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.
Multi-million order for ZKW production site in Wieselburg
Following the strict cost-cutting programme, the Wieselburg-based automotive lighting specialist can now be pleased about an important order for the Wieselburg plant. A major order worth millions from a German car manufacturer secures the location in the short and medium term. In addition, the cost-cutting measures are showing the first signs of success. For example, the operating result could be exceeded in comparison to the 2022 period. The recipe for success lies, among other things, in optimised processes in production. This not only increased the number of units produced, but also reduced absenteeism. “Our company headquarters in Wieselburg is the hub for innovative lighting systems for premium brands. The goal is to achieve profitable and sustainable growth through concentration and focus,” explains Dr Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
ZKW develops and manufactures smart digital light for Polestar 3
The new all-electric Polestar 3 stands out with its minimalist, futuristic design. The technological highlights of the electric SUV include the HD LED headlights, which are developed and manufactured by lighting systems specialist ZKW. The 1.3-megapixel modules of the front lights automatically adjust the intensity, size and height of the light beam to the light and weather conditions as well as the driving speed. In addition, the intelligent headlamp system prevents dazzling other road users. “The Polestar 3 headlamp system combines the latest technologies and innovative functions into a premium series product,” says Dr Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
ZKW develops sustainable materials for car headlights with partners
Together with the University of Leoben, JOANNEUM RESEARCH and the Polymer Competence Center Leoben, ZKW is researching the development of reusable materials, including polymers based on renewable raw materials. In the future, such sustainable materials are to be increasingly used for the production of sustainable vehicle headlights. The goal here is to achieve high durability and improved separability in order to be able to fully recycle the materials. In addition, self-healing plastics are to be used. “The global or European targets for the circular economy are a great challenge for manufacturers of complex systems. The results of this project should enable a broader use of materials. This will enable us to make an important contribution to sustainability,” says Dr Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
ZKW and REHAU Automotive enter into cooperation to develop intelligent vehicle fronts
Automotive lighting system specialist ZKW and REHAU Automotive, plastics specialist and automotive supplier, have decided to jointly drive forward the integration of modern lighting systems in vehicle fronts. In the future, “intelligent vehicle fronts” and possible series products are to be developed. Therefore, REHAU Automotive and ZKW will work together on concepts and pre-development projects in order to be able to offer customers future-oriented solutions for the connection of light, sensor technology and electronics in the vehicle front in the sense of a “seamless intelligent vehicle front”.