Company Directory - ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Company Details - ZF Friedrichshafen AG

ZF Friedrichshafen AG
ZF is a global technology company and supplier of systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial technology.
CCI Score
CCI Score: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
1.00
Latest Event
ZF Friedrichshafen AG Lobbying Expenditure in 2023
In 2023, ZF Friedrichshafen AG spent $40,000 on lobbying activities, as reported by OpenSecrets. The report highlights the issues and potential influence that such corporate political spending can have on policy-making.
Take Action
So what can you do? Support ZF by shopping, spreading the word, or offering your support.
- Shop Alternatives
SEE ALL - Use Your Voice
OTHER TOOLS - Investigate
- Share the Score
SUPPORT CCI
OBJECTOR
ZF Friedrichshafen AG is currently rated as an Objector.
Latest Events
- DEC312023
In 2023, ZF Friedrichshafen AG spent $40,000 on lobbying activities, as reported by OpenSecrets. The report highlights the issues and potential influence that such corporate political spending can have on policy-making.
-30
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
The reported $40,000 lobbying expenditure by ZF Friedrichshafen AG reflects an exercise of corporate political influence under the 'Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts' category. From an anti-fascist perspective, even modest political spending can signal efforts to steer policy in ways that protect corporate interests, potentially at the expense of transparent, democratic processes. While the amount is not exorbitant, it still represents engagement in political lobbying which can contribute to undue influence in policymaking.
- DEC312023
According to OpenSecrets, ZF Friedrichshafen AG spent $40,000 on lobbying efforts during 2023, reflecting the company's active role in influencing public policy through political lobbying.
-30
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
ZF Friedrichshafen AG's expenditure of $40,000 on lobbying in 2023 highlights its involvement in shaping political influence. From an anti-fascist perspective, corporate lobbying of this nature can undermine democratic accountability and contribute to the entrenchment of authoritarian influence in policymaking.
- DEC312023
OpenSecrets data shows that ZF Friedrichshafen AG spent $40,000 on lobbying during the 2023 fiscal year, an action that aligns with corporate practices aimed at influencing political processes.
-50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
The reported lobbying expenditure of $40,000 suggests that ZF Friedrichshafen AG is actively engaging in political lobbying, which from a left‐leaning anti‐fascist perspective reinforces corporate influence over policy. Such spending is indicative of efforts to shape the political landscape in favor of entrenched corporate interests, potentially undermining progressive reforms and accountability.
- OCT202023
ZF Friedrichshafen AG reached a new agreement with United Auto Workers members at its Alabama factory to end a 29-day strike. The deal removes wage tiers and provides significant pay raises — 22% or 13% over four years, eventually setting wages at $23 per hour — along with enhanced benefits including access to preferred provider organization health plans and paid Juneteenth holiday.
+70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 28
By eliminating wage tiers and securing substantial pay raises and benefits improvements, ZF made a progressive move to address long-standing union grievances. This agreement supports fair labor practices and worker solidarity, aligning with elevated human rights standards and labor equity.
- OCT012023
ZF Friedrichshafen AG is revising its Business Partner Principles to adapt to globalized economic demands, explicitly enhancing human rights due diligence and supply chain risk analysis through updated ethical standards.
+70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 28
By revising its Business Partner Principles to incorporate enhanced human rights diligence, ZF Friedrichshafen AG is actively addressing labor relations and ensuring fair treatment of workers. This update reflects a commitment to improved human rights practices within its operations.
ZF Friedrichshafen Statement - Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
+70
Supply Chain Ethics
March 28
The revised principles emphasize improved risk analysis and due diligence in the supply chain, ensuring ethical sourcing and accountability among suppliers. This move strengthens supply chain ethics, aligning the company’s practices with progressive, anti-authoritarian values.
ZF Friedrichshafen Statement - Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
- AUG182023
ZF Friedrichshafen AG is revising its existing Business Partner Principles to update the section on human rights in light of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. The revised policy, including a new Policy Statement on Respect for Human Rights and corresponding Environmental Standards, aims to clarify obligations and improve due diligence across its extensive global supply chain.
+60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 28
The revision of the human rights section in ZF's Business Partner Principles represents a positive step towards protecting worker rights and ensuring adherence to labor standards. This update, aimed at more clearly defining human rights obligations under the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, is a move towards greater transparency and ethical responsibility in the supply chain.
+50
