Valeo is gearing up to unveil its next-generation vehicle technology at Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) Mobility 2025, highlighting innovations in hardware, software and AI aimed at enhancing safety, sustainability and personalization in mobility. The event, scheduled from Sept. 8 to 12 at Munich Messe, Germany, will feature Valeo's advancements in its software-defined vehicles (SDVs), encompassing enhanced updatability, upgradability and personalization. The display will focus o...

Taiwan-based Xing Mobility and Polish industrial group SKB have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly promote the deployment of immersion-cooled battery technology across Poland and Europe. Facilitated by the Polish-Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this partnership was formalized during the Taiwan-Poland Economic Forum, marking a critical development in industrial cooperation aimed at accelerating the adoption of this safe and efficient technology in Europe. Poland, buoye...

Rimac Technology, a tier 1 technology supplier in the automotive industry, has played a significant role in the engineering and design of the Bugatti Tourbillon hyper-sports car by integrating its advanced battery systems, e-axles and electronic control units into the vehicle. The Bugatti Tourbillon, which utilizes Rimac Technology's revolutionary hybrid system, is set for deliveries in 2026 with production limited to 250 units. The Tourbillon showcases Rimac Technology's expertise ...

Rheinmetall, a technology corporation, has secured a double-digit million euro order from a prominent North American truck manufacturer. This order involves the supply of a mid-six-figure quantity of CWA 2000 high-voltage coolant pumps, which will be used in the customer's battery-powered medium- and heavy-duty trucks from 2028 to 2035. The technical attributes of the CWA 2000, such as its versatility and suitability for both battery-powered electric vehicles and fuel-cell drives, were pivota...

Lion E-Mobility AG, a manufacturer of battery packs for electric mobility, announced that its subsidiary, Lion Smart GmbH, has received a development order from a leading European original equipment manufacturer in the commercial vehicle sector. The order involves conducting a feasibility study for a fast-charging battery system for electric trucks, aimed at achieving short charging times and meeting the demanding technical requirements of heavy-goods vehicles. The focus of the project is on ...

India's Force Motors has taken a strategic step to broaden its global presence by signing a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with W Motors, a United Arab Emirates-based high-performance, luxury sports-car manufacturer. This partnership was announced at the Make it in the Emirates event in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and aims to explore the development and manufacturing of a new vehicle model in the UAE. The collaboration focuses on fostering cross-border innovation in mobility soluti...

MAHLE has completed the first year of its operations at the Global Biomobility Center, which is located at its Tech Center in Jundiaí, São Paulo. The center was established to utilize MAHLE's expertise and partner network in South America to support the global development of sustainable mobility solutions, focusing on biofuels and biomaterials. During its first year, the center has initiated eight projects in collaboration with customers and research institutes. It is actively monitori...

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), India's leading sport utility vehicle maker, has awarded MAHLE with a special appreciation award for its Intelligent Thermal Management System (ITMS). MAHLE supplies its ITMS systems to M&M for use in the Indian automaker's first dedicated battery-electric vehicle (BEV) platform, which is used to create the recently launched XEV 9e and BE 6 electric SUVs. The ITMS was developed to meet regional market requirements, enha...

BorgWarner announced the extension of four of its exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) supply contracts to a major North American original equipment manufacturer for use in passenger and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) with combustion and hybrid engines. These EGR systems, which include valves, coolers and modules, are aimed at reducing nitrogen oxides emissions and improving fuel economy by recirculating a portion of the engine's exhaust gases. The production of these components is pla...

BorgWarner has secured a significant contract with a major global original equipment manufacturer to supply its 400-V high-voltage coolant heater (HVCH) technology for a series of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This contract represents BorgWarner's largest HVCH award in North America to date, involving midsize pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and minivans, with production slated to begin in 2027. The HVCH is noted for its flexible, compact design and high thermal power de...

Valeo and PanGood have announced their partnership to develop a high-efficiency integrated Axial Flux Generator System, marking a significant advancement in electric powertrain design. The new generator, revealed at Auto Shanghai 2025, integrates a motor and inverter into a compact, scalable solution suitable for all electric vehicles, particularly extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). This collaboration combines PanGood's expertise in axial flux architecture with Valeo's knowledge in inv...

Hyundai Motor Group announced the opening of the Hyundai Center of Excellence (CoE) for future mobility technology at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on April 23. This center represents a joint research initiative aimed at advancing future mobility technologies, particularly focusing on electrification and battery systems to cater to Indian customers' needs. The Group has launched nine joint research projects in collaboration with various IITs as part of its long-term cooperati...

SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd. and Huawei Device Co. Ltd. have signed a strategic agreement in Shanghai to cooperate in the development, manufacturing, supply chain management, sales and service of new-energy smart cars, SAIC announced Feb. 21. Jia Jianxu, president of SAIC Motor, and Wang Yanmin, president of Huawei’s Device Smart Car Business Unit, signed the contract on behalf of SAIC Motor and Huawei, respectively. The signing event was attended by Wang Xiaoqiu, chairman of SAIC Motor,...

