ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division has commenced series production of its fifth-generation OptiRide Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) system for Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), marking a significant milestone in the expansion of ZF’s advanced chassis control technologies into Asian commercial vehicle markets.
Following its production rollout for a leading European commercial vehicle manufacturer earlier this year, the latest version of OptiRide ECAS now supports Hyundai’s next-generation bus and truck platforms—starting with buses for the Japanese market and soon to be integrated into the Hyundai XCIENT truck model.
The new OptiRide ECAS system delivers precise air suspension control to enable chassis lift and lower functions for efficient vehicle loading and unloading, along with load-dependent stability control. In a major design evolution, ZF has consolidated the solenoid valve and pressure sensors into a single intelligent pneumatic actuator, significantly reducing the number of components and simplifying integration for OEMs.
Paweł Porczyński, Product Line Leader Chassis Structure, ZF CVS, said, “Our latest generation of OptiRide builds on more than 6.5 million units sold and over 30 years of experience. This is a highly modular and space-efficient system that meets the needs of even the most complex commercial vehicle architectures.”
Manufactured at ZF’s Wroclaw facility in Poland, the system features a streamlined layout that condenses up to five components into just two in some applications, reducing wiring, piping, and installation effort without compromising performance. The system also leverages split system intelligence by processing data at the ECAS actuator and embedding the application software into the vehicle’s existing ECU—eliminating the need for a dedicated control unit.
In Hyundai’s buses, the OptiRide system enhances ride comfort by maintaining optimal chassis height on air-suspended axles and enabling kneeling functionality to ensure safer, easier passenger access. As the system is rolled out across more models, it will bring similar comfort and operational benefits to Hyundai’s heavy-duty truck platforms.
Also Read:
ZF Launches SUMS Service Suite To Help Trailer OEMs Meet Global Software Compliance Standards