Supply Chain Ethics
March 28
By updating its policies to better address the requirements of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, ZF is also improving its supply chain ethics. The clearer language around human rights due diligence enhances accountability among its extensive network of over 60,000 suppliers and 168 production locations, thereby mitigating risks of human rights violations.
- APR112023
Amid an investigation by the US Senate Committee on Finance into forced labour in the auto supply chain, ZF Friedrichshafen reaffirmed its commitment to social responsibility through its due diligence processes and Business Partner Principles. The company emphasized adherence to international human rights standards and robust supplier oversight.
+80
Supply Chain Ethics
April 12
ZF's response to the US Senate inquiry highlights its proactive due diligence and commitment to ethical supply chain management. By emphasizing adherence to international guidelines such as the UN Global Compact, OECD Guidelines, and ILO conventions, ZF demonstrates a strong stance against forced labour in its supply chain, aligning with anti-authoritarian and human rights principles.
- APR062023
Amid a Senate investigation into forced labor practices in China’s Xinjiang auto supply chain, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, alongside other major auto suppliers, stated that it takes the issue of forced labor seriously and will address the inquiry. The company's spokesperson emphasized its commitment to due diligence and adherence to human rights in its supply chain.
+15
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 28
ZF Friedrichshafen AG's acknowledgment of forced labor concerns and its pledge to respond to the Senate inquiry demonstrates a positive stance regarding labor relations and human rights practices. Such a response indicates an awareness of the ethical obligations to ensure that its supply chain is free from forced labor.
US Senate Probes Alleged Chinese Forced Labor in Auto Supply Chain
+20
Supply Chain Ethics
March 28
The company's proactive statement regarding its supply chain ethics by taking forced labor allegations seriously reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability in its sourcing practices. This pledge is particularly significant given the broader concerns over forced labor in the industry.
US Senate Probes Alleged Chinese Forced Labor in Auto Supply Chain
- MAR282023
On March 28, 2023, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden sent a detailed letter to ZF Friedrichshafen AG CEO Dr. Holger Klein requesting comprehensive information about the company’s supply chain due diligence procedures. The inquiry focuses on whether ZF’s supply chain—spanning raw materials, mining, processing, and component manufacturing—may include links to suppliers in Xinjiang that rely on forced labor, in violation of U.S. law and human rights standards.
-100
Supply Chain Ethics
March 28
The Senate letter highlights serious concerns over ZF’s supply chain ethics by questioning its ability to ensure that its suppliers, including sub-suppliers, are not complicit in forced labor practices in Xinjiang. The inquiry underlines the potential for ZF’s supply chain management to indirectly support human rights abuses, reflecting a significant negative impact on its ethical business practices.
- MAR282023
On March 28, 2023, Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden expanded an investigation into auto suppliers' links to forced labor in Xinjiang, China, sending letters to major suppliers including ZF Friedrichshafen AG to demand details on sourcing and oversight practices. The inquiry raises significant concerns regarding the company’s ability to ensure its supply chains remain free from forced labor.
-60
Supply Chain Ethics
March 28
Senator Wyden’s investigation into auto supply chains has spotlighted potential forced labor practices in regions like Xinjiang. By including ZF Friedrichshafen AG in his inquiry and requesting detailed information on how the company manages its suppliers, the event underlines serious concerns about the company’s commitment to ethical supply chain practices. Such potential complicity in forced labor aligns with authoritarian supply chain risks, warranting a negative rating under supply chain ethics.
- OCT052012
On October 5, ZF Friedrichshafen signed an international framework agreement (IFA) on fundamental rights at work with union and employee representatives. Following the signing, a dispute arose between the IG-Metall union and company management over the implementation details of the agreement, highlighting internal tensions regarding the enforcement of worker rights.
-30
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 28
The dispute over the proper implementation of the IFA indicates that despite a formal commitment to protecting fundamental rights at work, management may be resisting full compliance with labor rights standards, undermining worker protections. This conflict with the IG-Metall union suggests a problematic approach to labor relations, which from an anti-authoritarian perspective negatively impacts worker rights.
Alternatives

Paris, France
17.45

India
57.84

India
17.62

India
-10.00

Yokohama, Japan
11.55

Mumbai, India
-12.11
Amsterdam, Netherlands
-19.80

Brussels, Belgium
-52.75

Gothenburg, Sweden
69.95

Pakistan
54.09
Industries
- 333618
- Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing
- 336120
- Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturing
- 336390
- Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing
- 336111
- Automobile Manufacturing