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. have agreed to terminate the proposed merger of the two legacy Japanese carmakers into one combined entity, the two companies said in a joint statement on Feb. 13. “Nissan and Honda today agreed to terminate the MOU signed on December 23 for consideration of a business integration between the two companies,” the two companies said. Since signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU), the management teams of both companies, including the...

Lear Corp. has announced a partnership with General Motors (GM) to integrate its ComfortMax Seat, a product that combines thermal comfort technologies within trim covers to enhance occupant comfort, thermal management and manufacturing efficiency, into select GM models, starting 2025. “We are honored to partner with General Motors, a company renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, as we bring the ultimate in seating comfort and design to select GM vehicles," said Ray Scott, p...

On Dec. 23, 2024, leading Japanese carmakers Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further ongoing discussions for establishing a joint holding company, overarching the Honda and Nissan brands. While the merger could create the world’s third-largest vehicle manufacturer by sales, Nissan and Honda expect that the revenue of a joint holding company could exceed ¥30 trillion ($192.66 billion) with a 10% operating profit margin. This level of profit...

BorgWarner has secured three supply contracts for its high-voltage coolant heater (HVCH) technology in key Asian markets of mainland China, South Korea and Japan, the company said in a press release. In mainland China, BorgWarner’s HVCH has been chosen by a leading domestic automaker for integration into a fully electric sport utility vehicle, with production scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025. This move represents a significant advancement in BorgWarner's efforts to penetrate th...

Dow, a company recognized for its expertise in silicones, has joined forces with Carbice, a leader in carbon nanotube (CNT) technology, to form a strategic partnership aimed at advancing thermal interface materials (TIM) for the electronics sector. Announced at The Battery Show North America earlier in October, this collaboration focuses on developing innovative TIM solutions to meet the growing demand for higher performance and reliability in the mobility, industrial, consumer and semiconductor...

At the Paris Motor Show, TotalEnergies and Valeo revealed plans to enhance their partnership focusing on the advancement of electric vehicles. This collaborative effort aims to develop innovative solutions that improve EV battery performance and reduce vehicles' carbon emissions. Since initiating their partnership in 2022, both companies have been engaged in creating an immersive cooling solution for EV batteries. This liquid dielectric technology aims to maintain optimal battery temperature,...

SK Enmove, a subsidiary of SK Innovation, has signed a supply agreement with the Chilean mining company SQM. This partnership aims to secure a stable supply of iodine, which is a critical component for the production of high-efficiency, next-generation automotive refrigerants. The agreement is set to solidify upon the execution of a definitive agreement. SK Enmove's initiative aligns with its ambition to position itself as a global leader in the refrigerant markets by ensuring a reliable...

The AZL industry consortium is embarking on two new projects aimed at advancing the development of battery casings for electromobility. Building on their previous collaboration with 79 partners, these projects will focus on casing design for future cell technologies and simulation methods for thermal and mechanical loads during thermal runaway events. Companies interested in joining, including Audi AG, Magna Steyer Fahrezugtechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Posco and Syensqo, have until Sept. 11 to b...

Marelli has secured a contract from an automaker to supply battery thermal plates for future battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), the company said in a press release on June 4. The company will supply about 5 million units of battery thermal plates, a key solution for battery thermal management in electric vehicles, over the contract period. Marelli will commence the delivery of the component in 2024.   “We are proud of this important assignment, which further strengthens our collaboratio...

Modine has partnered with public transportation system, RYDE Racine, in Racine, Wis., to supply its thermal management technology and solutions for electric buses, the company announced in a press release May 29. Currently, Racine operates nine electric buses equipped with Modine's EVantage Thermal Management Systems, with four additional EVs ordered. "Integrating our thermal management technology into the RYDE Racine electric buses marks a brilliant collaboration to achieve our shared goal o...

German thermal solutions provider Technotrans has secured a major order from a well-known European electric bus manufacturer for the series production of battery thermal management systems (BTMS) in the high single-digit million-euro range, the company said May 21, without disclosing the name of the vehicle manufacturer. Technotrans said that the company has been involved as a technology partner from the very beginning and supplies a total of three production sites in France and the Czech Rep...

Vitesco Technologies and Sanden International have partnered to develop an integrated thermal management system (ITMS) for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The ITMS combines Sanden's compact refrigerant unit with Vitesco Technologies' heat energy distribution system, using natural refrigerant propane (R290). The system aims to provide several advantages, including flexible adaptation, reduced complexity, cost reduction and compliance with regulations. The ITMS will also improve driving range in...

