ZF Introduces Braking Solutions Supporting Euro 7 Readiness in the Independent Aftermarket

As the automotive industry advances toward lower-emission mobility, the independent aftermarket requires practical repair solutions that support this transition. At Automechanika Frankfurt 2026, ZF is demonstrating how these solutions can be made available at scale for everyday workshop use.

“Meaningful environmental progress requires solutions that can be implemented in everyday repair. Our objective is to make innovative braking technologies accessible to our customers at scale, without compromising safety, performance or serviceability,” said Philippe Colpron, Head of ZF Aftermarket.

Preparing for Future Braking Requirements

With Euro 7 introducing limits for brake particle emissions, attention is increasingly shifting toward non-exhaust emissions as a key area of vehicle performance. For ZF, this development reinforces the importance of providing practical workshop solutions to meet changing regulatory requirements. That is where TRW DTEC comes in. DTEC, short for “Dust Technology,” includes specifically developed brake pads and discs that demonstrated up to 80% lower PM10 particle emissions in brake dynamometer testing compared with conventional brake pad and disc combinations¹.

The technology has been validated on ZF dustIN, the company’s in-house brake particle testing dynamometer, which was developed to test braking products under Euro 7-relevant conditions. In addition to generating lower PM10 emissions, the products are engineered to deliver further benefits for vehicle owners, including reduced wear, improved corrosion behavior and reliable braking performance.

TRW DTEC was developed through close collaboration between ZF's original equipment and aftermarket organizations, combining ZF’s deep OEM expertise with aftermarket requirements. The technology can be retrofitted to vehicles to help reduce brake particle emissions in line with EURO 7 requirements for new vehicles. For easy identification, the new TRW DTEC products feature a blue brake-pad shim, a premium dark matte brake-disc finish and new blue TRW packaging.

“With TRW DTEC, we are strengthening the link between original equipment development and the independent aftermarket. The technology reflects ZF’s ability to transfer regulatory-relevant braking innovation into everyday repair solutions,” said Markus Wittig, Head of Business Line Passenger Cars at ZF Aftermarket.

Another innovation on display at Automechanika is TRW DOT 4 Brake Fluid ESP Recycled, underscoring ZF’s expertise across the full braking ecosystem, including service fluids for professional brake maintenance. The new brake fluid contains 60% post-consumer recycled material, calculated in accordance with ISO 14021², and processed into a high-quality product.

ZF’s broader sustainability progress is also reflected in independent external assessments. The company achieved a Gold rating from EcoVadis, with a score of 86/100, ranking among the top 3 percent of more than 175,000 companies evaluated globally and among the top 1 percent in its industry segment. This recognition reflects the company's commitment to transparency, environmental responsibility and continuous improvement across its operations.

ZF is showcasing its latest Mobility Uptime solutions at Automechanika Frankfurt, Forum Level 01.

¹ Based on brake dyno tests measuring PM10 emissions during a WLTP driving cycle. Wear performance evaluated according to SAE J2522. Results may vary depending on vehicle, driving conditions, and operating environment.

² Post-consumer recycled material content calculated in accordance with ISO 14021.