S U P P L I E R S increasingly in demand as automakers move to global vehicle platforms. Modular systems meet widely different needs and price points in different regions of the world, even though different vehicle variants all ride on the same basic platform. TRW’s modular technologies include electronic stability control, “scalable” camera systems, modular airbag kits and electrically powered steering systems. power to operate ventilation while parked; cool the seats; or operate an on-board cooler. Eventually, solar power could also be used to help charge the batteries in an electric vehicle, the company said. ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN ZF Friedrichshafen will highlight its new ninespeed automatic transmission. The supplier says the unit offers fuel savings of up to 16 percent compared with a six-speed automatic. The transmission is smooth because it has extremely small gear steps and it ensures that the engine always runs at an optimal fuel consumption range. It can also be fitted in hybrid vehicles, ZF says. The transmission can also be used with ZF’s new decouplable all-wheel drive system that will be shown in Frankfurt. The system deactivates allwheel drive when it isn’t needed, offering further fuel savings. WEBASTO Webasto will show a lightweight roof concept that weighs 20kg, half the weight of a conventional roof, because of the use of materials such as polycarbonate and a composite plastic material with what the company describes as a “paper honeycomb” core. Webasto has also found a way to integrate solar cells into the lightweight roof module that can deliver up to 200 watts of power. That’s enough IAA 2011 POCKET GUIDE 61