Vitesco Technologies and Sanden International have joined forces to develop an integrated thermal management system for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), Vitesco announced on April 25. Both companies plan to contribute their expertise in the project, with Sanden developing the compact refrigerant unit with the natural refrigerant propane (R290), while Vitesco developing the heat energy distribution system realized by a coolant distribution unit with water/glycol. According to Vitesco, the ...

BASF, a leading supplier of materials solutions, has supported RML Group in the development of an innovative, immersion-cooled battery system for a high-performance 800V battery that powers a hybrid hypercar that sets new performance and safety standards using next-generation plastic materials, the company announced April 17. The 800V battery features a capacity of 4.2 kWh and a discharge rate of over 100C, weighing in at less than 75 kg, it said, adding that the extremely high-power output, ...

FORVIA, a leading automotive technology supplier, has partnered with Schneider Electric to fully electrify two of its R&D centers in France by mid-2024. Under an innovative Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) model, FORVIA will eliminate 85% of Bavans' scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 100% of Seloncourt's scope 1 GHG emissions with no upfront capital expenditure. The two projects are expected to achieve 85% and 100% reduction in CO2 emissions, respectively, accelerating FORVIA's...

Japanese battery-maker Panasonic Energy Co. Ltd. has signed a long-term agreement with German battery component manufacturer H&T Recharge for the supply of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cans for North American markets. The deal underlines Panasonic’s aim of expanding production of safe electric vehicle batteries. Notably, Panasonic and H&T have collaborated since 2017, with H&T supplying approximately 40 GWh of battery-can capacity annually to Panasonic Energy’s Nevada ...

The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University and its spin-off PEM Motion have entered into a partnership with Dutch startup Nanoloy to develop innovative electrodes and manufacturing technologies for batteries, a press note released by RWTH Aachen University said Jan. 26. The collaboration will focus on a novel production concept that will allow previously unusual cell chemistries to work with new innovative electrodes and manufacturing technolo...

Hyundai Mobis North America Electrified Powertrain LLC, an affiliate of Hyundai Mobis, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with engineering services provider UL Solutions to collaborate on the safety and performance of electric vehicle batteries, UL Solutions had announced on Dec. 14, 2023. The company said that its MOU entails collaborating with Hyundai Mobis in North America on evaluating EV battery performance, including validating for reliability, performance and safety pa...

China's Weichai Group and Germany’s Bosch Group has signed a strategic cooperation agreement on future technological innovation. As part of the alliance, both companies plan to strengthen their partnership in the area of new energy, high thermal efficiency diesel engines, intelligent transport, etc., synergizing the global research and development resources of both parties, capturing more critical core technologies, resolving worldwide issues, and jointly making new contributions to the develo...

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. (TPEM) and Jaguar Land Rover PLC (JLR) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the licensing of JLR’s Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform for a royalty fee, Tata Motors Ltd. announced Nov. 2. TPEM and JLR are 100% subsidiaries of Tata Motors. TPEM plans to use JLR’s EMA platform, which includes its electrical architecture, electric drive unit (EDU) and battery pack and manufacturing know-hows for the development of its...

Leading German automotive component supplier Mahle has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Taiwan-based battery manufacturer ProLogium Technology for jointly developing and evaluating thermal-management solutions for next generation solid-state batteries, Mahle announced July 13. Both the companies plan to cooperate on tailored thermal-management solutions, which account for the specific properties of ProLogium’s technology. “This will support competitive battery systems with ...

Antolin has partnered with Sanz Clima and CleanAir Spaces to develop a prototype vehicle interior air-purification system based on the ozone-free photocatalysis technology, according to a company press release June 26. Advanced photocatalysis technology is based on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generated from the humidity of the air when a light with specific characteristics falls on a select substrate. H2O2 covers pathogens, viruses and bacteria in the air and on surfaces, and neutraliz...

In a press briefing hosted by the Beijing-based electric vehicle (EV) maker Li Auto Inc. on the sidelines of the 20th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition on April 18, the company disclosed its roadmap for autonomous driving and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). On self-driving technology, the company plans to release its City Navigation on ADAS (NOA) for beta testing in its full-stack self-developed Li AD Max 3.0 in the second quarter of 2023, and targets to roll out in 100 ...

Vitesco Technologies has joined the Polestar 0 project where the supplier will help develop the power electronics with the target to achieve a climate-neutral emissions inverter for the production vehicle application in 2030, a company press release on 1 February read. “Vitesco Technologies with its know-how will be able to make a major contribution to this ambitious goal for moving the industry toward complete carbon-neutrality. At the same time, we see the Polestar 0 project as far more t...

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Corporation said on 30 January 2023 that it plans to invest in Ampere, the electric vehicle (EV) and software division of the French carmaker and its ally Renault Group, with an aim of becoming a strategic shareholder. The plan is part of three-stage that Nissan and Renault are taking to strengthen the ties of the Alliance and maximize value creation for all stakeholders, both the company said in a joint statement Monday. The two companies plan to work joint...

