Ford Motor Co. is preparing for the launch of an affordable electric vehicle line in 2027, with a starting price of $30,000, aimed at competing with the growing presence of mainland Chinese automakers. The new EV is designed to be lighter, more streamlined and more efficient, extending the driving range by nearly 50 miles. The company's objective is to create a budget-friendly EV that remains appealing to consumers by integrating advanced technologies, such as semi-autonomous driving, which will...

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...

Bridgestone has unveiled the Blizzak IcePeak, a new winter tire that integrates the company's ENLITEN technology and has achieved both 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake and Ice Grip certifications, a first for any Bridgestone tire. The tire, which will be launched in the US in May, is designed to replace the Blizzak WS90 and DM-V2 tires and offers improved performance for a range of vehicles, including sedans, minivans, sport utility vehicles and trucks. Offered in 107 sizes ranging from 14 to 22 inches...

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...

Pirelli has introduced the latest evolution of its Scorpion summer tire, specifically designed for sport utility vehicles to deliver enhanced safety, comfort and longevity. Originally launched in 1986 for high-driving-position vehicles, the Scorpion series now encompasses a variety of tires, including those for motorbikes and SUVs. The new Scorpion tire is noted for its superior performance in dry and wet conditions, achieving top rankings in independent tests by Technischer Überwachungsve...

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...

InfiMotion Technology, a mainland China-based supplier of electric-drive products, made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas by presenting its advanced electric-drive units (EDUs). These products highlight the company's global innovation capabilities in high-voltage architecture, lightweight materials and system integration, contributing to the enhancement of the global high-end electric vehicle supply chain.   InfiMotion showcased three major products: High...

Yokohama Rubber has announced that it is now supplying its GEOLANDAR X-CV tires as original equipment (OE) for the new Lexus RZ electric sport utility vehicle, which was introduced in North America after a redesign in November 2025. The tires supplied for this model are sized 235/50R20 100V. In Japan, Yokohama Rubber continues to provide ADVAN V61 tires for the new RZ model, available in sizes 235/60R18 103H (front) and 255/55R18 105V (rear) or 235/60R18 103H (front and rear). The GEOLANDAR X...

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has developed a new solution for the crosscar beam, an essential component of a vehicle's safety system, through the use of a hybrid material combining fiber-reinforced plastic and steel. By eliminating the use of carbon-intensive magnesium, this advancement is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 50,000 metric tons annually, comparable to the annual energy consumption of about 17,000 UK homes. While maintaining safety and structural integrity, the innovation aim...

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...

Pirelli is supplying its P Zero tires, specifically designed for the Porsche 911 range, to the latest offering from the German-based sports car manufacturer: The 911 GT3 model. The Italian tiremaker is offering two tires for the Porsche 911 GT3, the P Zero R and P Zero Trofeo RS, each tailored to specific needs. The P Zero R caters to the sportiest vehicles and is suitable for daily driving. It offers high performance in various conditions, including wet surfaces, attributable to it...

Toyoda Gosei and Kansai Paint have developed an in-mold coating technology that allows large plastic automotive parts to be formed and painted inside molds. Although generally used for smaller products, this marks the first instance in Japan where the technology is applicable to the mass production of large exterior parts, which present significant challenges.  The innovation utilizes Toyoda Gosei's original mold technology for large components and a paint material design technology...

Mainland Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Li Auto has announced its forthcoming AI-powered smart glasses, which underscore the company's dedication to integrating AI technology into its vehicles. The smart glasses will operate alongside Li Auto's MindVLA system, which was introduced earlier in 2025 and supports assisted driving and various vehicle automation features. The accessory aims to offer passengers an interactive and personalized experience by utilizing spatial, lingu...

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...

Purem by Eberspaecher, a subsidiary of the Esslingen-based Eberspaecher Group, is advancing its portfolio in e-mobility by developing battery housings made from high-strength steel. This new application aims to optimize cost and weight while enhancing safety features for electric and hybrid vehicles. Traditionally, aluminum has been used for battery housings, but this innovative steel concept provides a more economical and sustainable solution with increased safety benefits. The steel ho...

