ZF to produce rear-axle suspensions for China's Beiben Truck

ZF Friedrichshafen AG says it has signed a letter of intent with the Beiben Truck Co. Ltd. to produce a rear axle suspension system for a new generation of trucks that Beiben plans to introduce.The German supplier will produce suspensions with leaf springs or pneumatic springs.ZF also is discussing the possible supply of cabin suspensions and other chassis technology.Beiben Truck was founded in 1996. It is a brand of Baotou Bei Ben Heavy Duty Truck Co., which is headquartered in Baotou, the largest city in Inner Mongolia.Last year, Beiben Truck produced 35,000 heavy trucks in three Chinese plants.In a related matter, ZF says it will supply its 6-speed Ecolite transmission to Beiqi Foton Motor Co. for a new generation of light trucks to be introduced in 2012.Foton, which is headquartered in Beijing, is China's largest producer of light commercial trucks.