Stellantis N.V. and Vulcan Energy Resources Limited have signed a binding term sheet for the first phase of a multiphase project to develop new geothermal projects aimed at decarbonizing the energy mix of the carmaker’s Rüsselsheim-based industrial site in Germany, Stellantis said on 17 January 2023. Notably, Stellantis’s Rüsselsheim site is home to both the DS4 and Opel Astra brands. The company estimates that the project with Vulcan could provide a significant portion of the industria...

In a press release on 1 December 2022, Honeywell has announced that it is expanding its strategic alliance with Nexceris to codevelop sensor based solutions to help prevent conditions leading to thermal runaway in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, a phenomenon that causes extremely high temperatures within the battery cell and can result in a fire. "As the world transitions to electric powered vehicles, automakers are faced with the need to provide lithium-ion batteries that function properly ...

Europe’s largest carmaker Volkswagen AG may partner Taiwan’s Foxconn to make electric pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles in the US, a news report published by Bloomberg said on 29 November 2022. The news report, which cited undisclosed sources aware of the matter, was first published by German automotive news publication named Automobilwoche on Tuesday. According to the report, VW is in talks with Foxconn to produce EV models positioned under its Scout brand in the US. It also added...

Japanese vehicle manufacturer Mazda Motor Corporation is currently working with several partner companies on the development and production of electric drive units (EDUs), the company announced on 22 November 2022. The development of EDU is part of a larger joint partnership work that entails developing a range of technologies for electric vehicles (EVs) and other associated research projects also designed to stimulate the local economy while contributing to the local industry and innovation....

China’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) and Japan’s Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) of strategic cooperation on battery supply and battery technologies to promote electric mobility in Japan, CATL announced on 11 November 2022. According to the company, under the agreement, CATL will ensure stable supply of batteries to the electric vehicles (EVs) of Daihatsu, which is popular for devel...

US carmaker General Motors (GM) and battery maker Microvast plan to work together to develop specialized electric vehicle (EV) battery separator technology and build a new separator plant in the US, according to an announcement by GM on 2 November 2022. According to GM, the planned battery separator plant is expected to create hundreds of new jobs in the US. The two companies also announced that the project will be supported by a USD200 million grant from the US Department of Energy's (DoE) B...

China’s largest battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited (CATL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast, expanding its global strategic cooperation in areas including CATL integrated intelligent chassis (CIIC) skateboard chassis products, CATL announced on 31 October 2022. The MoU was signed in a ceremony that was attended by Dr. Robin Zeng, founder and chairman of CATL, and Pham Nhat Vuong, chairman of Vingroup...

China’s largest battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited (CATL), Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Company Ltd. (DPCA), and CATL’s wholly owned subsidiary Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology Ltd. (CAES) have signed a cooperation framework agreement on the EVOGO battery swap project, CATL announced on 25 October 2022. According to the agreement, the three companies plan to jointly work on making the Dongfeng Fukang ES600 compatible with CAES’s EVOGO modu...

TotalEnergies and Valeo have signed an agreement to develop an innovative thermal management solution for EV batteries, Valeo said in a media note on 20 October 2022. According to the company, TotalEnergies has developed a new, innovative, high-performance dielectric coolant that can come in direct contact with battery cells for cooling applications. Valeo said it will contribute its expertise in the related thermal systems to design and build the best solution to integrate the coolant within...

Sony Honda Mobility Inc. (SHM), the joint venture between Japan’s electronics major Sony Group and carmaker Honda Motor Company, announced on 13 October 2022 that it plans to begin accepting orders for its debut electric cars in 2025, with the first customer deliveries expected in early 2026 in the US. The JV company has put US deliveries ahead of its home market Japan, which is slated to see customer deliveries in the second half of 2026. "The first delivery is expected to be in North Amer...

French carmaker Renault Group and the global lubricants company Castrol, which is part of the BP group, plan to extend their partnership for a further three years, until the end of 2027, Renault announced on 28 September 2022. As part of the extended partnership, the two companies will continue the co-design and supply of engine oils for after-sales service to the global network of Renault Group brand dealers, including Renault, Dacia and Alpine brands. Speaking on the extension of partner...

Japan’s DENSO Corporation, one of the leading global automotive suppliers of powertrain, thermal, and safety systems, recorded a 4.2% year-on-year (y/y) decline in its fiscal year (FY) 2021 revenue, which stood at JPY4,936.7 billion (about USD45.1 billion). The company attributed this year-on-year fall to the significant decline in car sales resulting from COVID-19, followed by the shortages in semiconductors and other raw materials. Yasushi Matsui, CEO at DENSO Corporation, projected in the c...

