The BMW Group will begin using recycled CO₂-reduced steel called bluemint from thyssenkrupp Steel starting in 2026. This low-carbon steel will be integrated into several key areas of the BMW iX3, including outer panels, interior parts and battery housing. Bluemint recycled steel contains a high proportion of recycled material and achieves verified CO₂ savings compared to conventional steel due to a mass-balanced allocation process. This method allows CO₂ reductions from production to be...

UE | STUDIOS has unveiled the Self-driving Urban E-Shuttle (SUE), a fully autonomous electric minibus, developed with a consortium of 10 partners, that utilizes sustainable materials such as Covestro's polycarbonate and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the EU. The People Mover will undergo testing at speeds up to 50 km/h on public roads in 2026. The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the EU, an...

Global Technology Ventures (GTV) and TactoTek have signed a technology licensing partnership to incorporate in-mold structural electronics (IMSE) technology into GTV's customer programs. The collaboration merges GTV's expertise in hybrid design, engineering and manufacturing with TactoTek's IMSE technology, which integrates electronic functions directly into 3D injection-molded surfaces. This technology aims to create smart, lightweight designs that do not compromise performance or design qualit...

Forvia has secured over $1 billion in new and expanded business with a major European automaker, involving products from its Seating, Interiors and Forvia Hella's Lighting business groups. The French supplier will produce these products across seven plants in the US and Mexico to support this customer's North American operations. Francois Tardif, executive vice president Americas, emphasized that these awards highlight Forvia as a reliable partner committed to advancing sustainable mobil...

Hyundai Steel has announced that its affiliate Hyundai-Posco Louisiana LLC plans to undertake a capital increase of $2.9 billion for facilities investment in a US steel plant, Reuters reported the South Korean steelmaker as saying in a regulatory filing on Jan. 26. The development follows an earlier announcement by Hyundai Steel and its parent company, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), of plans to establish a steel plant in Louisiana, US, with a projected annual capacity of 2.7 million metric tons. ...

Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd., an India-based automotive supplier also known as Motherson Group, is expanding its operations in Hungary through several investments, including a research and development program and the establishment of a regional services center. The company’s €54 million R&D project focuses on AI-based sensors and advanced visual systems integrated into rearview mirrors. The investment is set to create 55 new jobs for automotive product development professi...

Toyoda Gosei has developed new weatherstrips that incorporate a high percentage of recycled rubber material. The sustainable solution will debut in Toyota Motor’s new RAV4 and is expected to be rolled out to additional vehicle models, supporting broader decarbonization and resource circulation initiatives in the automotive sector. Rubber recycling has traditionally lagged behind other materials, such as steel and plastics, due to technical challenges. Waste rubber is typically incinerated f...

Nexen Tire has announced that it is supplying original equipment (OE) tires for Hyundai Motor's new electric sport utility vehicle, the Elexio, developed exclusively for the mainland Chinese market. Built on the automaker’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the Elexio is the first electric vehicle produced by Beijing Hyundai, a joint venture of Hyundai Motor and BAIC Motor. Nexen Tire is providing two ultrahigh-performance tire models for this vehicle: The N'Fera Supreme S and ...

Aluko Group has announced plans to establish its second US manufacturing facility in Halls, Tennessee. The South Korean supplier will invest $107.7 million to develop an integrated aluminum manufacturing operation in the former Tupperware building. The investment will create 285 new jobs in Lauderdale County. Aluko Group operates its first US production facility in Jackson, Tennessee. The new facility will support and expand Aluko Group's customer base in various industries, including electri...

Hyundai Steel has teamed up with the Posco Group to jointly establish a steel manufacturing plant in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, US. The two South Korean steel companies will invest $5.8 billion in the greenfield plant, which is expected to commence commercial production in early 2029. Hyundai Motor Group — including Hyundai Steel, Hyundai Motor and Kia — will collectively hold an 80% equity stake in the venture, with Posco Group securing the remaining 20%. The total project cost will be s...

Indian supplier Wheels India Ltd. has entered into a Technical Assistance Agreement with the Japanese supplier Topy Industries to enhance its aluminum alloy wheels business. Under the agreement, Topy Industries will provide technical expertise for the design, development and manufacture of cast aluminum wheels, thereby enhancing Wheels India's capabilities in this growing market segment. Wheels India, which ventured into the aluminum alloy wheels business in fiscal year 2020/21 with the...

