ZF Friedrichshafen AG is an international technology concern specialized in the supply of automobile systems and components seated in the town of Friedrichshafen, Germany. It was founded in September 1915 by Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the legendary inventor of the rigid airship. Today ZF produces a wide range of spare parts for trucks and passenger cars, as well as tractors, trains, and even some aircraft. It unites about 230 production facilities in 40 countries all over the world manufacturing steering systems, gearboxes, differentials, etc. for various types of vehicles, as well as industrial applications. The company’s yearly turnover in 2018 reached the level of 36,9 billion euros.
The logo is most concise, it consists only of the two block letters “ZF”. They are placed inside a square background made in dark tone of cobalt blue. The letters of the wordmark are written in white and are surrounded by a white circle line. Some early versions had the letters “ZF” inserted in a gear-wheel.
There are also other contemporary versions, with blue letters and circle line on a black or white background. The main meaning of the logo is the brand name “AF”, which is an abbreviation standing for “Zahnrad Fabrik”, meaning a “gear plant” in German.
For the customers of the concern, its logo is associated above all with the leading position of ZF in driveline and chassis technology. The concern’s strategy is aimed at ensuring safe road traffic and achieving zero emissions. It continuously invests in the development of digital systems and automation with the aim to enable vehicles “to see, think and act”.