ZF Zhangjiagang's First IPA Stabilizer Link Mass Production

On August 13, it was learned from official sources at ZF that its Zhangjiagang chassis components plant achieved mass production of its first injection molding assembly (IPA) stabilizer link in just 14 months. According to reports, the IPA production line is designed with an annual capacity of approximately 1.6 million units, and more projects are expected to begin mass production in 2026.

Image source: ZF

The official stated that this breakthrough achievement not only enriches ZF's product matrix but also provides a new solution for upgrading new energy vehicle chassis components through lightweight innovative design and advanced processes, demonstrating ZF's technological innovation strength in addressing competition in the new energy market.

It is reported that ZF has achieved a forward-looking technological breakthrough in the lightweight design of injection-molded assembly stabilizer connecting rods by introducing innovative technologies such as IPA ball joint design and composite material connecting rods. This not only further reduces product weight but also significantly optimizes production costs.

The IPA ball head design replaces the multi-component structure of traditional metal ball heads, which includes metal housings, ball seats, and metal base covers, with an all-plastic housing. This design transformation brings multiple advantages: the reduction in the number of parts simplifies and enhances the efficiency of parts management and assembly during production; the reduction in parts weight directly contributes to vehicle lightweighting; and the simplification of the production process further improves production efficiency.

The composite link rod, made of glass fiber and polyester resin composite material, has achieved the dual goals of weight reduction and cost savings while strictly ensuring product performance requirements. According to estimates, this IPA stabilizer bar connecting rod is more than 15% lighter than traditional products.

Regarding this mass production, ZF officially stated that it is not only a significant milestone in the development of the Zhangjiagang chassis components factory itself but also fully demonstrates ZF's leading advantages in lightweight technology and intelligent manufacturing. This will further consolidate the group's core position in the global automotive components supply chain. In the future, ZF will continue technological innovation to provide high-quality products and services to customers worldwide.