The European Commission has introduced the RESourceEU Action Plan, aimed at securing the EU's supply of critical raw materials, including rare earth elements, cobalt and lithium. This initiative builds on the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which provides financing and tools to shield industries from geopolitical and price fluctuations, promote critical raw materials projects in Europe and beyond, and partner with like-minded countries to diversify supply chains. By early 2026, a Euro...

BASF has inaugurated a high-performance dispersant production line at its Jiangbei New Material Technology Park in Nanjing, mainland China. The new facility will allow local production of dispersants using controlled free-radical polymerization (CFRP) technology, enhancing BASF’s global capacity and supply reliability, alongside its production capabilities in Heerenveen, the Netherlands. Stephan Kothrade, a member of BASF's board of executive directors and chief technology officer...

Carlex Glass America, a US-based supplier of automotive glass, has announced plans to expand its advanced manufacturing operations in Nashville, Tennessee. The company is investing nearly $55 million in the project, which is expected to create 143 new jobs and equip its campus with advanced production lines. Scheduled for completion in mid-2026, the expansion will enable Carlex to manufacture larger precision-formed automotive glass products. Carle...

On Nov. 20, Hankook Tire signed a memorandum of understanding with Rotoboost, a Finland-based company working to promote a sustainable energy future, to jointly develop a low-carbon-footprint carbon material for use in tire production. With this collaboration, the South Korean tiremaker aims to advance technologies to reduce CO2 emissions during raw material acquisition, aligning with its 2050 Net-Zero strategy. The agreement targets the development of ...

Indian auto parts supplier JBM Group has finalized a joint venture with Portugal-based Sodecia Automotive International to establish a hot stamping manufacturing facility in Chakan, near Pune in Maharashtra, India, Autocar Professional reported Nov. 20. The two partners have laid the foundation stone for the new plant at JBM Group's Neel Metal Products Ltd. facility in Chakan. This JV entails an investment of 1.5 billion rupees (nearly $16.7 million), with the facility expected to be operational...

Forvia is supplying the instrument panel and center console for the new Renault Clio 6, which was presented at the IAA Mobility 2025 event in Munich. These components highlight the French supplier’s expertise in injection molding and surface finishing. The company integrates technical know-how, recycled materials and refined designs to deliver high-quality and visually appealing interiors. According to Forvia, its instrument panel and center console for the Renault Clio 6 are made using pla...

Samvardhana Motherson Group has announced plans to invest $50 million to expand its Zitlaltépec plant in Tlaxcala, Mexico, according to a report by MexicoNow published Nov. 7. The planned investment will help the India-based auto components supplier serve its primary customer, Audi, and accommodate the anticipated increase in production of the Audi Q5 model. The expansion project is expected to generate 150 direct jobs and 300 indirect jobs, reinforcing Motherson's role as a major industrial em...

French supplier OPmobility has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Chery Automobiles, the third largest vehicle manufacturer in mainland China. This collaboration involves OPmobility supporting Chery's international business expansion through its extensive research, development and production network. As part of this agreement, OPmobility signed contracts to supply Chery with bumpers in Spain and Brazil, beginning in 2026. This initiative aligns with OPmobility's strategic foc...

Continental has achieved important milestones in its realignment plans during the past quarter, including the spin-off of Aumovio and the agreement to sell its Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business area. The final stages of its realignment involve the sale of ContiTech next year and a strategic focus on its Tires business. Continental faced challenging market conditions in the third-quarter of 2025 due to economic uncertainties, but the Tires group sector performed well, particularly in N...

LG Chem and Zeiss have announced a major strategic alliance to industrialize photopolymer film production for next-generation holographic display applications. The collaboration establishes a robust and sustainable supply chain for critical materials used in holographic windshield displays (HWDs) — an emerging automotive display technology that transforms the windshield into an immersive information interface. Under the partnership, LG Chem’s photopolymer films will be incorporated into...

Niron Magnetics has announced a partnership with the Greater St. Cloud Development Corp. (GSDC) to emphasize the regional economic impact of its new project — a 190,000-square-foot permanent magnet manufacturing facility in the Sartell city, Minnesota, US. The collaboration builds on previous efforts between the two organizations, which involved creating an incentive package and a development plan, as well as setting job creation targets to establish Niron Magnetics' Plant 1 in Sartell. Wor...

The United States and Japan have signed a framework agreement to secure the supply of rare earths and critical minerals, aiming to reduce dependence on mainland China's dominant role in the global market. This agreement was signed by US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during Trump's visit to Tokyo, which was part of his weeklong tour of Asia. The document outlines cooperation in extraction, recycling, stockpiling and investment in mineral supply chains crucia...

