Hyundai Mobis, a leading global automotive supplier, is actively pushing the boundaries of materials science to develop next-generation solutions for future mobility. The company has identified three key strategic areas for its material development: sustainable materials, innovative mobility materials, and digital materials. This focused approach is crucial for meeting global environmental regulations, enhancing the competitiveness of electrification and electronic components, and solidifying Hyundai Mobis’s independent position in the materials, components, and equipment (MCE) sector.
Developing Sustainable Materials for a Greener Future
Hyundai Mobis is committed to developing sustainable materials that adhere to stringent global environmental regulations. The company is actively pursuing two primary strategies: recycling and bio-based materials.
In the realm of recycled materials, Hyundai Mobis is utilizing recycled parts from household waste and end-of-life vehicles to create high-performance components. One notable example is the protective cover for the lower arm of a vehicle’s underbody. This cover, despite containing 50% recycled plastic, maintains the same physical properties as conventional materials. This demonstrates Hyundai Mobis’s commitment to exceeding the European Union’s upcoming legislation, which mandates the use of 25% recycled materials in plastics for new cars by 2030.
Beyond plastic, Hyundai Mobis is actively developing over 30 types of new materials for various automotive components, including cockpit modules, lamps, and airbags. These new materials are designed to be both sustainable and high-performing, ensuring a seamless integration into the future of automotive manufacturing.
In the eco-friendly bio sector, Hyundai Mobis is exploring the use of wood-based materials to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This innovative approach aims to enhance weather resistance, preventing discoloration or decomposition under extreme temperatures or ultraviolet light exposure.
Innovation in Materials for Electric Vehicle Advancements
Hyundai Mobis recognizes the growing importance of electrification and is actively developing innovative materials that reduce the reliance on rare metals like nickel. This is especially crucial in light of recent price fluctuations and geopolitical concerns surrounding these resources.
For example, Hyundai Mobis has developed a new material that significantly reduces the nickel content in inductors, essential components in power conversion systems for electric vehicles. The company successfully decreased the nickel content from 50% to the 30% range, effectively mitigating price volatility while maintaining electromagnetic properties.
Furthermore, Hyundai Mobis is leading the way in developing ‘nickel-free’ materials, a global first. This groundbreaking innovation represents a significant step towards securing a sustainable and reliable supply chain for key automotive components.
Leveraging Digital Technologies for Material Advancement
Hyundai Mobis is actively integrating IT into its traditional material development processes, creating a new era of digital materials. The company is utilizing virtual simulation and AI-powered analysis to predict and optimize material characteristics for automotive components.
This digital approach allows for a more efficient and accurate development process, enabling Hyundai Mobis to explore new materials and applications at a faster pace. The company has assembled a team of over 100 materials science research and development professionals to drive this digital transformation, attracting experts from diverse fields to expand its capabilities in this exciting new area.
Hyundai Mobis’s dedication to developing sustainable, innovative, and digitally enabled materials positions the company at the forefront of the future of mobility. By embracing these three key strategic areas, the company is committed to meeting the evolving needs of the automotive industry while contributing to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
