ZF Lifetec Automotive Systems in WEDZ. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]
A key science and technology initiative led by ZF Lifetec Automotive Systems was launched on July 8 in the Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ).
Song Ninghua, president of ZF Lifetec for China, South Korea, and Thailand, said the project aims to tackle critical technological challenges in developing comprehensive intelligent protection systems for automotive occupants.
He said the research will focus on precise occupant perception, integrated active and passive safety decision-making, and adaptive protection execution.
ZF Lifetec has formed an innovative consortium with prestigious institutions such as Wuhan University of Technology and Hubei University of Automotive Technology, along with industry leaders such as Dongfeng Motor and the China Automotive Technology and Research Center.
This collaborative effort seeks to create an advanced intelligent protection system capable of adapting to various accident scenarios and occupant characteristics, thus shifting automotive safety from a "passive response" model to one of "proactive prediction and precise protection".
ZF Lifetec, founded in 2014, specializes in automotive safety products and solutions, including seatbelts, steering wheels, and airbags. It is a testament to WEDZ's efforts to optimize its innovation ecosystem and promote an environment conducive to international cooperation.
The zone has attracted 35 foreign-funded R&D centers and supported the establishment of overseas R&D centers by companies such as Dongfeng, Ecarx, and Dinglong.
Eight enterprises have registered as foreign-funded R&D centers in Wuhan, and two Belt and Road joint laboratories have been established, reinforcing WEDZ's role as a hub for global automotive innovation.
