Mahle’s recent acquisition of German transmission manufacturer ZG-Zahnräder und Getriebe GmbH will add significant transmission expertise to Mahle Powertrain, one of the top independent specialists in high-efficiency propulsion systems in Europe.

ZG will become part of the MAHLE Powertrain family, complementing the company’s strategy for optimizing the internal combustion engine (ICE) while focusing on new developments in alternative drive technologies.

“As drivetrains are increasingly integrated in pursuit of reduced emissions, efficiency gains come from increasingly focused refinements,” said Simon Reader, MAHLE Powertrain engineering director. “Gears can be overlooked, whether in the ICE, transmission or an electric driveline. Today’s high-torque hybrid powertrains demand exceptional gear refinement and durability, but there is a constant need to reduce component size and weight.

“This is where the ZG acquisition fits in. The ZG team has proven expertise in optimized gear design and transmission layouts. These can facilitate marked improvements in NVH, friction performance, packaging and weight reduction, leading to improved efficiency, especially for electric drives. Every aspect of our work, from full powertrains to electric drivelines, can be improved by good gear and transmission design, which is why ZG’s acquisition is an important development for us.”

“This acquisition is another important step in the expansion of MAHLE Powertrain’s capabilities and further reinforces our position as an engineering-services provider across all powertrain technologies,” said Dr. Martin Berger, MAHLE Powertrain engineering services director.