ZF Group is rolling out its first pure software product, as the world's third-largest parts supplier looks to establish itself as a major player in the fast-growing market for automotive software.
The product, called CubiX, controls all of a vehicle's chassis functions, including braking, front- and rear-axle steering, active roll stabilization and electric drive. By doing so, the software can ensure smoother acceleration and more precise steering, the supplier said in a news release.
CubiX makes its debut in the Lotus Eletre, the full-electric crossover developed by the Chinese-owned UK sports car brand.
ZF expects to place CubiX in other vehicles this year, the company said.
The debut of the software is an important one for ZF. The German supplier of transmissions, chassis products and other traditional auto parts is looking to gain a significant share of the growing market.
The importance of auto software is accelerating as automakers debut dozens of electric models and introduce vehicles with increasingly advanced driver-assistance systems, and as connected-vehicle technology develops.
The launch is a "significant proof point" for ZF as it looks to transform itself and become a major supplier in the electric vehicle- and software-dominated auto industry of the future, ZF spokeswoman Ann Miller said.