Cyclic Materials, an advanced recycling company focused on creating a circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials, has expanded its partnership with Vacuumschmelze (VAC), a developer of magnetic materials and solutions. The companies have signed a 10-year exclusive agreement to recycle all magnet production byproducts from VAC's new manufacturing facility in Sumter, South Carolina, which will begin operations at the end of 2025. This partnership builds on a prev...

Hyundai Motor Group and Toray Industries, Inc. have signed a strategic joint development agreement to innovate advanced materials and components, aiming to establish new standards in future mobility. The agreement was formalized on Oct. 24 at Hyundai Motor Group's headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. Prominent figures at the signing included Heung-soo Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Strategy Office at Hyundai Motor Group, and Miki Terada, General Manager of Advanced Composites Di...

Hankook Tire will supply its iON Evo high-performance tire as original equipment for the Cupra Born, Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea reported Oct. 21. The South Korean tiremaker collaborated with Cupra, a high-performance brand under the Volkswagen Group, to optimize the iON Evo tire for the dynamic driving characteristics of electric hatchbacks. The iON Evo tire, available in a 20-inch size, incorporates Hankook Tire's proprietary iON innovative technology that balances key performance ar...

Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) is leading a consortium of partners to assess the feasibility of a lightweight battery-electric vehicle (BEV) prototype in the L6e category. This initiative is financially supported by the UK Government's DRIVE35 program through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), a nonprofit organization that promotes zero-emission technologies and new mobility concepts. As European cities adapt their infrastructure to support low-carbon environments, Toyota is illustra...

Gestamp has entered into an agreement with Hydnum Steel to utilize clean steel produced with renewable energy and green hydrogen for manufacturing automotive components. This collaboration is a significant step toward the decarbonization efforts within the mobility sector. Under this partnership, Gescrap, a subsidiary of Gestamp specializing in metal recycling, will supply high-quality steel scrap from stamping processes to Hydnum Steel, which will then utilize renewable energy and green hydr...

BASF has introduced two new recycling processes for polyamide 6, specifically targeting materials from end-of-life vehicles through depolymerization and solvent-based recycling. These initiatives were showcased in pilot projects in collaboration with ZF and Pöppelmann, where components were created for Mercedes-Benz, contributing to a circular economy by converting dismantled parts and complex waste streams such as automotive shredder residue into high-quality plastics. Traditionally, about 200...

American Resources Corp.'s subsidiary, ReElement Technologies, known for its innovations in rare earth elements and critical mineral refining, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Posco International Corp. The agreement aims to fortify the rare earth supply chain and explore collaboration on developing an integrated rare earth and permanent-magnet production complex within the US. The signing ceremony, located at the Posco Center in Seoul, South Korea, witnessed the presence of...

In a press release dated Sept. 22, Neo Performance Materials announced that it had opened its advanced permanent magnet manufacturing facility in Narva, Estonia, marking a pivotal development in its European presence. This facility is designed to support the growing demand for rare earth magnets, crucial for electric vehicles, wind energy and other sectors fueling the energy transition. A concurrent Investor/Analyst Day offered attendees insights into Neo's operations, featuring tours of the ...

On Sept. 19, Neo Performance Materials signed a multiyear memorandum of understanding with Bosch to extend a strategic partnership for high-performance magnets. Under the agreement, the Canadian supplier will designate a substantial portion of its annual magnet production capacity for the Germany-based partner. This capacity reservation aims to evolve into formal projects that benefit both partners. By securing production capacity with Neo, Bosch ensures a steady supply chain and fosters the ...

Finnish stainless steel producer Outokumpu has signed a memorandum of understanding with US-based Boston Metal to accelerate the development of carbon-free metals. The collaboration focuses on sustainable steelmaking, contributing to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance the clean energy transition. The partnership will utilize chromium sourced from Outokumpu's Kemi mine in Finland within Boston Metal's molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) technology, which aims to eliminate t...

Cymat Technologies, a Canadian company known for its innovative materials technology, has partnered with a top global tier 1 automotive supplier to create lightweight, energy-absorbing components for the automotive industry. The identity of this tier 1 partner has not been disclosed. In collaboration with Tesseract Structural Innovations, Cymat has developed and tested several advanced components. The two companies are working on a new design in response to a request from a global automotive ...

Hyundai CRADLE, the innovation hub of Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), has formed a partnership with UNCAGED Innovations, a biomaterials company, to develop sustainable, animal-free leather for car interiors. The collaboration aims to create bio-based leather alternatives that significantly reduce environmental impact by using grain byproducts instead of traditional leather, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 95%, water usage by 89%, and energy by 71% without sacrificing quality or durability. Bre...