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...

Mercedes-Benz-backed electric motor specialist Yasa has set a new power density world record with its ultrahigh-performance electric motors. The company had earlier achieved a peak power output of 550 kW (738bhp) from its 13.1-kg axial flux prototype motor, translating to a power density of 42 kW per kilogram (kW/kg). However, a lighter version weighing 12.7 kg has surpassed that benchmark, achieving a short-term peak of 750 kW (over 1,000bhp), establishing an unofficial power density world reco...

Ferrari unveiled its first all-electric car, the Ferrari Elettrica, during Capital Markets Day 2025. This marks a significant milestone in Ferrari's multi-energy strategy, which includes internal combustion engines (ICEs), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains, and now fully electric drive. The Ferrari Elettrica combines advanced technology and performance while maintaining Ferrari's traditional engineering and craftsmanship. The chassis and bodysh...

Pirelli has introduced the Cinturato Winter 3, a high-performance winter tire for sedans and crossovers that ensures safety and control in winter conditions. Tested by Dekra and TÜV, the new tire excels in snow for braking, traction and handling, earning the TÜV Premium Quality Mark. The Cinturato Winter 3 also performs well on wet surfaces, leading in aquaplaning resistance and handling, achieving an A-B classification on the European label for wet grip. The tire reduces rolling noise as c...

At the Battery Show North America 2025, being held in Detroit from Oct. 6 to 9, Wacker Chemical Corp. (WCC) is showcasing its advanced thermally conductive adhesives, emphasizing its commitment to innovation in electric vehicle battery technology. As the EV industry transitions from cell-to-module (CTM) to cell-to-pack (CTP) and cell-to-chassis (CTC) designs, there is increased demand for adhesives that ensure both thermal management and structural integrity. Wacker's thermal adhesives are pa...

Adient has unveiled its Pure Ergonomics seating concept, which aims to enhance ergonomics and space in vehicle interiors, benefiting all passengers, including those beyond the front row. This concept includes a new front seat design inspired by Adient's Autonomous Elegance demonstrator from 2023, specifically for the premium vehicle segment. It provides up to 60 millimeters (mm) of added space in the foot and knee area of the second row, offering roominess typically found in higher-end segments....

Hyundai Steel has commenced commercial production of its third-generation steel plates for automobiles after a decade of research. These innovative steel plates, produced at the Dangjin Steelworks, aim to capture the global automaker market by offering a superior balance of strength and formability. The company modified existing facilities to support production and is testing these plates with major customers, including Hyundai Motor Group. The third-generation steel plates boast increased te...

SABIC has launched MEGAMOLDING, a platform that facilitates the production of large, high-performance thermoplastic parts for various applications, including in vehicles, offering an efficient alternative to traditional metal and thermoset materials. By leveraging its expertise in materials, tool design and process optimization, MEGAMOLDING aims to overcome cost and processing challenges, promising both cost savings and more sustainable manufacturing processes. This platform is designed to accel...

Nissan has made a significant advancement by introducing valve seats manufactured using cold spray technology, marking a first in automotive engines. This innovation is applied to a new 1.5-liter (L) turbocharged engine designed for the third-generation e-POWER hybrid powertrain, featured initially in the Qashqai compact crossover, which commenced production in Sunderland, UK. The engine, codenamed ZR15DDTe, incorporates Nissan's STARC concept, elevating thermal efficiency to 42% through stab...

Adient has launched its latest product, the ModuGo seat, which marks a significant innovation in automotive seating design. This product introduces a modular design concept inspired by the flexibility of building blocks, allowing automakers to enhance efficiency and reduce costs while offering a customizable and comfortable experience for users. The modular design of the next-generation seat improves assembly efficiency by 36.3%, simplifies production workflows by reducing processes by 34%, a...

