DETROIT -- TRW Automotive Holdings will remain a stand-alone company -- with its own board of directors, factories and r&d -- for at least three to five years after the completion of its merger this spring with ZF Friedrichshafen, says ZF CEO Stefan Sommer.
In a Jan. 14 interview, Sommer, 52, said the two companies will share technologies on a project basis, and that some functions, such as purchasing and aftermarket distribution, could benefit from joint operations.
After three to five years, the companies will evaluate their progress and see if there is any need for closer integration, Sommer said.
"We don't have to rush. We have no overlap" of product lines, r&d or production, Sommer said. "TRW is a well-managed company with an excellent product portfolio and efficient plants."