Mercedes-Benz and TSR Group GmbH & Co. KG are collaborating on an urban mining pilot project aimed at creating a sustainable circular economy for end-of-life (EOL) vehicles. This initiative follows their partnership established in 2024 and marks the opening of the first collection site for these vehicles. The project aims to leverage urban sources of raw materials by closing value chains and recovering high-quality secondary raw materials for new Mercedes-Benz vehicles, contributing to re...

Bridgestone has designed custom tires specifically for the Lamborghini Fenomeno supercar, the most powerful V12 model produced by the Italian manufacturer. The Japanese tiremaker harnessed its motorsport expertise and Potenza tire family to create premium tires that enhance the supercar's performance. The tires, available in 265/30 ZRF21 (front) and 355/25 ZRF22 (rear) sizes, offer high performance at high speeds, precise steering responses, and can support the Fenomeno's 1,080hp power output...

Forge Nano Inc., a technology company focused on advancing domestic battery and semiconductor technologies, announced its development of a lithium-ion battery cell intended for the US Defense Department. This development emphasizes the use of battery materials exclusively sourced from within the US. The 18650 cylindrical cell is designed to offer high capacity and energy density, conforming to the Defense Department's standards for cycle life and operating temperatures. Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge...

Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., announced that it has received an order from a leading automotive manufacturer for a full-battery-electric vehicle (full-BEV) thermoplastic composite lower battery housing unit. This component is part of the Kautex Pentatonic battery enclosure portfolio, aimed at supporting the production of battery-electric and hybrid electric vehicles (BEVs and HEVs). The Pentatonic product line offers customizable and lightweight electric vehi...

BMW is using a new electrical steel strip from Voestalpine in its latest generation electric motors (e-motors), which will be used in its Neue Klasse vehicles, according to a report by Electrive on July 24. The automaker reached an agreement with Voestalpine for sourcing electric steel from its Linz site in Austria. BMW is producing new e-motors at its engine plant in Steyr, Austria. This production involves a new material developed by Voestalpine that combines ultrathin electrical steel...

Yokohama Rubber announced that it is supplying 20-inch ADVAN Sport V107 tires as original equipment (OE) for the new Mercedes-AMG CLE 534MATIC+ coupe, starting June. The coupe will be fitted with the innovative tires in size 265/35ZR20 (99Y) in the front and 295/30ZR20 (101Y) in the rear. Yokohama Rubber has been supplying 19-inch ADVAN Sport V107 tires for this model since 2024. The ADVAN Sport V107 tire is an ultrahigh-performance (UHP) tire under Yokohama's ADVAN brand and is aimed at...

Viam, an engineering platform specializing in data, AI and automation, has announced a partnership with the Swiss nuclear engineering company Transmutex. This collaboration aims to assist Transmutex in developing durable ion source systems to break down nuclear waste, addressing the challenge of managing long-lived radioactive waste by transforming it into shorter-lived isotopes. The project focuses on reducing unexpected shutdowns of ion sources, which can take up to five days to restart, ...

Brembo has entered a partnership with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world's largest producer of premium aluminum, to procure CelestiAL solar aluminum for use in its braking systems. The United Arab Emirates-based EGA produces CelestiAL aluminum using solar energy. This significantly reduces the emissions associated with aluminum smelting. Aluminum is a key raw material that Brembo uses in the production of its calipers, which, alongside the disc, represent its leading te...

Boston Metal has announced a $51 million convertible note investment from existing investors such as BHP Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Piva Capital and SiteGround. This funding reflects continued investor confidence in the company's team, technology and strategy. The funds will be used to support the second phase of Boston Metal's critical metals plant in Brazil, expected to be operational by mid-2026, and further develop its green steel solution. According to Laurel Buckner, vice pres...

General Motors (GM) has entered a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Redwood Materials to enhance the deployment of energy storage systems using GM's new US-manufactured batteries and second-life battery packs from GM electric vehicles. This initiative aims to extend GM's advanced battery technology beyond EVs, building on the existing collaboration between the two companies. “The market for grid-scale batteries and backup power isn’t just expanding, it’s becoming essent...

Tata Steel UK has begun work on installing an electric arc furnace (EAF) in Port Talbot, the UK, as part of its green transformation efforts, The Hindu BusinessLine reported July 14. The groundbreaking ceremony, which marked the start of construction for the low-carbon steelmaking facility, was attended by Tata Steel Chairman N Chandrasekaran, CEO and Managing Director TV Narendran and Tata Steel UK CEO Rajesh Nair. The project involves an investment of £1.25 billion, including a �...

