Lemforder International, Sachs Handel and Schweinfurt have merged to create a new European strategic business unit called ZF Friedrichshafen.

Based in Schweinfurt, Germany, the company will trade under the ZF Sachs banner to offer the aftermarket a complete range of drivetrain, steering and chassis technology of original equipment quality.

The new unit opened the doors on an extended range of equipment parts and services at the Auto-mechanika 2002 exhibition.

“We complement each other positively in the new company structure and can as such continue to optimise our product and service range for our customers,” says chairman Alois Ludwig. The Sachs chassis range, introduced at the end of 2001, now has performance shock absorbers with increased damping force. These can be used along with lowering springs and the performance set, which consists of a sports damper and shorter springs allowing ride height to be dumped 30-45mm. ZF Sachs is also offering its business partners a portfolio of service concepts to support and market products.

The workshop scheme for the Boge brand provides garages and workshops a package of service modules that stretch from technical information to training seminars on issues such as technology, sales and new media.

“Promotional campaigns include sales booklets, which are designed to help workshops quickly and simply gain new business. It's aimed at small businesses,” says a spokesman.