FRANKFURT, GERMANY – ZF Friedrichshafen is combining the aftermarket businesses of ZF Services and TRW Aftermarket. The move, effective January 1, will create the world’s second-largest service organization in the automotive sector, the company says.

ZF acquired TRW Automotive on May 15, 2015, integrating the company as its Active and Passive Safety Technology Division. The TRW brand name will be retained alongside Sachs, Lemförder, Boge and Openmatics.

The new organization brings together about 8,000 employees worldwide. Helmut Ernst, who currently manages the ZF Services Business Unit, will head up the new organization. He is also leading the “One ZF Aftermarket” integration process along with the head of TRW Aftermarket, Neil Fryer.

“The future of autonomous driving is not just being driven by [research and development]. Our aftermarket organization is also an important driving force which will ensure that workshops can understand and service these new vehicles, and in turn our groundbreaking products,” said Chief Executive Officer Dr. Stefan Sommer.

Ernst added: “Our colleagues from TRW Aftermarket and ZF Services have been leading this development with a high level of professionalism and speed. They are showing the same commitment in identifying the ‘best of both’ across our business operations and structures and are implementing this concept as the benchmark for the new organization.”