ZF Redefines the Chassis in the SDV Era

INTERVIEW      Philippe Gasnier, Head of Research and Development of the ZF Chassis Solutions Division

In early 2024, ZF officially launched its Chassis Solutions Division, marking a major organizational shift. By integrating its former Chassis Technology and Active Safety Systems divisions, ZF wasn’t merely aiming for operational efficiency. The rationale behind unifying these two critical technology areas was clear: the automotive industry is rapidly transitioning from a hardware-driven to a software-driven paradigm. In other words, the advent of the software-defined vehicle (SDV) era demands a fundamental rethinking of the chassis - its definition, its role, and its potential. Regardless of what future mobility may look like, the chassis will remain the foundation of every vehicle. And layered on top of it, the functions and value enabled by software are becoming increasingly rich and diverse. To explore how the role of the chassis is evolving in the SDV era - and what part cubiX Tuner and Chassis 2.0 play in that transformation - AEM spoke with Philippe Gasnier, Senior Vice President and Head of Research and Development for ZF’s Chassis Solutions Division.

Written by Sang Min Han | han@autoelectronics.co.kr

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cubiX Tuner seems to represent ZF`s vision of the chassis in the age of software-defined vehicles. Do you see the chassis evolving from a mechanical performance component into a software-driven platform that carries brand character and emotional identity? And how actively are OEMs embracing this shift?
Gasnier        Whatever the mobility of the future looks like, one thing is for sure: The chassis will remain the basis of any vehicle, laying the foundation for vehicle dynamics, driving comfort, and safety. The importance of wheel guidance, damping, suspension, steering and braking become even bigger, as megatrends like the software-defined vehicle push for enhanced chassis technology as we see fundamental changes in the electrical and electronic architecture of new and future vehicle platforms. Important software functions will be bundled in some domain or zone controllers and the chassis-specific software must enable perfectly coordinated interaction of all actuators such as steering, brakes and dampers in every driving situation. Those who can master the interaction of all components and control it through central software can influence a vehicle’s driving behavior much more than any individual hardware component alone. 
To give an example: For decades, the combustion engine powertrain was one of the key differentiators between automobile manufacturers. Even though there are still differences in dynamics between electric drives, these have become smaller and less noticeable. In the future, the “real” differentiator will no longer be the drive, but the chassis. The megatrends like e-Mobility, software-defined vehicle and autonomous Driving bring new opportunities and challenges - especially for chassis technology. For us, the current transformation in the automotive industry is clearly more of an opportunity than a crisis.
Our customers see it the same way: new players and dynamic market regions, such as those emerging in Asia, start-ups, and new automotive customers - none of these are “attackers” to us. They enrich the long list of customers we support and supply alongside established automotive manufacturers.



 

cubiX Tuner appears to go far beyond a traditional parameter adjustment tool - almost like an AI-based automated calibration system. How does the process work when an OEM wants to define and apply a specific driving feel? For instance, if the feedback is,“This car should corner a little sharper,”how is that request reflected in the system and written into the ECU? 
Gasnier        The first challenge is translating the customer’s request into quantifiable vehicle dynamics parameters. Using a digital twin, we can determine these parameters. Identifying the digital twin, our internal simulation model, takes just a few clicks. The effects of parameter tuning can then be visualized through simulation. We are currently developing the next level of abstraction: an AI algorithm that converts the desired dynamics into ECU parameters.
With today’s methods, it would even be possible to create a chatbot that, based on a statement like 'The car should steer more directly at 80 km/h,' suggests the appropriate dynamics parameters and calculates the ECU settings. However, this is not our current focus.







Could chassis software become a new revenue stream in the SDV era? For example, is it realistic to imagine emotional drive modes or brand-specific handling profiles being offered via OTA as paid features? 
Gasnier        This is where creativity can truly flourish. Options such as dedicated drive modes, drive mode sharing, or even an 'Elite Mode' are all conceivable. The Elite Mode could be considered a version of cubiX Tuner tailored for end users, allowing passionate drivers to individually adjust vehicle responses within defined safety limits.
That said, it’s important to clarify that the OEM sets the direction. As a software supplier, we provide the technical possibilities, but whether these are implemented in production is entirely up to the OEM.