At the IAA Mobility event (Sept. 9–14), Volkswagen will present four new models at Open Space in Munich. The German automotive group will introduce a fully electric compact sport utility vehicle, marking a new addition to Volkswagen's electric ID. family. This vehicle promises to set new standards in design and efficiency within its class and is expected to be available in the market in 2026. Apart from the compact electric SUV, Volkswagen will present its all-new T-Roc SUV, the special edi...

ŠKODA Auto is gearing up to launch its Vision O concept car at the IAA Mobility in September in Munich. The Vision O represents a new direction for ŠKODA's interior design, focusing on a customer-centric approach characterized by a spacious layout, comfort and intuitive functionality. The design integrates clean lines and simple shapes to promote a calm and safe atmosphere, in line with the next generation of ŠKODA's Modern Solid design language. The Vision O interior emphasizes susta...

Continental has introduced the aContact tire family, designed specifically for autonomous vehicles. This new line of original equipment tires incorporates tailored technologies suited for various autonomous transportation options such as robo-taxis, shuttle vehicles, autonomous delivery services and self-driving private cars. These tires are set to debut on public roads in US cities such as Las Vegas and San Francisco.  “Self-driving robo-taxis will soon be part of our everyd...

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has announced the upcoming launch of its new-generation sport utility vehicles starting in 2027. These vehicles will be based on the NU_IQ platform, which features M&M's Heartcore design philosophy and is engineered for both India and international markets. The platform supports multiple powertrains (petrol, diesel and electric) and configurations, including front-wheel-drive (FWD), all-wheel-drive (AWD), left-hand-drive (LHD) and right-h...

At the upcoming K 2025 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber, Wacker Chemie AG, a global chemical company, plans to introduce a new silicone rubber named ELASTOSIL R 531/60, which is designed specifically to insulate busbars in high-voltage batteries of electric cars. The newly developed product is processed through extrusion, offering cost-effective sheathing for components. In case of a fire, it ceramifies to form an electrically insulating layer that prevents shor...

Researchers from TU Graz have developed an environmentally friendly protective housing for electric car batteries, using a wood-steel hybrid construction. This innovative design not only reduces the ecological footprint compared to traditional aluminum housings but also excels in safety experiments and simulations. In particular, the new housing performs better than the market standard in fire protection tests. Traditional battery enclosures, usually made from energy-intensive extruded alumin...

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati in India have developed an eco-friendly composite material using "Bambusa tulda," a bamboo species from Northeast India, combined with biodegradable polymers. This composite, characterized by high strength, thermal stability, low moisture absorption and cost-effectiveness, presents a viable alternative to conventional plastics in automotive interiors. Led by Poonam Kumari, this development not only tackles plastic waste issues bu...

Covestro has introduced its next-generation flame-retardant encapsulation polyurethane foam technology to address battery safety concerns in electric vehicles. Covestro's Baysafe BEF flame-retardant encapsulation foam series aims to reduce thermal propagation between battery cells, addressing safety concerns that impact consumer trust in EVs. The lightweight foam enhances flame-retardant performance by mitigating fire spread, improving battery safety for EVs and portable energy storage s...

FibreCoat GmbH, based in Aachen, Germany, announced the development of a novel fiber-reinforced composite material capable of rendering aircraft, tanks and spacecraft undetectable to radar. This material not only offers military applications but also serves other purposes such as covering batteries, protecting drivers in electric vehicles, and minimizing interference in aircraft and spacecraft. Unlike traditional radar-shielding technologies that reflect radar waves, FibreCoat's new material, wh...

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...

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has developed an innovative electric motor coil using carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The coil does not use copper and therefore is lighter in weight.  Lightweighting is a crucial technical challenge for future transportation technologies, such as electric vehicles, drones and spacecraft, as it enhances battery efficiency and extends range while contributing to sustainability by reducing carbon emissions. Electric motors, which are integ...