Swedish premium electric car company Polestar has added 12 new partners to the Polestar 0 project, the company announced on 14 September 2022. It said that the collaboration between participating companies is widened with an intent of accelerating work toward Polestar’s moon-shot goal to produce a climate-neutral car by 2030 without offsetting. “The new and existing partners are industry leaders, now actively working on the Polestar 0 project,” the company said in its official stat...

Gentherm has partnered with HARMAN International to enhance the driver alertness and well-being features in HARMAN Ready Care, it said in a press release on 16 September. HARMAN’s Ready Care is a driver monitoring solution. In the latter versions of HARMAN Ready Care, Gentherm will incorporate its expertise in enabling thermophysiology into well-being and alertness features of the technology. “Gentherm and HARMAN share a human-centric approach in understanding and delivering advanced solu...

Mercedes‑Benz Vans, a full range provider of electric private and commercial vans, and US electric vehicle (EV) maker Rivian, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the production of electric vans, the two companies said in a joint announcement on 8 September 2022. According to the official note, the two companies intend to establish a new joint venture manufacturing company with the purpose of investing in, and operating, a factory in Europe to produce large electr...

Castrol and Sprint Power are collaborating to develop ultra-fast charging cells and battery packs for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCEVs), the two companies said in a joint announcement on 5 September 2022. Under the commissioned project, two Sprint Power designed battery modules will use Castrol ON EV Thermal Fluids to deliver 80% charge in just 12 minutes, it said, adding that the project aims to bring down the charging duration of battery cells to e...

Mainland China’s largest electric car maker BYD has signed a three-year strategic collaboration agreement with Castrol wherein the electric vehicle (EV) maker will use the lubricant maker’s advanced EV fluids sold under the Castrol ON brand in its growing range of EVs, Castrol said in a media note on 22 August 2022. The agreement follows existing first-fill and service-fill supply arrangements that commenced in 2021, it said, adding that the relationship with BYD will help Castrol expand ...

Sona Comstar has partnered with Drive TLV, through which the company will get access to the Israel-based company’s hi-tech mobility start-up ecosystem, the Financial Express reported on 17 August. Sona Comstar will collaborate with hi‐tech start‐ups from Israel. “Israel is one of the global hubs for smart mobility innovation. Drive TLV's accelerator, prototyping lab, and shared workspace encourage innovation, networking, and collaboration with mobility-focused technology start-ups. Ou...

The Volkswagen Group and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) signed a term sheet on the supply of MEB electric components for the Indian automaker’s planned EVs in the future, the two companies said in a joint announcement on 15 August 2022. Signing of the term sheet not only formalizes the previous agreement between the two companies, which was announced in May 2022, but also deepens the partnership between the two automakers on EV development. VW will supply its MEB electric components...

Cooper Standard has announced via press release on 9 August that it partnered with thermal solutions company Industrie Saleri Italo S.p.A. (Saleri) on high-performance coolant fluid management devices portfolio for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Tom Stimson, VP, Engineering and Product Development, Cooper Standard, said, “We are pleased to partner with Saleri on this important innovation project as we continue advancing our fluid handling strategy to meet the unique needs of the electric...

AVATR Technology, which is a premium smart electric vehicle brand jointly created by Changan Automobile, Huawei and leading battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited (CATL), had launched an all-new smart electric vehicle (EV) architecture called CHN as well as its first model AVATR 11 at the 24th Chongqing International Auto Show, CATL said on 25 June 2022. The high-profile event was attended by Huarong Zhu, chairman of Changan Automobile, Zhijun Xu, rotating chairman of H...

French carmaker Renault Group and German supplier of powertrain and electric vehicle (EV) solutions Vitesco Technologies have signed a strategic partnership for the joint development and the production of power electronics in a ‘One Box’ for electric and hybrid powertrains, Vitesco said in a media release on 12 July 2022. Under the said agreement, both the companies plan to work together, contributing their know-how to jointly develop a power electronics concept, referred as ‘One Box’...

German chemical company Lanxess announced via press release on 9 June that German supplier of automotive, industrial, and solar electrics Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG had manufactured the cooling element of an electric vehicle’s charge controller using its Durethan BTC965FM30 polyamide 6 (PA6) plastic. Charge controllers are used by electric vehicles (EVs) to convert the AC current from the charging station into DC current required to recharge the battery. The cooling element within thi...

Toray Industries has announced that it partnered with Polyplastics-Evonik Corporation and developed an adhesive for bonding polyamide (PA) and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resins for multilayer plastic tubes (MLTs) for use in automotive cooling lines and other industry applications, according to a press release published by Toray on 9 June.     The two companies' new technology is intended to replace metal automotive cooling lines, particularly in locations with high-temper...