Redwood Materials, led by former Tesla Chief Technology Officer JB Straubel, has developed the largest energy-storage installation using used electric vehicle batteries. Located outside Reno, Nevada, this project utilizes 792 individual EV battery packs spread over 2 acres and is surrounded by a field of solar panels. The installation, hailed as a breakthrough in the field of second-life batteries, delivers 63 MWh of second-life grid storage, supporting a miniature datacenter built by the startu...

VinFast entered into a partnership with BatX Energies to start battery recycling and reuse services for its electric vehicles in India. Under this collaboration, BatX Energies will be responsible for recycling high-voltage batteries and recovering essential materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. These materials will then be reused in manufacturing new batteries for VinFast India's factory, enhancing after-sales services and minim...

Pirelli has launched the first standard production tire for the global market containing over 70% bio-based and recycled materials, including Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified natural rubber, which is used to ensure responsible management of the natural rubber supply chain. This certification is projected to cover all natural rubber used in Pirelli's factories in Europe by 2026. Specifically developed for JLR, the newly launched Pirelli P Zero tire will be offered for selected 22-inc...

Bridgestone Corp. has reached an agreement to sell the carbon black business in Thailand, operated by the wholly owned subsidiary Bridgestone Carbon Black (Thailand) Co. Ltd., to Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd. and Thai Tokai Carbon Product Co. Ltd. According to the Japanese tiremaker, the divestment is its strategy to enhance its global business by “turning changes into opportunities” and focusing on “growth with quality.” Bridgestone aimed to improve its premium tire business by increa...

OPmobility has secured a contract from an automaker in India to develop and supply a full bumper and grille for a light-duty truck model, the company said in a press release on June 30. The French supplier delivered a prototype and production-ready solution in under 15 months, far quicker than the typical 26-month timeline in India. OPmobility plans to commence the production of the new bumper and grille by the end of 2026. This contract signifies OPmobility's strengthening presence in the In...

BYD has reached a supply agreement with voestalpine for procuring steel for its new passenger car factory in Szeged, Hungary. The facility is expected to begin manufacturing new-energy vehicles (NEVs) by the end of 2025.  This partnership marks a key milestone in BYD's policy of localized production, sourcing high-quality auto parts from local suppliers to support its goal of producing cars in Europe for Europe. Voestalpine was chosen for its geographical proximity to the Hunga...

The Salzgitter Group is expanding its strategic partnership with one of its key customers, Volvo Cars. Starting in 2026, significant amounts of steel scrap from the Swedish carmaker’s body parts plant in Olofström, southern Sweden, will be sold to the Germany-based steelmaker. Salzgitter provides high-quality flat steel to Volvo Cars’ plant. The company will also start acquiring substantial quantities of the steel scrap produced there. This scrap will b...

TDK Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of TDK Corp., is expanding into the European market, establishing its first office in London. The company has also launched a $150 million multilimited-partner fund named EX1 to support clean technology and sustainable energy solutions in Europe and North America. The EX1 fund will target energy-transformation startups in the Seed and Series A stages. This strategic decision aligns with TDK Ventures' dedication to electrification&nbs...

Nippon Steel Corp. and United States Steel Corp. have finalized a significant partnership, concluding an 18-month process marked by political scrutiny and national security considerations. Under the terms of the $14.9 billion agreement, Nippon Steel has acquired all outstanding shares of U.S. Steel at $55 per share, while U.S. Steel will retain its iconic name and headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The steel produced will continue to be “mined, melted and made” in the US, pr...

Hyundai Steel, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), plans to supply 100,000 metric tons of auto steel sheets to GM Korea, starting in September, The Korea Herald reported June 13. This decision follows GM Korea's move to change its steel sheet supplier from mainland China-based steel manufacturer Baoshan Iron & Steel amid quality certification processes. The supply will account for 20% of GM Korea's annual steel sheet consumption. This marks Hyundai Steel's first substanti...

Volvo Cars has entered into a new sourcing agreement with the Sweden-based steel company SSAB for the supply of high-quality, recycled and near-zero emissions steel, beginning 2025. The agreement makes Volvo Cars the first car manufacturer to secure a supply agreement with SSAB for recycled, near-zero emissions steel intended for serial production. This agreement extends a long-term collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable steel. Volvo Cars is also advancing its circular sustainability go...

