ZF Aftermarket presents solutions for a sustainable automotive aftermarket at Automechanika

ZF’s sustainability goals are closely interconnected. For example, extending circular business models is an integral part of achieving the Group-wide climate targets and decoupling resource consumption from growth. The circular economy refers to a systematic approach in which fewer resources are used both for longer and multiple times. Increasing material efficiency and reducing waste ultimately leads to a reduction in raw material extraction and CO2 emissions. When a product can no longer be used after its lifecycle, repair, reuse, remanufacturing or recycling of materials closes the loop. ZF is introducing two remanufacturing initiatives that significantly support this strategy.

ZF REMAN products: High quality guaranteed

The new ZF REMAN label reflects the increasing importance of sustainability for customers across the automotive aftermarket. Sitting behind this are the industrial remanufacturing processes, which take place at ZF's own plants worldwide to guarantee the same quality and functionality of new parts, but with avoided raw material consumption along the supply chain.

Every remanufactured part undergoes tests and checks to ensure that it fulfils the same requirements and has the functionality of a new part. The parts are not just cleaned and repaired but are brought up to the current series standard. It is an industrial production standard. ZF’s factories, ISO and IATF certified, bring the OE heritage and know-how to the reman facilities. Worn single elements are replaced and, if necessary, improved components are retrofitted to increase performance and service life. The warranty period for ZF REMAN parts is identical to that for new parts or even longer. This gives workshops and end customers the certainty that they can rely on ZF REMAN parts in the same way as on new parts.

CorExpedia: the internet-based return platform for used parts

The basis for remanufacturing is the return of used parts (cores) from workshops via wholesalers to the manufacturer. This so-called reverse logistics process must be as simple, fast and efficient as possible so that garages and distributors can easily use it.

ZF Aftermarket's solution to meet these challenges is CorExpedia, an intuitive and user-friendly online platform for returning cores globally. Initially devised for returning WABCO branded parts in Europe, CorExpedia has already proven to significantly improve return efficiency. The tool is easy to use, and the process very fast, for example when it comes to deposit refunds. And now, ZF Aftermarket gradually rolls out the concept to its entire portfolio. With the wider launch this year, selected SACHS branded used parts can be returned via CorExpedia, for the first time.

The portal can be used on any internet-enabled device and only a few clicks are required to organize a return. The user can return selected SACHS branded cores from their own company or organize for cores to be collected from a designated partner - for example a workshop. In these cases, ZF Aftermarket will organize transport on request.

Clear user instructions can be found in the CorExpedia portal. These include return guidelines and specified details about part return condition. Practical analysis functions of the portal make it possible to monitor the status of returns and create reports. There is also clear information on deposit refunds. Of particular note, the functionality known as the ‘core bank’ clearly shows the number of parts purchased from the returned cores and enables users to determine at a glance whether they have already exhausted their return potential.

"With ZF REMAN and CorExpedia, we want to offer customers even easier access to our remanufactured products," comments Tomasz Galazka, Head of Remanufacturing Strategy and Business Development at ZF Aftermarket. "Our goal is to continuously expand our remanufactured parts portfolio contributing more significantly to resource conservation and emission reduction."