Shanghai (ZXZC)- ZF officially broke ground on its chassis component system and active kinematics control (AKC) project at its Zhangjiang base on Nov. 19, indicating another major step for the German auto parts giant to localize its world's leading technologies and strengthen investment in China, according to a post on ZF's WeChat account.

ZF plans to invest around $100 million in expanding the product variety and production capacity of chassis components at the Zhangjiagang base, Jiangsu province. The project is expected for operation in 2024 and to generate annual sales of around 2 billion yuan ($279.31 million) in 2027.

Upon completion, the chassis component factory will produce control arms, steering knuckles, steering tie rods, stabilizer links, etc.

Photo credit: ZF Group

In addition, the new project also marks the global debut of ZF's AKC technology outside of Europe. ZF said the AKC, also known as the rear wheel steering technology, has been widely used by many European and American luxury brands to greatly lift safety, dynamic performance, handling and comfort of both electric or combustion engine passenger cars. The company has so far output over 1 million sets of the AKC system.

ZF noted that the first localization project in China is expected to start delivery in 2024 and its yearly output of the AKC system is anticipated to exceed 1 million units over the next three to five years.