For future mobility and achieving diverse R&D milestones, Hyundai Mobis is accelerating the development of new materials. Through the incorporation of high-performance, high-efficiency material innovations, this novel method seeks to both improve its competitive edge in future mobility and effectively address the projected tightening of global environmental rules around 2030.
The company’s approach to material development is in line with the growing focus on achieving independent competitiveness in equipment, components, and materials (MCE) that has been observed in recent years. During the pandemic, it already built a reliable supply chain, and it keeps achieving autonomous R&D outcomes in the creation of new materials.
To strengthen its foundational capabilities in materials for essential automotive components, Hyundai Mobis announced three strategic areas for material development:
- Sustainable materials that can meet global environmental regulations,
- Innovative materials that will lead mobility advancements, and
- Digital materials enabled through virtual verification methods.
Sustainable Materials: Recycling Plastics & Bio-Based Innovations
The sustainable materials of Hyundai Mobis involve recycling resources or utilizing bio-based materials.
Recycled materials are primarily used in plastic components. The regenerated materials are produced by recovering recyclable parts from household waste or end-of-life vehicles, processing them, and adding additives.
Hyundai Mobis was able to create a protective covering for the lower arm of a car’s underbody by using this method. Even with 50% recycled plastic, the product’s physical characteristics are the same as those of conventional materials.
Hyundai Mobis is accelerating the development of new materials that use fewer rare metals like nickel while enhancing performance. Nickel is a key component in power conversion for electric vehicles. and Hyundai Mobis has developed a new material that helps in reducing the use of nickel in inductors.
Additionally, Hyundai Mobis has started testing a brand-new material that is the first of its kind in the world and is entirely “nickel-free.” In order to improve its competitiveness in the electrification and electronic component industries, the company is also concentrating on creating new materials.