is increasingly in focus. ZKW is constantly researching the development of digital lighting systems that can interact with other road users and increase driving safety,” explains Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
Swedish car manufacturer relies on uniquely designed LED headlights from ZKW
The Wieselburg-based automotive lighting specialist equips the brand new Volvo EX90 electric SUV with high-quality LED headlights in unique design. The basis are digital HD light modules with over 1.3 million pixel resolution, which create a precisely controllable light image on the road. The high-tech light adapts dynamically to the traffic and precisely blends out other road users. The system thus contributes to high safety for drivers, passers-by and animals. As a unique feature, the high-quality LED headlights can wink the daytime running lights shine in the hammer-shaped design typical of this Swedish brand. When switched to high beam, the daytime running light splits up and down to reveal the main headlamp. “The unique front lighting, which is distinctive for the brand, combines exceptional design with innovative lighting technology that actively contributes to high road safety,” explains Dr Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
ZKW Lifecycle Management honored with ICT Austria Jewels Award
At a festive event on September 26 in Vienna, the ZKW Lifecycle Management concept was awarded the ICT Austria Jewels Award. With the sustainable concept, end devices such as notebooks, PCs, smartphones and docking stations are collected by partner companies after their useful life and reintroduced into the circular economy. “The ZKW Group has set itself the goal of continuously reducing its ecological footprint. The lifecycle management concept can be used to extend the lifecycle of IT equipment and promote a sustainable corporate culture,” says Dr. Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
Stefan Hornivius is the new COO of ZKW Group GmbH
Stefan Hornivius (53) will take over as COO of ZKW Group GmbH on 28 August 2023. Born in Germany, he succeeds Wolfgang Muhri, who is leaving the company at his own request at the end of August. Hornivius has more than 25 years of management experience in the automotive industry and related sectors. He has held senior positions at MAN, Siemens VDO (Head of Quality), Continental (Head of Industrial Engineering), Leistritz (Managing Director Technology) and NIDEC GPM (Group COO). Hornivius was most recently CEO at mechatronics specialist Iskra Mehanizmi.
ZKW Elektronik GmbH and ZKW Lichtsysteme GmbH merge
In September 2023, ZKW Elektronik GmbH and ZKW Lichtsysteme GmbH will merge into one company. The respective production operations at the sites in Wiener Neustadt and at the company headquarters in Wieselburg will be continued without restriction. The aim of the integration is, among other things, to bundle the competencies of both locations, to use resources more efficiently and to accelerate decision-making. “By merging the two companies, we want to exploit synergies, strengthen cooperation between the two sites and sharpen our global electronics strategy,” says Dr. Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.