US Critical Materials Corp. and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) are undertaking efforts to bolster America's access to critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs) by developing an environmentally responsible demonstration facility on the Idaho National Laboratory Campus. This initiative is in response to a March Executive Order by President Donald Trump, which declared a national emergency due to US reliance on foreign nations for these essential materials. REEs are vital for the US' def...

Posco Holdings, the parent company of South Korea-based steel manufacturer and battery materials supplier Posco Group, has inaugurated a key minerals research center in Perth, Australia. This initiative is part of the group's strategy to gain a technological advantage in advanced materials, which includes steelmaking, battery materials and rare earths. The center aims to enhance low-carbon steelmaking processes and reduce costs in lithium and nickel production. Additionally, it will focus on dev...

Canada-based rare earth elements (REEs) recycling company Cyclic Materials and micromobility service provider Lime have signed a strategic agreement to recycle magnets from retired electric motors in e-bikes and e-scooters across Canada and the US. The partnership between the two companies marks the first major recycling initiative of rare earth magnets in North America's micromobility sector. Cyclic plans to recover these materials from decommissioned motors in Lime's markets,...

On May 23, US President Donald Trump announced a partnership between US Steel and Nippon Steel without explicitly endorsing the previously announced takeover of the US-based steelmaker by the Japanese rival. “I am proud to announce that, after much consideration and negotiation, US Steel remains in America and keeps its headquarters in the great city of Pittsburgh,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. “My tariff policies will ensure that stee...

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...

Saudi Arabia Mining Co. (Maaden) has entered into an agreement with MP Materials Corp., a US company involved in producing rare earths, to explore the creation of a fully integrated rare earth supply chain in Saudi Arabia. The companies plan to develop a vertically integrated operation that includes mining, separation, refining and the production of magnets within Saudi Arabia to bolster industrial growth and contribute to downstream sectors. This initiative was formalized with a memoran...

Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd., a company of the India-based Tata Group and a key supplier to Tata Motors, and Katcon Global, a Mexico-based company specializing in automotive exhaust systems, thermal insulation and advanced materials components, have established a joint venture in Mexico. This JV will focus on producing advanced composites aimed at the North American market, specifically targeting lightweight applications for a variety of vehicles as well as specialized non...

Nexen Tire has entered a long-term supply agreement with LD Carbon for sourcing recovered carbon black (rCB) for use in tire manufacturing. South Korea-based LD Carbon specializes in resource circulation and material recycling, and its rCB is produced by pyrolyzing end-of-life tires in an oxygen-free environment, significantly reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability. This partnership enables Nexen Tire to enhance its eco-friendly tire manufacturing by replacing petrol...

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...

Hyundai Motor Group and Posco Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate in the steel and battery sectors, aiming to enhance their global competitiveness. The agreement, signed in Seoul, South Korea, focuses on boosting Hyundai's resilience to the rapidly changing global market and strengthening Posco's position as a supplier of automotive steel and key battery materials. A significant aspect of this collaboration is Posco's planned equity investment in Hyundai ...

Hankook Tire will start supplying tires for Hyundai Motor's IONIQ 9 electric sport utility vehicle, Yonhap News Agency reported April 11. The South Korean tiremaker will equip the flagship electric SUV of Hyundai with its iON evo AS SUV tires as original equipment. The iON evo AS SUV tire is an all-season tire, designed especially for electric vehicles. It features a new compound material that enhances driving performance under various conditions and prevents unusual wear and tear. ...

Hyundai Mobis plans to start using low-carbon aluminum produced with solar energy in the production of major automotive components, as part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. This initiative not only addresses the need for lighter materials in the production of electric vehicles but also aligns with the company's efforts to enhance its green supply chain from the raw material procurement phase. Hyundai Mobis has secured a contract with Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA), headquarte...

Stellantis has announced a partnership with the Competence Industry Manufacturing 4.0 (CIM4.0) to drive the advancement of additive manufacturing within the automotive industry. This collaborative effort seeks to integrate the expertise and technologies of CIM4.0 with those already present at Stellantis, specifically within the Mirafiori Engineering hub in Turin, Italy. The focal point of this partnership is the enhancement of 3D printing capabilities, which is expected to streamline producti...

O9 Solutions, a company that has developed an AI software platform that is used for planning and decision-making, has entered into a software-as-a-service or SaaS agreement with Japan’s largest vehicle manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation, o9 Solutions announced on March 31. As part of the agreement, Toyota will deploy o9’s advanced supply chain management platform, which is expected to help the vehicle manufacturer in optimizing its supply chain operations and drive greater efficiency i...