Forvia’s sustainable materials subsidiary, Materi'act, has unveiled NAFILean Vision, a groundbreaking advancement in sustainable biocomposites for injection technology in the automotive industry. Building on the success of NAFILean-R, a recyclable biocomposite made from recycled plastics reinforced with 20% hemp fibers, this new material family not only meets stringent performance standards but also enhances aesthetic quality by making biomass visible, setting a new benchmark for eco-frie...

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...

Autoneum developed a new impact protection plate for electric vehicle batteries made from thermoplastic composite material. This lightweight component provides protection against impact, fire and corrosion while also offering thermal insulation, which contributes to improved energy management and longer driving range. The transformation toward electrified mobility demands new shielding technologies for battery protection, and Autoneum's solution is designed to meet these needs with its high s...

Shanghai-based electric-car maker Nio's subbrand Onvo has released driving range information for its flagship sport utility vehicle, the L90, to highlight the performance of its battery performance. The Onvo L90 comes with a standard battery pack capacity of 85 kWh, offering a China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) driving range of about 570 km to 605 km per charge. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version of the Onvo L90 offers a driving range of up to 605 km with a consumption rate ...

Gestamp, a Spain-based company specializing in the design and manufacture of metal components for the automotive industry, is participating in the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025 being held from May 21 to May 23 in Yokohama, Japan. The company is using the event to reaffirm its commitment to the Japanese market and showcase its technological innovations aimed at reducing vehicle weight, enhancing structural performance and optimizing production processes. Gestamp emphasizes t...

JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. has commenced production of its new passenger car tire, the UX Royale Green, at its Chennai plant in Tamil Nadu, India, using renewable and recycled raw materials. This marks the debut of India's first passenger car tire made with ISCC Plus certified sustainable materials. The certification, a part of the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) framework, ensures the traceability of responsibly sourced inputs in the value chain. This initia...

Gestamp, a Spain-based company specializing in engineered metal components for the automotive industry, is showcasing its latest technological solutions in products and materials at Auto Shanghai 2025, taking place in the National Center for Exhibition and Convention (NCEC), in Shanghai. These solutions are designed to improve the strength and durability of vehicle components while enabling the production of lighter and safer vehicles. “At Auto Shanghai 2025, we are showcasing our...

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has introduced the Stefa HiSpin EV40, an advanced elastomer radial shaft seal specifically engineered for high-speed electric vehicle motors. This seal is designed to operate efficiently at high surface speeds, setting a new benchmark for low-friction sealing and offering exceptional performance and durability in EV applications. With EVs pushing the limits of engineering, the Stefa HiSpin EV40 addresses the increasing demand for reliable and efficient s...

At the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show, Forvia is set to present a range of innovative technologies aimed at enhancing mobility experiences. Among the innovations to be showcased is the Saphir, a midsize low-body car segment featuring AI-driven advancements designed for comfort, efficiency and freedom during travel. The exhibit will also introduce groundbreaking electronics such as the Electric fuse iConF and the Radar ForWave7e, both by Forvia Hella, which contribute to vehicle safety and autonomou...

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, based in Weinheim, Germany, has introduced a new sealing material designed for e-mobility applications, offering an alternative to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-containing thermoplastics and FKM seals. This material, processed through injection molding, aims to enhance sealing performance, ensure battery longevity and comply with tightening environmental standards. As the electric vehicle market expands, the demand for batteries that charge faste...

Magna will present its advanced vehicle technologies and high-performance parts and systems at Auto Shanghai 2025, scheduled to be held from April 23 to May 2 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai. The Canadian supplier will display its strategic roadmap for the future of mobility at its booth 2BC011 in Hall 2.2. Magna will host a press conference on April 24. Magna’s display will focus on four key areas of sustainable innovations, advanced driver assistance sy...