Expanding their existing partnership in Europe, Stellantis N.V. and Toyota Motor Europe N.V. announced on 30 May 2022 that the Italian-American carmaker will manufacture large commercial vans including a battery electric version for the Japanese automaker. While these vans will be produced by Stellantis at its factories based in Gliwice, Poland, and Atessa, Italy, the vehicles will be sold in Europe under the Toyota brand. Stellantis said that the commercial vans are planned for launch in mid...

US-based Arieca has announced via press release on 17 May that it partnered with semiconductor company ROHM to develop next-generation thermal interface materials (TIM) to enhance power module for xEVs (hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and fuel-cell electric vehicles). Navid Kazem, Arieca’s CEO said, said, “ROHM is a global leader in SiC power module technology. Their SiC devices can significantly improve power delivery in xEV while reducing the size of power inv...

German supplier of powertrain parts Rheinmetall AG plans to form a joint venture (JV) with the US startup PolyCharge America, Inc. to produce, develop and market DC-link capacitors, the company said on 11 January 2022. The said JV is being set up under Rheinmetall’s electrification strategy, which aims to steer the group to gain a stronger foothold in the rapidly growing markets for electric mobility and industrial applications as well as accessing subsystems and components necessary for makin...

Ford Motor Company is collaborating with researchers at the Purdue University to develop a new, patent-pending charging station cable that could ensure faster charging of electric vehicles (EVs), the company said on 10 November. Ford said that the new charging cable would combine with in-development vehicle charging technology, making it easier for people to transition to EVs with seamless recharging at shorter times. “Today, chargers are limited in how quickly they can charge an EV’...

Amsterdam-based Stellantis announced its vehicle electrification strategy for this decade and beyond on its EV Day on 8 July. The parent company to over a dozen iconic brands, including Fiat, Citroën, Peugeot, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Maserati, plans to pump in EUR30 billion (over USD35 billion) over the next five years in electrifying all brands through this decade. At the heart of its giant plan are four all-new battery-electric vehicle–focused platforms, three core electric drive mo...

Carbon nanomaterial company Canatu has signed a joint development agreement with global auto component supplier Denso to develop high-performance reactors used in carbon nanobud (CNB) film production, the company said in a press release on June 9. “The joint development agreement was signed in May 2021 with project starting immediately after,” it said. The collaboration aims to significantly improve CNB film manufacturing productivity when compared with the current throughput. To do so...

Continental and Chinese hydrogen specialist Censtar H2-Electricity Science & Technology entered an agreement to expand their strategic cooperation for the mainland Chinese market. According to a company press release on 1 June, the signed agreement is aimed at developing dispensing hose solutions for hydrogen refueling stations. Significance: Hydrogen has a very broad flammability range. Therefore, ensuring safe and efficient hydrogen dispensing is a key requirement at hydrogen fueling st...

Germany-based automotive thermal components supplier, Eberspaecher, has announced that it will be investing USD34.4 million to establish a new manufacturing facility in Louisville, Kentucky, US. According to a press release issued by the Cabinet for Economic Development, Kentucky state, on 29 March, Eberspaecher will occupy over 125,000-square-feet of an existing 314,500-square-feet facility at Greenbelt Highway in the Louisville Riverport. Eberspächer will manufacture exhaust emission ...

Stellantis and Faurecia have collaborated to equip its new zero-emission ranges of light commercial vehicles with hydrogen storage systems and fuel cell stacks through Symbio, a joint venture (JV) between Faurecia and Michelin. Faurecia will develop, supply and assemble hydrogen storage systems from its global center of expertise in Bavans, France. With three high-pressure homologated tanks at 700 bars and carrying a total of 120 liters of hydrogen per vehicle, Stellantis' light commercial ve...

Eberspaecher has established a new subsidiary in Romania to strengthen its vehicle electronics business, the company said in a press release on 4 February. The unit, called Eberspaecher Controls Ro S.R.L, will primarily focus on control units for electric and autonomous vehicles. “The proportion of electronics in the vehicle is constantly increasing. In particular, Eberspaecher offers products for vehicle electrical system management for highly and fully automated vehicle systems as we...

Marelli and Highly International (Hong Kong) Limited have officially established ‘Highly Marelli’ joint venture (JV), Marelli announced in a press release on 28 January. The JV will be focused on cabin comfort business. “This is a strategically significant and exciting partnership for Marelli. Through it, Marelli has direct and immediate access to the growing Chinese market. It facilitates even greater investment in electrification technologies and achieves greater synergies, delivering...

Japanese supplier of automotive components and systems, MARELLI, has announced that it has set up a new joint venture with Highly International (Hong Kong) Limited. According to a press release issued by MARELLI on 7 September, the new JV will be called Highly Marelli Holdings Co. Ltd., and will be focused on developing cabin comfort solutions, specifically in electrification of compressors and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and electrically-driven compressor (EDC) sys...