Energy Fuels Inc., a leading US producer of uranium, rare earth elements (REE) and heavy mineral sands (HMS), has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korea-based Posco International Corp., aiming to fast-track the formation of a commercial permanent rare earth magnet supply chain. This collaboration aims to utilize Energy Fuels' US rare earth oxide production with Posco's expertise in traction motor cores for electric vehicle and hybrid EV drivetrains, positio...

Stellantis has partnered with Swedish startup Luvly AB to evaluate its light, electric flatpack vehicle technology, according to a news report published by Zag Daily on March 13. The report mentioned that the Stockholm-based startup, which was founded in 2015, has built an ultraefficient, ready-to-assemble electric car that can be distributed using a flat-pack shipping method. The startup has designed and developed a light urban vehicle, which is a small electric car for city use. The model �...

Miru Smart Technologies, a Canada-based company specializing in innovative smart window technology, has unveiled one of the world's largest electrochromic sunroof window devices for the automotive industry. This development is the result of a collaboration with Argotec, a brand of the US-based specialty materials supplier, Mativ, utilizing Argotec's advanced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) interlayer films. It highlights the commercial viability and scalability of Miru's sustainable window solu...

Constellium announced Feb. 24 that it will be participating in Project M-LightEn, an ambitious new initiative to develop ultralightweight, sustainable vehicle chassis structures. The project is led by Gordon Murray Group (GMG) and supported by Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). Participants in the project include Constellium, Carbon ThreeSixty and Brunel University London. Over the next three years, the consortium aims to achieve breakthrough innovations in unibody veh...

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,...

Kobe Steel has registered a joint venture company in mainland China for producing automotive aluminum panels. This development came after receiving approval from regulatory authorities in Japan and mainland China, following an agreement signed on Aug. 8, 2024, with Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. Ltd. and Baowu Aluminum Technology Co. Ltd., subsidiaries of China Baowu Steel Group. The JV aims to integrate continuous heat treatment and finishing lines for aluminum panels to cater to the increasing d...

Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global coatings company, and Dürr Systems AG, a leading mechanical and plant engineering firm, have entered into a partnership to offer a digital paint solution, which combines Axalta’s NextJet technology with Dürr’s robotics integration, Dürr announced on January 22. Digital paint, which is also referred to as overspray-free application, is an advanced paint application that allows for precise paint placement. Under the terms of this strategic agreeme...

Hankook Tires and Solvay have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on advancing sustainable tire manufacturing by developing innovative circular silica derived from bio-sourced and waste materials. This collaboration combines Solvay's expertise in silica technology with Hankook's tire manufacturing capabilities and its prominent market position. Solvay's silica is known for its ability to lower rolling resistance, which not only reduces fuel consumption in vehicles with the...

Autoneum has played a significant role in the development of the Renault Emblème, a low-carbon demonstration car designed by Renault Group aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% over the vehicle's entire life cycle. As a key partner, the Switzerland-based company has enhanced its sustainable Pure technologies for use in various interior and exterior components of the vehicle, leveraging its expertise in lightweight, recyclable monomaterials, life cycle analysis (LCA) and product inno...

In a press release dated Dec. 19, Autoneum annnounced that it has played a significant role in the development of the Renault Emblème, a low-carbon demonstration car by Renault Group designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 90% over its lifespan. Autoneum contributed by optimizing its Pure technologies, known for their sustainability performance, and by supplying about thirty fiber-based components for the car, enhancing sustainability through high recycled content and a waste-free pr...

McClarin and ExxonMobil's Proxxima business have decided to collaborate to develop the launch of a high-speed machine-driven resin transfer molding (RTM) technology, according to a report by Plastics Today on Dec. 13. The new technology is expected to help accelerate growth of high-speed, closed-mold composites manufacturing. The joint development agreement includes a multimillion-dollar investment in automated RTM infrastructure at McClarin’s Oklahoma City, US, facility. The agreement...

Cyclic Materials, an emerging leader in the advanced metals recycling industry focused on creating a circular supply chain for rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical metals, has entered into a significant multiyear offtake agreement with global natural resources company Glencore. This deal pertains to the supply of recycled copper, produced at Cyclic Materials' Spoke operations. The partnership is aimed at bolstering sustainable practices within the rare earths sector and promoting the...

ABB has initiated a strategic collaboration with Engineering Software Steyr GmbH (ESS), an Austria-based provider of precision paint shop simulation software, aimed at revolutionizing automotive paint shop operations. This partnership is focused on developing advanced simulation tools that promise to significantly reduce operational costs by as much as 30%. Through this collaboration, ABB will also make a minority investment in ESS, although the financial specifics of this investment remain u...