The ability for OEMs to define and iteratively refine their brand DNA through software is a major shift. From ZFs perspective, how does this capability impact customer loyalty and competitive advantage in winning new projects? 
Gasnier        With cubiX, ZF offers its customers a chassis control software that enables a wide range of vehicle dynamics purely through parameterization. This allows OEMs to shape the unique DNA of their various brands. Driving experiences can be configured to range from highly comfort-oriented to distinctly sporty.
The cubiX Tuner takes this concept a step further by empowering OEMs to independently fine-tune these characteristics. They work with parameters and metrics relevant to vehicle dynamics, without needing to understand the underlying software functions or the interdependencies between them - these are already embedded in the cubiX Tuner.
This approach enables OEMs to implement their brand identity quickly and efficiently. It gives us a unique position in the market, opening doors to new customers. For existing customers, working with our proven cubiX solution becomes even easier - naturally strengthening customer loyalty.






               


Given the diversity of vehicle platforms (FWD, RWD, AWD) and actuator combinations, how scalable and flexible is cubiX Tuner in accommodating these variations? 
Gasnier        Variant management is one of the core strengths of the cubiX Tuner. Managing, comparing, and checking in parameters for different vehicle variants and configurations has always been a challenge in the daily work of application engineers. With cubiX Tuner, tuning, database handling, documentation, and source or flash file generation are all integrated into a single tool. This not only saves time but also significantly reduces potential sources of error.
Both cubiX, as the central vehicle dynamics controller, and the cubiX Tuner are modular in design. Features can be added or removed with minimal effort.


We understand that cubiX Tuner also supports third-party actuators. Is this part of ZF`s open partnership strategy - or a move toward building a more connected and collaborative ecosystem?  
Gasnier        With cubiX, we manage all chassis components through a unified control logic, regardless of whether the hardware comes from ZF or another supplier. The platform is highly modular and production-proven, enabling seamless communication with all chassis-related components via a standardized interface.
Our goal with cubiX is to orchestrate the entire chassis system. Thanks to our deep expertise in both hardware and software, we can offer this solution independently and flexibly.
We view cubiX as a comprehensive ecosystem made up of modular functions and features that customers can select based on their specific needs. We showcase the platform’s potential through a range of chassis functions, which can be integrated into cubiX as software packages upon request. This demonstrates that ZF is not only providing the platform for software-defined vehicles but also enriching it with its own intelligent functions. OEMs can adopt these functions, request additional ones, or integrate their own developments.
With cubiX Tuner, we make a portion of our expertise and know-how directly accessible to our customers, enabling faster, more efficient development processes. In doing so, we meet a key demand from OEMs across all regions, particularly in Asia: accelerating development cycles while reducing costs.


Where do you draw the line between tool and platform when it comes to cubiX Tuner? Do you envision ZF evolving into a chassis software platform provider in the SDV landscape? 
Gasnier        The cubiX Tuner is closely integrated with our chassis software platform, cubiX. It serves as the user interface for cubiX. While cubiX is embedded software running directly in the vehicle, the cubiX Tuner is part of the toolchain used by both OEMs and ZF. In this regard, the distinction between tool and platform is clearly defined.
In other areas, however, the boundaries are more fluid. The cubiX Tuner always has cloud access. Depending on its configuration, cubiX itself can also be cloud-connected, enabling function optimization based on field data. This creates some functional overlap.
ZF was the first provider to introduce a centralized vehicle dynamics control system with cubiX. Naturally, our goal is to maintain and expand this strong market position. We’ve succeeded in developing a product that has generated significant interest across the AP, EU, and NA regions and among a wide range of OEMs. This provides a solid foundation for a software-defined vehicle chassis platform.