Ricardo, a global strategic, environmental and engineering consulting company, has developed an innovative electric propulsion module named Alumotor, designed to address the environmental impact of materials used in electric motors, particularly focusing on sustainable mobility. This development was part of a consortium funded by Innovate UK and led by Ricardo. The Alumotor represents a significant move toward sustainability by being a rare earth metal-free synchronous reluctance motor, disti...

Ennovi, a company specializing in mobility electrification solutions, announced the introduction of a groundbreaking adhesive-free lamination technology designed to improve the assembly of cell contacting systems (CCS) for various battery cell configurations, such as prismatic, cylindrical and pouch. This technology showcases a patent-pending process that stands out by eliminating the need for adhesives in bonding insulation material foils and current collectors within the CCS. The method not...

Hindustan Zinc Ltd. has introduced its new zinc die-casting alloys — HZDA 3 and HZDA 5 — along with the low-carbon zinc product EcoZen at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, held in New Delhi, Autocar Professional reported Jan. 21. These innovations mark the company's efforts to enlarge India's automotive materials portfolio and address environmental concerns with a product boasting a 75% lower carbon footprint than traditional zinc. The development of HZDA 3 and HZDA 5 is a stra...

Gestamp, a leading global automotive technology company specialized in the design, development and production of highly engineered metal components, is showcasing its innovative product lineup at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi, the company announced Jan. 20. As carmakers are increasingly focusing on electrification, connectivity, sustainability and safety, the demand for lightweight, eco-friendly materials that can offer top safety standards is also surging. This of...

BASF has introduced Ultramid T7000, a new portfolio of polyamide (PA) and polyphthalamide (PPA) blends, designed as an advanced metal replacement for structural parts that are often exposed to moisture. This innovation is distinguished by its better, more constant mechanical properties compared to PA66, particularly in terms of stiffness and strength in both dry and humid conditions. The inclusion of PPA in the blend significantly reduces water absorption, enhancing dimensional stability and ...

Autoneum is enhancing its sustainable product offerings for commercial vehicles with the introduction of new polyester-based side and rear wall panels. These panels utilize Propylat PET, a technology that is eco-friendly and made of 100% polyester, offering a fully recyclable material option compared to the less recyclable composite or thermoset resin panels traditionally used in trucks. This choice not only supports better recycling possibilities but also improves acoustic and thermal manage...

Researchers from Pusan National University, South Korea, have made a significant breakthrough by developing a hybrid simulation model that combines machine learning and physical principles for predicting the fatigue life of magnesium alloys, a key material in the lightweight automotive and aerospace manufacturing sectors. This new model, which offers a solution to the challenge of accurately predicting when magnesium alloys will fail under various stress conditions, represents an advancement ove...

AGC will showcase its advanced materials and solutions at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas. The Japan-based glass supplier will present its solutions in three areas: Next-Gen Mobility, Next-Gen Semiconductor and Next-Gen Energy. AGC will be participating at the CES 2025 for the third consecutive year.  Under Next-Gen Mobility, AGC will showcase a future cockpit where the texture, esthetics and functionality of glass are seamlessly integrated to deliver ...

Highland Plastics has announced the launch of Kelvinite 2100, a halogen-free, flame-retardant polypropylene (HFFR PP), in response to China's export ban on antimony. This new material is presented as a sustainable and superior alternative for automotive suppliers and industries that previously relied on antimony-containing flame-retardant polymers. Kelvinite 2100, which is produced in the US and offers a four-week lead time, aims to address challenges by eliminating sourcing issues relat...

Kobe Steel has unveiled a new product, Kobenable Aluminum, aimed at significantly reducing CO2 emissions associated with its customers' products. This initiative targets Scope 3 emissions, which account for a substantial portion of aluminum products' overall emissions. The product employs the mass-balance method, allowing the allocation of CO2 reduction benefits from the use of low-CO2 aluminum materials to specific products. Initially, this offering is limited to aluminum-rolled products pro...