Germany-based automotive components and systems supplier, Continental, has announced that it is setting up a 50:50 joint venture (JV) with system supplier, aft automotive, to manufacture couplings made using high-performance plastics. According to a press release issued by Continental dated 10 August, the company stated that the new JV, which is subject to the approval of anti-trust authorities, is expected to create more than 30 new jobs by 2025. Since 2016, Continental and aft automotive ha...

Seating and e-systems supplier, Lear, has announced its collaboration with American thermal management firm, Gentherm, to jointly develop its latest intelligent seating solution, the INTU™ Thermal Comfort with ClimateSense™ technology. According to a press release from Gentherm dated 3 August, this new system aims to create an ideal personal climate using ambient cabin conditions and intelligent software. This system makes use of intelligent zonal thermal management, rather than a traditi...

Thermal management technology supplier Gentherm has announced that it will jointly work with thermal modeling software development firm, ThermoAnalytics Inc., to develop an advanced software to improve human thermal comfort predictions in vehicles. This software, which can accurately predict an individual’s personalized comfort, will only be available to select customers. This partnership will improve the software’s capability to predict passenger comfort by modeling the human body in the...

Swiss firm Lion E-Mobility AG and Italian supplier Sogefi have signed an agreement for the joint development of the "Light Battery" concept, which is made up of cylindrical cells that make it highly cost competitive and safe at high-energy densities. These light batteries make use of a standardized block of cells referred to as ‘SuperCells’ which are highly modular, enabling them to be configured according to specific design spaces. These cells can also be configured depending on other re...

Tata AutoComp Systems, an auto-component conglomerate, has signed a joint venture (JV) with China-based Prestolite Electric Beijing to design, engineer, manufacture and supply powertrain solutions for the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market, according to a report by ETAuto on 24 January. The JV will have access to technologies for various powertrain products such as motors, controllers and integrated drivetrain. “Tata AutoComp has always been on the forefront in introducing new technologies...

Canadian automotive supplier Magna has expanded its presence in China by opening two new manufacturing plants, the company said in a press release on 30 April. Magna’s first plant, located in Changsha, started production of composite liftgates for a crossover vehicle; the company has not the disclosed name of its customer. The plant is operated as a joint venture with GAC Component Co, a subsidiary of Chinese automaker GAC. In addition, Magna began production at its second plant, located in Sh...

In automotive design, passenger comfort is a central element along with the other performance and efficiency parameters. Manufacturers invest a lot of resources to ensure the highest degree of ambiance, ergonomics, and user experience for the occupants. Extreme seasonal swings in ambient temperatures caused by global warming mean that an effective and efficient cabin thermal management is crucial for passenger comfort and well-being. The occupants are not likely to rate the vehicle high on comfo...

Gentherm and Lear have announced a strategic partnership to develop thermal seating solutions, according to company press releases on 8 January. Under the partnership, highly integrated, modular heat and cool solution for Lear’s ‘Intu’ seating system will be developed. “Our strategic collaboration with Lear demonstrates a systematic approach to developing a thermal management seating solution that optimizes the integration of our respective technologies, resulting in a superior comfort e...

Alternative propulsion is the ‘buzzword’: Gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines (ICE) have enjoyed a duopoly over the global automotive landscape for a greater part of the century due to the sheer convenience, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness of the design as a mass road transport solution. And due to the high stakes involved for all the players invested in the ecosystem, alternatives have remained on the fringes. The design blueprint of the ICE has been continuously updated...

While it is inevitable that powertrain migration from an ICE to EV will be the endgame to meet the increasingly stringent regulations, the consensus in the industry is that talk about the complete demise of ICE technology is somewhat premature. The IHS Markit forecast indicates that one in five vehicles by 2025 will be either a BEV or full HEV. A significant portion of the APV numbers will be made up of full HEVs, meaning ICE technology will continue to find application, although the ICE fitted ...

US-based Dana has entered a joint venture (JV) partnership with Canada-based Hydro-Québec under which Dana has acquired a majority stake in the latter’s subsidiary TM4, the company announced in a press release on 22 June. Dana has acquired 55% stake in TM4 for CAD165 million (USD127 million); 45% of TM4 will be held by Hydro-Québec. Under the agreement, Dana will source electric motors, power inverters, and control systems from TM4. "We are excited to welcome TM4 into Dana's global family...

News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month E-Mobility How are tranmission manufacturers and the wider automotive industry preparing and positioning for impending rise in hybrid demand? Thermal Modest projected adoption by global OEMs is expected to limit the use of CO2 (R744) refrigerants toniche variants or options in the near term. Who-Supplies-Whom Details of suppliers to the new Buick Enclave. Includes a look at the C1XX platform an...

Hanon Systems has signed an official agreement with China-based FAWER Automotive Parts Limited to form a new joint venture (JV), the South Korean company said in a press release on 23 January. The new JV, Hanon FAWER Automotive Component (HFAC), will initially produce electric compressors, followed by fluid transport components, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) modules and components from a manufacturing site in Changchun, China. The JV is expected to begin production of electric compres...

