STRATEGIC COOPERATION AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY BETWEEN KIM LONG MOTOR & ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

According to the agreement, both parties will implement a comprehensive partnership in applying ZF Group's core components and technologies into internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured by KIM LONG MOTOR. In the initial phase, ZF Group will supply its new-generation 6-speed automatic transmissions for KIMLONG bus products. This is one of the brand's flagship technologies, widely utilized in numerous commercial and passenger vehicles of world-leading automakers such as BMW, AUDI, Porsche, and more.

While the engine is considered the "heart" that generates driving power, the transmission acts as the "brain" that coordinates and transmits that power. The integration of ZF transmissions allows KIM LONG MOTOR (Vietnam) products to maintain high acclaim from domestic and international customers and partners for their superior quality, stability, and fuel efficiency during operation.

In the subsequent phase, both sides will expand their collaboration to research, develop, and apply advanced technologies, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the e-Axle electric drive system, the Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) system, alongside electrification, connectivity, and smart vehicle management solutions.

Moving beyond product and technology cooperation, KIM LONG MOTOR and ZF Group aim to build a professional aftersales service ecosystem aligned with global standards. Accordingly, KIM LONG MOTOR will assume the role of providing aftersales services for ZF products in Vietnam, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and other potential markets.

The two parties will coordinate to develop a genuine spare parts system, perfect service workflows, and provide intensive training for the technical team to ensure a professional and standardized service quality across the entire network. Building international-standard aftersales capabilities will not only boost customer satisfaction but also contribute to maximizing operational efficiency and optimizing running costs throughout the product lifecycle.

A prominent highlight of the agreement is the strategic plan to establish a joint Technical and Training Center between KIM LONG MOTOR and ZF Group. The center will focus on in-depth research into automatic transmission technologies for traditional vehicles, electric vehicles, and new energy vehicle lines. This will serve as a vital foundation for KIM LONG MOTOR to master technology, develop a high-quality engineering team, and progressively increase the localization rate of automobiles.

In recent years, KIM LONG MOTOR has continuously expanded its export operations, step-by-step asserting Vietnam's commercial vehicle manufacturing capabilities in the international market. Collaborating with world-leading technology partners helps KIM LONG MOTOR shorten the path to accessing advanced technologies and enhances its capacity to meet specialized technical standards in key export markets.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Dao Viet Anh – General Director of KIM LONG MOTOR, emphasized: “The cooperation with ZF Friedrichshafen AG marks an important milestone in KIM LONG MOTOR's development and global integration strategy. Integrating top-tier advanced technological solutions from ZF Group is the key to comprehensively upgrading the performance, safety, and applicability of KIMLONG vehicles. Thereby, meeting strict international standards and creating momentum to drive the export of Vietnamese-branded commercial vehicles worldwide.”

On the part of ZF Group, its representative highly appreciated KIM LONG MOTOR's investment capacity, synchronized manufacturing ecosystem, and long-term development strategy. They also affirmed their commitment to accompanying KIM LONG MOTOR in bringing advanced technological solutions to Vietnam and international markets through KIMLONG-branded commercial vehicles.

The partnership between KIM LONG MOTOR and ZF Group represents not only a connection between a rapidly growing automotive manufacturer in Vietnam and a world-leading technology group, but also a synergy of industrial capability, innovation, and a long-term development vision. Concurrently, this cooperation contributes to laying the foundation for realizing the aspiration of transforming Vietnam into a developed, modern industrial, prosperous, and self-reliant nation by 2045.