ZF 8-speed PowerLine Transmission Launches on Freightliner M2 106 Plus at Work Truck Week

The collaboration expands PowerLine’s footprint across key vocational applications in North America, delivering enhanced performance, efficiency and reliability for demanding commercial operations.

“Introducing the PowerLine brand to this market marks an important milestone for ZF, building on our decades of leadership and innovation in transmission technology,” said Alexandre Esgolmin, Head of Driveline Technology North America, Commercial Vehicle Solutions, ZF. “Built on our global expertise in advanced driveline technology, PowerLine’s optimized 8-speed architecture and intelligent shift strategy are designed to support fuel efficiency, performance and durability. For North American fleets, these features can contribute to dependable operation and support total cost of ownership objectives — delivering the operational confidence our customers expect.”

ZF’s PowerLine 8-speed automatic transmission delivers enhanced performance, efficiency and driver comfort for North American commercial vehicles. Its patented, gear ratio spread provides increased launch torque and lower engine speeds at cruise, enabling up to 10 percent fuel savings in select applications while improving acceleration compared to similar transmissions in its class.

Designed for ease of use, the electronic shifter mirrors modern passenger car operation, helping new and rental drivers quickly adapt. Features such as Halt mode reduce driver fatigue in stop-and-go traffic by maintaining braking at standstill (with compatible braking systems), while the live engine-driven PTO allows operation at standstill or in neutral for maximum vocational flexibility.

Supported by Freightliner dealer network, PowerLine is integrated to support efficient maintenance and help maximize vehicle uptime.

“Offering ZF’s PowerLine transmission on the Freightliner M2 106 Plus introduces an automatic option designed to support medium duty customers with efficient gear spacing and responsive shift strategy that can improve drivability in stop-and-go applications. The engine driven PTO supports productivity for vocational applications across a range of body configurations, making it a strong option for our customers,” said Aaron Scates, vice president of Vocational & Medium‑Duty Market Development, Daimler Truck North America.

The launch of PowerLine on the DTNA Freightliner M2 platform underscores ZF’s role as a strategic technology partner for leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, advancing drivetrain performance, fuel efficiency and durability across vocational and regional haul segments.

Manufactured in Gray Court, South Carolina, PowerLine production is part of ZF’s $200 million investment in U.S. commercial vehicle transmission manufacturing. Nearly 50,000 square feet of the facility is dedicated to PowerLine assembly, with production capacity ramping toward 200,000 transmissions annually to support growing OEM demand in North America.

The PowerLine will be exhibited at the Work Truck Week show March 10-13 and will be available for order on DTNA’s Freightliner M2 106 Plus with the all-new Cummins B6.7 Octane engine in the North American market beginning March 13.