TraXon 2 Transmission Production to Be Localized in Brazil

ZF announced on October 30 that it will localize production of its TraXon 2 automated transmission for heavy trucks at its Sorocaba plant in São Paulo, Brazil, in the coming months. The transmission has undergone testing in Brazil since 2025, and the company confirmed that local supply contracts have already been secured. The localization initiative will establish domestic production of the automated transmission, expanding ZF's manufacturing activities in the Brazilian commercial vehicle market.

The TraXon 2 features a redesigned electronic architecture, increased computing capacity and remote software update capabilities. These developments prepare the transmission for integration into software-defined commercial vehicles. According to ZF, the system can reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by approximately 1.7% compared with the previous generation, depending on the application. The updated electronic architecture and software capabilities represent key technical developments in the transmission's evolution.

Alongside the transmission localization announcement, ZF introduced the TD285 clutch disc, developed in Brazil for heavy trucks and buses. The component supports engine torque of up to 3,500 Nm, addressing the requirements of heavy-duty commercial vehicle applications. The introduction adds another locally developed component to the company's Brazilian commercial vehicle technology portfolio.

ZF also outlined additional manufacturing and product development initiatives in Brazil. The company plans to begin remanufacturing its ConAct pneumatic clutch actuator at its Araraquara plant in 2027. Furthermore, ZF has incorporated locally adapted PreVision functionality into its 9AS EcoTronic transmission, extending the application of this functionality to the Brazilian market.

Industry Impact & Outlook

ZF's initiatives demonstrate a broader range of localized commercial vehicle activities in Brazil, spanning transmission manufacturing, component development, remanufacturing and product adaptation. Local production of the TraXon 2, supported by secured supply contracts, establishes a manufacturing commitment for the automated transmission in the country. The introduction of the Brazil-developed TD285 clutch disc further highlights local engineering capabilities, while the planned ConAct remanufacturing operation adds another dimension to the company's manufacturing activities. Together, these developments connect production localization with software-enabled transmission technology and locally adapted commercial vehicle components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has ZF announced regarding TraXon 2 production in Brazil?
ZF has announced plans to localize production of its TraXon 2 automated transmission for heavy trucks at its Sorocaba plant in São Paulo, Brazil. Production is expected to begin in the coming months. The company has already tested the transmission in Brazil since 2025 and confirmed that local supply contracts have been secured. The announcement establishes the planned manufacturing location and confirms that preparatory testing and supply arrangements have already taken place.

What are the main technical features of the TraXon 2 transmission?
The TraXon 2 features a redesigned electronic architecture, higher computing capacity and remote software update capabilities. These features prepare the automated transmission for software-defined commercial vehicles. The system also offers potential efficiency improvements compared with its previous generation. According to ZF, fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions can be reduced by approximately 1.7%, depending on the application. This improvement is an estimate rather than a universal reduction applicable to every vehicle or operating condition.

What is the TD285 clutch disc introduced by ZF in Brazil?
The TD285 is a clutch disc developed in Brazil for heavy trucks and buses, with support for engine torque of up to 3,500 Nm. ZF introduced the component alongside its announcement concerning TraXon 2 transmission production localization. Its development represents a locally engineered component for commercial vehicle applications. The stated torque capacity identifies the maximum engine torque supported by the clutch disc, while the announcement does not specify additional technical performance figures or application details.

When will ZF begin remanufacturing the ConAct pneumatic clutch actuator in Brazil?
ZF plans to begin remanufacturing its ConAct pneumatic clutch actuator at its Araraquara plant in Brazil in 2027. The initiative is part of the company's additional manufacturing activities announced alongside its TraXon 2 localization plans. Remanufacturing will take place at the Araraquara facility, although the announcement does not provide production volumes, investment figures or specific operational details. The 2027 timeline represents a planned start rather than an already completed manufacturing development.

What changes has ZF made to the 9AS EcoTronic transmission?
ZF has added locally adapted PreVision functionality to its 9AS EcoTronic transmission for the Brazilian market. This development forms part of the company's broader product adaptation activities in Brazil. The announcement confirms that the functionality has been adapted locally and incorporated into the transmission. However, it does not provide further technical specifications, quantified performance improvements or additional details about the functionality. The development is separate from the planned TraXon 2 production localization and ConAct remanufacturing activities.