Amsted Automotive, renowned for its innovative metallurgy technology, showcased a broad range of metal-shaping technology at the 2024 MEMA OE Conference in Novi, Michigan. The company is making strides in the automotive industry, particularly in the development of electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The company is set to enhance vehicle efficiency, packaging and sustainability through its award-winning powder metal and advanced metal-shaping technologies. The comp...

In a press release dated Nov. 7, Cooper Standard announced that it has expanded its range of sustainable innovations with the introduction of the FlexiCore Thermoplastic Body Seal. This new product aims to transform the automotive sealing industry by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional metal carriers in vehicle body seals. The FlexiCore seal consists of 100% thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) and polypropylene (PP) materials, making it fully recyclable and lightweight. The compan...

Hankook has successfully commenced mass production of tires using three types of International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus-certified carbon black, derived from end-of-life tire pyrolysis oil. This development is a result of the collaborative efforts within the Tire-to-Tire Circular Economy Model consortium, which includes Hankook and 12 other South Korean companies and institutions. Established in November 2023, the consortium aims to produce new tires from end-of-li...

In a press release dated Nov. 5, LG Innotek announced that it has developed a high-performance eco-friendly magnet, which boasts the world's strongest magnetic force without utilizing any heavy rare earth (HRE) metals. LG Innotek has collaborated with the Korea Institute of Materials Science to develop a groundbreaking multicomponent alloy that replaces HRE metals, leading to the creation of this new magnet. This product, notable for its lack of expensive HRE metals such as terbium (Tb...

The Soteria Battery Innovation Group (BIG) Consortium, headquartered in Greenville, SC, has developed a plastic film-based technology for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that significantly enhances their safety. This innovation, which uses metallized films instead of traditional metallic current collectors, can reduce the risk of battery fires by over 90%. Amy Brinson, vice president of Soteria Global Consortium, is set to present a case study on these advancements at FabBatt, part of the...

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, recognized as the global market leader in sealing solutions, is enhancing the development of in-wheel motors (IWM) for electric vehicles by offering a patented sealing technology. This innovation caters to original equipment manufacturers and electric-motor producers across a spectrum ranging from passenger cars to commercial vehicles. IWMs present a series of benefits for EVs, including the potential elimination or repositioning of components such as transmi...

Gestamp, a global automotive supplier, has showcased its cutting-edge innovations aimed at addressing the automotive industry's growing demand for electrification, connectivity, sustainability and safety at the 12th International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfsburg from Oct. 22 to 24. The company emphasized its commitment to developing technologies and products that meet top safety standards, reduce CO2 emissions and maintain cost efficiency, fostering the production of lighter, safer vehicles wit...

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...

In a press release dated Oct. 11, Aichi Steel Corp. announced that it has initiated sample sales of their new product, the Nd anisotropic bonded magnet known as MAGFINE, from September. Aichi Steel has claimed that MAGFINE is the world’s strongest anisotropic bonded magnet. This innovative product has undergone a significant enhancement, specifically in its corrosion resistance, through the application of a proprietary coating on each grain of magnet powder. This method has shown a not...

OQ Chemicals has introduced Oxvolt S221, a new cosolvent for water-based electrode coatings designed to enhance the production of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries with crack-free surfaces, the Germany-based chemical company said in a press release on Sept. 16. This innovation is particularly significant for the automotive industry, which needs high-quality, environmentally friendly batteries for electric vehicles. Oxvolt S221 is designed for use with high-energy graphite anodes and has received...

Dürr has unveiled its new GigaCoater, a pioneering simultaneous two-sided coating machine designed to enhance battery manufacturing efficiency. Announced Sept. 27 in Southfield, Mich., this innovation aims to modernize battery-cell original equipment manufacturers' production by coupling broader substrate capabilities with quicker coating speeds, ensuring automotive-grade quality for widths up to 1,200 millimeters (mm). The introduction of the GigaCoater marks a significant advancement ...