South Korea-based Hanon Systems has entered into an agreement to form a joint venture (JV) with China-based FAWER Automotive Parts Limited Company, the company announced in a press release on 28 December. The new JV, Hanon FAWER Automotive Component (HFAC), will manufacture electric compressors, fluid transport components, and exhaust gas recirculation modules and components from a manufacturing site in Changchun, China. Hanon Systems will hold a 55% stake in HFAC, and FAWER will hold the remain...

French automotive supplier Faurecia has set up a seating joint venture (JV) with BYD, called Shenzhen Faurecia Automotive Parts, the company announced in a press release on 31 October. The JV will develop and manufacture advanced seating solutions for BYD-affiliated OEM brands. Faurecia will control 70% of the JV and the rest 30% by BYD. The JV will consolidate BYD’s seating business, currently spread over Shenzhen, Xi’an and Changsha. The new JV is expected to generate sales of close to CNY...

Hanon System has formed a joint venture (JV) with China South Industries Group Corporation (CSGC) to supply air conditioning and eco-friendly solutions to Changan Automobile Group, a subsidiary of CSGC, Hanon announced in a press release on 11 October. The new JV will be formed by Hanon Systems, and two subsidiaries of CSGC, namely Chongqing Jianshe Motorcycle and Chongqing Jianshe Mechanical & Electrical Equipment. Hanon Systems will hold a 50% interest stake in the JV. Two subsidiaries ...

Company Partner(s) Area of operation Comment Alpine Electronics Cinemo Front Seat Infotainment Cinemo will collaborate with Alpine Electronics on selected front seat infotainment projects. The infotainment product from this collaboration will be supplied to a global OEM. Aiming towards a high-quality in-car multimedia output, the product is said to integrate Cinemo’s media management...

Company Partner(s) Area of operation Comment Changan NIO Electric Vehicles Chinese automaker Changan has formed a joint venture with electric car start-up NIO (previously known as Next EV) to manufacture electric vehicles (EV) in China, reports Reuters. The new company will be called Yangtze River Automobile New Energy Industry Development. A total of CNY10 billion (USD1.4 billion) wil...

NEWS The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month.    SOFTWARE On March 13, 2017 Intel announced its acquisition of Mobileye, perhaps the most significant M&A event to date in the autonomous driving sector with significant impact over the next decade and beyond. POWERTRAIN Development of high fuel injection pressure helped in bringing improvement in diesel engine characteristics by reducing emissions and improving efficiency. CHASSI...

Company Partner(s) Area of operation Comment Beijing WKW Automotive Parts Hybrid Kinetic New Energy Vehicles Chinese firms Beijing WKW Automotive Parts and Hybrid Kinetic have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form a new energy vehicles (NEV) joint venture (JV), reports Reuters. A total of CNY12 billion (USD1.74 billion) will be invested into the new JV entity, according to...

Company Partner(s) Area of operation Comment Asahi Kasei China National Bluestar (Group) Co., Ltd. (Bluestar) Chemical production in China for Evs Asahi Kasei has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with China National Bluestar (Group) Co., Ltd. (Bluestar), a subsidiary of China National Chemical Corp. (ChemChina), for production of Xyron™ modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) ...

Company Partner(s) Area of operation Comment Ansysco Anand Seiken Chemical Brake Fluids Ansysco Anand, a company of India’s Anand Group, has entered a technical assistant agreement with Seiken Chemical to produce and supply coolant and brake fluids to Japanese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India, reports The Economic Times. The agreement will enable Ansysco Anand to acce...

Ansysco Anand, a company of India’s Anand Group, has entered a technical assistant agreement with Seiken Chemical to produce and supply coolant and brake fluids to Japanese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India, reports The Economic Times. The agreement will enable Ansysco Anand to access Seiken’s latest technology in area of coolant and brake fluids. “In Ansysco Anand, we see a reliable partner with whom we can collaborate to supply good quality coolants and brake fluids in Ind...

Company Partner(s) Area of operation Comment BMW, Daimler, Ford and Volkswagen (VW) Group with Audi and Porsche - EV Charging Stations In a bid to ease electric vehicle (EV)-related range anxiety and accelerate adoption of such vehicles in Europe, BMW, Daimler, Ford and Volkswagen (VW) Group with Audi and Porsche, have decided to form a joint venture (JV) to build charging stations acr...

Company Partner(s) Area of operation Comment BMW and Volkswagen (VW) Chargepoint Fast charging stations BMW and Volkswagen (VW) in collaboration with electric vehicle (EV) charging network company ChargePoint have installed 95 new DC fast charging stations in the United States as part of the ‘Express Charging Corridors Initiative’ announced last year. The installation of such a lar...