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Core Viewpoint - The recent leadership change at ZF Group reflects a strategic adjustment aimed at ensuring the company's survival and adaptation in the rapidly evolving automotive industry, particularly towards electrification and cost management [6][20]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - ZF Group's supervisory board announced the termination of CEO Dr. Holger Klein's contract, effective September 30, 2025, amid employee protests and internal pressures [3][10]. - Matthias Miedreich, previously in charge of the electric drive technology division, will succeed Klein as CEO, indicating a shift towards a more electrified strategy [5][15]. - The departure of Klein, who had been with ZF since 2014 and became CEO in January 2023, signifies a response to mounting internal and external challenges [10][20]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Challenges - ZF Group's sales fell by approximately 11% to €41.4 billion, with a sales return rate dropping by 1.5 percentage points to 3.6% [6]. - In the first half of 2025, ZF's sales amounted to €19.7 billion, down from €22 billion the previous year, although adjusted EBIT margin improved from 3.5% to 4.4% [6][11]. - The company is facing high production costs, weak market demand, and intense competition from Chinese rivals, necessitating a significant restructuring plan [6][11]. Group 3: Restructuring Efforts - ZF has initiated a large-scale restructuring plan, including the potential for forced layoffs, to enhance competitiveness in the electric vehicle sector [11][18]. - Since early 2024, ZF has cut 11,200 full-time positions, with an additional 4,700 employees opting for early retirement [7][11]. - The restructuring efforts are aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the transition to electric mobility and the need for cost control [6][11]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The new CEO Miedreich is expected to leverage his extensive industry experience to navigate ZF through its strategic transformation, particularly in the electric drive technology sector [15][17]. - The leadership change is seen as a critical moment for ZF, as it seeks to align its operations with the evolving automotive landscape and internal dynamics [20]. - The effectiveness of Miedreich's communication skills will be crucial in managing internal conflicts and guiding the company through its restructuring process [17][18].