Tangier, Morocco / Alfdorf, Germany, 03/07/2025 +++ ZF LIFETEC, a leading specialist in passive safety technology for vehicle occupants, has opened a new plant in Morocco for the production of steering wheel systems. The state-of-the-art production site currently covers an area of 8,000 square meters and represents a milestone for the expansion of the ZF LIFETEC Group in this automotive growth region at the intersection of Europe and Africa. The official opening of the site took place on July 2, 2025.
Production has already started successfully, and the plant currently employs around 350 people. ZF LIFETEC’s new industrial unit is part of a comprehensive ecosystem of more than 160 tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 automotive operators located at the “Tanger Automotive City” activity zone, the leading platform for the Moroccan automotive sector. The new ZF LIFETEC site produces steering wheels for the local and European markets. For the first time, the company now has more than 50 locations around the globe – each close to the most important markets and customers. With this new location, ZF LIFETEC is strengthening its presence as one of the leading system providers for passive safety technologies in the automotive sector. “With our customers and our sustainability principles in mind, we are pursuing the goal of keeping supply chains short and, whenever possible, producing directly in the local market. In this way, we are also keeping the risks low,” said Rudolf Stark, CEO of ZF LIFETEC, at the grand opening ceremony.
On a national scale Morocco has established itself as one of the most important automotive locations on the African continent. By 2030, more than one million vehicles. Several international and local car manufacturers produce combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles there for the African and European markets.
The inauguration ceremony was a promising celebration gathering representatives from Tanger Med, public administrators and officials as well as senior executives and Management Board members from ZF LIFETEC illustrating the efficient collaboration and budding partnerships between key stakeholders and industrial operators of the region.
ZF LIFETEC CEO Rudolf Stark commented: “The very well-developed infrastructure here in the Automotive Cluster of Tanger Med Zone, a well-trained talent pool and the proximity to our customers make Morocco an ideal location for us for long-term investments and growth.” Stark added with a view to the locally manufactured product portfolio: “The steering wheel, as a tangible interface between man and vehicle, has a very special experience and comfort function. That’s why we attach great importance to it.”
Especially in the production of high-quality steering wheels, it is important to have the perfect interplay between the fine craftsmanship typical of Morocco and state-of-the-art art technology. They go hand in hand.”
Mr. Ahmed Bennis, managing Director of Tanger Med Zones, echoed the same sentiments: “The implementation of this project strengthens our ambition to build long-standing industrial collaborations with leading global automotive suppliers. ZF LIFETEC is joining a thriving Moroccan automotive ecosystem, where local integration, logistics performance, and cost competitiveness are pillars for a forward-looking industry.”
The new plant is not only symbolic of the company’s planned further growth with steering wheel systems, but also of the overarching cooperation of the ZF LIFETEC locations in the production triangle of O Porriño, Spain, Vila Nova Portugal and “Tanger Automotive City” activity zone, Tangier. In the future, they will make a significant contribution to ZF LIFETEC’s strong position in the automotive sector.
Media Contact:
Knut Zimmer, Spokesperson Products and Technology, ZF LIFETEC,
Phone: +49 171 1506727, e-mail: knut.zimmer@zf.com
About ZF LIFETEC
ZF LIFETEC is a leading passive safety technology provider for the enhanced protection of vehicle occupants. Employing approximately 36,000 employees dedicated to the mission of saving lives with a technology driven approach, the company develops, manufactures and distributes a comprehensive product portfolio including airbag, seat belt and steering wheel systems, covering a wide range from small vehicles in the volume segment up to sophisticated luxury vehicles. Featuring a market share exceeding 20 percent in its core product categories, ZF LIFETEC has a worldwide presence at 51 locations across 22 countries. In the fiscal year 2024, the Group generated sales of EUR 4.8 billion. Based on its strong relationships with a diversified customer base of global OEMs, driven by outstanding quality, long-standing R&D collaborations besides a strong global innovation platform, ZF LIFETEC is well positioned for future growth opportunities arising from the automotive megatrends electrification, (semi-) automated driving, smart interior, as well as increasing safety demands and stepped-up safety regulations worldwide.
Learn more at www.zf-lifetec.com