With features like cloud connectivity, mobile app support, and multi-vendor compatibility, is ZF considering expanding cubiX Tuner into a B2B SaaS offering for personalized chassis experiences? 
Gasnier        As a software product, cubiX is largely independent of the hardware used in the vehicle. Although ZF offers a comprehensive portfolio of chassis actuators, cubiX can also be combined with actuators from other suppliers.
The cubiX Tuner, however, is specifically designed to tune the functions and features integrated by ZF into cubiX. Tuning third-party functions is not currently supported. Likewise, the tuning capabilities of cubiX Tuner are not intended for end-user access at this time. It remains a development tool for ZF and OEMs.
That said, the question is certainly valid. In the medium term, cubiX Tuner could evolve into an app for end users, and interfaces to third-party functions could be established.
However, in this context, ZF’s primary customers are OEMs. Our solutions are always aligned with their specific needs.


As chassis software increasingly defines vehicle emotion, could it also become a strategic touchpoint for data acquisition and behavioral analytics? Is cubiX Tuner designed to support these future use cases? 
Gasnier        Digitalization is a key driver behind the growing importance of chassis technology, and one of the reasons why ZF’s portfolio holds such a strong position in the market today, with promising prospects for the future.
We leverage our deep expertise in chassis systems to generate high-quality data, an essential resource in the digital transformation of automotive technology. A prime example is our Smart Chassis Sensor, which is already in series production. The latest generation integrates an acceleration sensor, allowing it to measure not only external stimuli on the chassis but also the rate at which they occur. This enables a range of new functions.
One such function is 'Chassis Health.' Using acceleration data, we can continuously monitor the impacts on the chassis and vehicle structure and calculate in real time how these affect overall functionality. Think of it as a digital fitness tracker, not for a person, but for the vehicle. If the system detects critical stress levels, it automatically triggers a 'referral' in this case, to a workshop rather than a doctor.
We also use data from the Smart Chassis Sensor to enhance other ZF technologies, such as our active damping system sMOTION and our Steer-by-Wire steering solutions.
As you know, the feedback drivers receive through the steering wheel plays a major role in their perception of comfort and safety. Skilled drivers can sense whether the road surface is smooth or if the vehicle is about to understeer. In a Steer-by-Wire system, however, there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. We recreate this feedback artificially using our Torque Feedback Unit. The foundation for this is data - specifically, the enhanced road impulse data from the Smart Chassis Sensor. These impulses are transmitted to the steering wheel, making it feel as though there is still a mechanical link to the road.


Lastly, how does ZF define the strategic value of the chassis going forward? In terms of emotional experience, monetization, and ecosystem integration - how central will the chassis be in shaping the next generation of software-defined vehicles?
Gasnier        Passenger car chassis will - and must - always remain a fundamental part of the vehicle. Longitudinal, lateral, and vertical dynamics cannot be 'digitized away'; they can only be digitally controlled and optimized. And for that, ZF is the go-to partner for our customers.
Looking ahead, the chassis will become the key differentiator, more so than ever before. Several megatrends are driving this shift. One for sure is the e-mobility we already talked about, another is the rise of the software-defined vehicle. Many current and future vehicle platforms are built on new E/E architectures that rely on a few high-performance central control units rather than numerous decentralized ones. This simplifies system integration, increases the role of software, and enables chassis characteristics to be defined and refined as software functions that coordinate all actuators and the drivetrain. Proven hardware components can be reused, reducing complexity and cost.
Another trend is automated driving. As vehicles become more autonomous, comfort expectations change, especially in terms of chassis behavior. Passengers in self-driving cars are more sensitive to vertical movements or sudden braking. Preventing motion sickness in these scenarios requires advanced chassis technology.
To meet the demands of e-mobility, software-defined vehicles, and autonomous driving, ZF has introduced the Chassis 2.0 concept, a flexible foundation for the intelligent vehicles of tomorrow. Chassis 2.0 doesn’t just optimize individual actuators, it orchestrates the 'team play' of multiple systems. We’re transforming traditional components into smart, connected systems that deliver digital value-added solutions. The Chassis 2.0 therefore includes cubiX but also our common Chassis System-Software Architecture and Chassis development environment.
To realize Chassis 2.0, deep system expertise is essential. That’s why we established our Division Chassis Solutions - the industry’s number one chassis powerhouse. We are the one-stop shop for everything that defines the future role of the chassis. Today, this division is already bringing Chassis 2.0 technology into series production across all major global markets. We’re perfectly positioned to lead the way into the next era of vehicle dynamics.

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