At the busworld 2025 show in Brussels, ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division launched a new service to help bus and coach OEMs comply with international standards for automotive software updates.
As modern vehicles increasingly depend on advanced electronic systems, the United Nations has introduced Regulation ECE/R156, which requires OEMs to implement a Software Update Management System (SUMS). This regulation aims to ensure safe and secure software updates are maintained throughout a vehicle’s entire lifecycle.
ZF’s SUMS Service Suite for bus and coach OEMs is a modular platform that helps OEMs avoid the need to develop specialized in-house capabilities while ensuring secure, compliant and up-to-date software management. Following the successful introduction of the SUMS Service Suite to trailer manufacturers, ZF recognized a broader demand across the commercial vehicle sector and is now extending the offering to bus manufacturers.
Frank Burkhart, Vice President Key Account Executive Sales for Bus at ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS), said:The SUMS Service Suite provides bus manufacturers with a practical and flexible solution for managing software updates in line with evolving regulatory standards. As a leading provider of technologies for bus and coach, ZF continues to support the industry in its transition towards digitalization and the Software Defined Commercial Vehicle. Our deep industry knowledge, customer intimacy and expertise in digital solutions enables us to deliver a modular 360-degree package that not only supports compliance but also helps OEMs build a solid foundation for secure and efficient software lifecycle management.
Comprehensive Support for Bus Manufacturers: ZF’s SUMS Service Suite
Tailored for bus manufacturers, ZF’s SUMS Service Suite consists of four modular elements. These include ZF’s ISO 24089-certified SCALAR Software Manager, which manages, records and verifies software and hardware versions of any UN/ECE R156 relevant devices. The platform facilitates regular audits and certification renewals and documents the impact of software updates on type approvals and regulations. By integrating seamlessly with ZF [pro]Diagnostics, ZF‘s new software platform for diagnosing and configuring ZF devices, automated software status checks, safe updates and required documentation in the workshop are enabled – a significant factor in ensuring UN/ECE R156 compliance in the field.
Consulting services to help OEMs navigate UN/ECE R156 complexities are also included in the suite, as well as a comprehensive handbook, templates and checklists that help to clarify certification requirements. The SUMS Service Suite also includes training programs focusing on UN/ECE R156 provided through ZF [pro]Academy.
As a leader in commercial vehicle technology, ZF CVS has already met rigorous ISO 24089 standards for software update engineering, delivering safe and legally compliant solutions. ZF CVS is one of the first Tier-1 suppliers in the commercial vehicle industry to pass the stringent audits required for ISO 24089 certification.
This article was originally published by ZF Group.