In a press release on Dec. 4, DENSO announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Canatu to further the practical application of carbon nanotube technology, a move aimed at enhancing autonomous driving technology and promoting carbon neutrality. The partnership is set to build on the companies' existing collaborations, especially in overcoming visibility issues in vehicles caused by frost and condensation through the development of transparent conductive films. Carbon nanotubes, known fo...

Tata Elxsi has launched an offshore development center in Pune, Maharashtra, India, in collaboration with Suzuki Motor. The center, Suzuki-Tata Elxsi Offshore Development Center, will drive the Japanese automaker’s advancements in engineering, emphasizing sustainability and future readiness in the automotive sector. Tata Elxsi will play a crucial role in supporting Suzuki's vision for eco-friendly mobility, focusing on lightweight design, safety, styling, engineering, the use of environment...

Midas Vantage Projects (MVP) Lithium Ltd., recognized globally for its leadership in green lithium extraction technologies, has announced receiving a letter of intent (LOI) from Evove Ltd., a prominent UK company specializing in clean energy solutions. This LOI signifies Evove's commitment to commissioning MVP Lithium's advanced direct lithium extraction (DLE) plant in 2025, contingent upon successful industrial-scale brine processing using Evove's equipment at its UK testing facility and an on-...

Novonix Ltd., an Australia-based battery materials and technology company, has entered into a binding offtake agreement with Stellantis to supply a minimum of 86,250 metric tons and up to 115,000 metric tons of high-performance synthetic graphite material. This agreement spans over six years, starting from 2026, and involves supplying material to Stellantis' cell manufacturing partners in North America from Novonix's Riverside, Tennessee, facility and a future expansion site. Chris ...

At the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfsburg, Germany, thyssenkrupp Steel and Volkswagen Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the future supply of low-carbon steel, produced at thyssenkrupp Steel's direct reduction plant set to be operational by 2027. This plant will utilize hydrogen and green electricity, enabling a substantial reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional steel production methods. Initially, natural gas will be used as a reducing age...

Graphite One Inc., aiming to establish a comprehensive US supply chain for advanced graphite materials, has reached a significant milestone by signing two agreements with Hunan Chenyu Fuji New Energy Technology Co. Ltd., a leading anode active material (AAM) manufacturer from Changsha City, mainland China. These agreements, comprising a technology license agreement and a consulting agreement, are crucial for Graphite One to introduce cutting-edge AAM manufacturing technology to US domestic batte...

Kirchhoff Automotive is set to showcase its latest advancements in lightweight construction and safety at the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfsburg, Germany's Allerpark from Oct. 22 to 24. Operating under the theme MAKING.MOBILITY.SAFE and emphasizing Empowering Partnerships, the company will present the outcomes of collaborative efforts with Volkswagen AG (VW). This event will serve as a platform for VW suppliers, board members, purchasers and developers to discuss innovations...

Sila Nanotechnologies Inc., a company specializing in next-generation battery materials, has entered into a multiyear supply agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Silicon ASA, a company known for its innovation in solar-grade silicon and silicon materials. As per the agreement, REC will supply Sila with high-quality, US-produced silane, which is crucial for the production of Sila's nano-composite silicon anode material known as Titan Silicon. This partnership not only secures a reli...

Volkswagen has entered into a cooperation with the German startup Revoltech GmbH from Darmstadt, Germany, to jointly focus on the research and development of sustainable materials based on industrial hemp, Volkswagen announced Aug. 30. The cooperation agreement is part of Volkswagen’s larger strategy of using sustainable surface materials in its models from 2028. According to the press note, the material the two companies plan to work on will be made from 100% bio-based hemp, which ...

Tetra Technologies and venture capital fund PureTerra Ventures have recently invested in KMX Technologies, a developer specializing in lithium technology, to aid in the commercial launch of products designed for the processing of electric vehicle battery metals. This investment falls within the direct lithium extraction sector, which is rapidly expanding and attracting significant investment due to its potential to revolutionize lithium production methods. The financial details of the investment...

GEM has recently entered into a strategic collaboration with South Korea's EcoPro BM Co. Ltd. by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strategic cooperation in the entire industry chain of secondary battery raw materials at the QMB in Indonesia. This agreement signifies a further consolidation of a decade-long partnership between GEM and EcoPro, enhancing their roles in the secondary battery raw materials industry. A significant aspect of the agreement involves EcoPro BM committing t...