After joining ZF in 2017, Daniel Kroon has joined the company’s leadership team as Head of Sales – PC

ZF Australia is experiencing significant growth and transformation, reinforcing its leadership across the passenger car, commercial vehicle, bus, and marine industries.
Since its establishment in 1987, ZF Australia has evolved from a small operation in Seven Hills, Sydney, into a market leader driving the future of mobility.
A key development in ZF Australia’s passenger car business is the recent appointment of Daniel Kroon as Head of Sales – PC.
Dan joined ZF Australia in 2017 as a Key Account Manager and has been a highly valued and integral member of the passenger car sales team throughout that time.
“Dan’s passion, care factor, and strong customer focus reflect the values of our business and the ZF organisation globally,” ZF Australia Managing Director, John Wall, said.
“He has the respect of his team and colleagues across the business, and I look forward to seeing him make his mark in this new role.
“His appointment to the ZF Australia Leadership Team also ensures the voice of our passenger car customers is represented at a strategic level.”
Dan was born in Windsor in New South Wales but was raised on the NSW Central Coast in a small town called Empire Bay.
By the time he was a young adult, he knew he wanted his career to be in the world of automotive.
“I have always been into cars, and this will never change,” Dan said.
“I am currently looking for a new project – it is becoming too hard to choose, so maybe I need a bigger garage!
“From my late twenties, I decided that I wanted to move into sales and having roots in the automotive industry, it was a natural progression to stay in the industry I know and love.”
Those roots in automotive that Dan talks about can be traced back to his days as an apprentice.
“My dad was a baker, so I worked with him in the bakery from around 11 years old,” Dan explained.
“By my mid-teens, I knew I didn’t want to be a baker!” he laughs.
“My first ‘real’ job was as an apprentice mechanic on the NSW Lower North Shore.
“After completing my apprenticeship, I moved into sales dealing directly with the trade for another seven years.
“From here I did try some jobs outside of the Automotive industry, including heavy freight rail as a fireman and then more sales roles including regional work selling water tanks, but I returned to the Automotive industry in 2012 and have been with ZF since 2017.”
That decision to join ZF is one that Dan holds up as something he “really got right.”
“I really enjoy working with our customers and helping them grow their business. I’ve had some great mentors here and have been able to progress in my career,” he said.

When asked about what decisions he had made that he now looked back on as the wrong call, Dan gave an interesting answer.
“Not investing in Apple shares in the early 2000s, and possibly, also the time that I derailed a train,” he smiled, without offering any further details.
While declining to offer context about his train-based exploits, Dan was happy to tell Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine what he thinks about his industry of choice and what he would say to those considering building a career within it.
“Have a go and stick with it – it is a great industry with great people,” he said.
“Every day is like working with your friends and I love getting out into the workshops with our customers.
“Seeing the technology that is just around the corner, there are some really exciting times coming.”
Away from the office, Dan can be found out in the great outdoors.
“I have recently become an avid caravanner with my partner and our rescued Dachshund. It is great combining our love of the outdoors, fishing, and 4WDing,” he said.
Dan’s appointment comes at a time of continued growth for ZF’s passenger car offering.
The business remains focused on expanding its aftermarket portfolio across the Lemförder, Sachs and TRW brands, supporting internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
This includes OE-quality steering and suspension components, shock absorbers, clutches, brake pads, and discs.
In recent months, ZF has introduced several process improvements to enhance delivery speeds, increase product availability, and support workshops with the parts and technical resources they need.
The introduction of a no-fault guarantee further reinforces the company’s commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction in the aftermarket space.
ZF is also strengthening its position in the commercial vehicle sector, celebrating major milestones in trailer braking, telematics, and remanufacturing.
Last year, ZF launched its next-generation Trailer Electronic Braking System, iEBS – with the world’s first-ever sale and installation of the system to an Australian trailer manufacturer
This coincided with ZF reaching 100,000 Trailer EBS sales across Australia and New Zealand.
ZF’s Bus Connect telematics solution has also marked over 150 installations.
This includes Custom Denning’s Element 2 electric city bus, Australia’s only locally designed and manufactured chassis, which also features ZF front and low-floor portal rear axles and the CeTrax e-motor drive.
WABCO distributors can now offer a range of remanufactured components to the Australian commercial vehicle aftermarket, thanks to the introduction of the CorExpedia program.
By using ZF’s Sydney warehouse as a central collection point for parts returned to Europe for remanufacturing and the CorExpedia program, ZF Remanufacturing supports sustainability and cost efficiency.
ZF also remains a key partner in marine applications, recently securing new orders for its advanced TotalCommand propulsion control system.
Designed to complement ZF’s industry-leading transmission technology, TotalCommand delivers improved clutch responsiveness, optimised control of proportional valves, and adaptive gear engagement giving captains exceptional control, precision, and smooth shifting.
The global market leader for propulsion systems, ZF supplies complete systems and components for all types of vessels, which is clearly evident in the Oceania region where ZF is the preferred choice for fleet operators.
ZF’s commitment to customer support and industry leadership extends to its people.

“We are growing, innovating, and setting new standards for operational excellence,” John Wall added.
“With faster distribution, a renewed focus on passenger cars, and major milestones across all sectors, ZF is in a strong position to drive the future of mobility in Oceania.
“Much of this momentum is being driven by a passionate and highly experienced Leadership Team that brings together deep technical knowledge, a strong customer focus and a shared commitment to delivering results.
“In addition to Dan, we were also pleased to welcome Tara Boga and Robyn Thatcher to the Leadership Team this year. Tara, as Customer Service Manager, ensures the voice of the customer is loud and clear in every strategic decision, while Robyn expertly manages inventory and supply chain operations to support seamless service by ensuring the right products reach the right customer at the right time.”
Another key highlight for 2025 will be the launch of ZF [pro]Diagnostics, a multi-brand, multi-system diagnostic solution for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
Featuring ZF MultiScan software, it supports OE security protocols and offers flexible pricing models, helping independent workshops, fleets, and tyre centres enhance service efficiency and business growth.

For more information about ZF Australia and its products, visit www.zf.com/au