Antolin has launched persiSKIN AUTO, a sustainable and plant-based trim material designed to revolutionize the automotive interior. This new product was developed through a collaborative effort with the Spanish startup PersiSKIN, with the goal to provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional animal leather and synthetic coverings commonly used in vehicle interiors. PersiSKIN AUTO stands out due to its significant content of persimmon waste, utilizing about 50% of the fruit's harvest that...

Asahi Kasei has launched LASTAN, a new flame-retardant and highly flexible nonwoven fabric designed to improve electric vehicle battery safety, the Japanese supplier said in a press release on Sept. 19. This innovative material could be an excellent alternative to traditional thermal runaway protection materials, finding its applications in top covers, busbar protection sleeves and other components within the EV battery pack. LASTAN, made by air-baking a special acrylic fiber, boasts of high ...

Constellium has announced the achievements of the ALIVE (ALuminium Intensive Vehicle Enclosures) research project, a £15 million initiative cofunded by UK government subsidies through the Advanced Propulsion Center (APC). Initiated in 2020, the project was led by Constellium's University Technology Center (UTC) at Brunel University London and aimed to create structural aluminum battery enclosures for electric vehicles. The collaborative effort included six industrial partners — BMW, Conste...

At the upcoming Fakuma 2024, a premier trade event for industrial plastics processing held Oct. 15–19 in Friedrichshafen, Germany, Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei will showcase its diverse range of material solutions. The highlights of its exhibit encompass polymer solutions aimed at enhancing thermal management in electric vehicles, a new thermoplastic elastomer designed for the recyclability of automotive interior parts, and a cellulose nanofiber composite tailored for high-performan...

The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU has embarked on the COOLBat joint research project with numerous partners to innovate battery enclosures for electric vehicles to be lighter and more environmentally friendly. The project aims to reduce the CO2 emissions from manufacturing these enclosures by 15% through the integration of individual systems, utilization of new heat-conductive materials and the application of bio-based flame retardant coatings, thereby optimiz...

Škoda has used advanced sustainable interior materials, including Recytitan and Technofil, in its Elroq electric car, the automaker said in a press release Aug. 20. The seats and upholstery fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles, and for the first time, recycled post-consumer clothing. These are carefully reprocessed into high-quality new yarns and fabric for the Elroq. The Elroq offers four design selections — studio, loft, lodge and suite — each featuring a higher proportion of...

LG Chem has developed an eco-friendly, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-free flame-retardant polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) material that has been made from recycled plastics, the company announced in a press release on Aug. 12. The new flame-retardant plastics have received the V-0 rating in the standard flame-retardant test UL 94 for UL certification in the US. The V-0 rating represents the highest level of flame-retardant performance in the industry, requi...

AGC Inc., a leading global manufacturer of glass, chemicals and high-tech materials, has announced the development of a groundbreaking technology for the production of fluoropolymers without the use of surfactants. This technology is set to ensure a continuous and stable supply of fluoropolymers, crucial for advancing a carbon-neutral and digital society. Traditionally, fluoropolymers have been produced through emulsion polymerization, which employs fluorinated surfactants as polymerization a...

Hindustan Zinc Ltd., recognized as India's largest and the world's second-largest integrated zinc producer, has announced the launch of EcoZen, marking a significant development as Asia's first low-carbon zinc brand. With its operations based in Mumbai, India, Hindustan Zinc has obtained certification for EcoZen through a life-cycle assessment (LCA) conducted by a global sustainability firm, which highlighted that EcoZen's carbon footprint is less than one metric ton per metric ton of zinc produ...

General Motors’ Cadillac brand has entered into a collaboration with MycoWorks to create new material for use in high-performance automotive interiors, leveraging the renewable root structure of mushrooms, known as mycelium, and other bio-based ingredients. The collaboration aims to produce a new class of material that could serve as an alternative to leather, emphasizing sustainability without compromising the luxury aesthetic associated with Cadillac. The material, developed using MycoWor...

BASF has collaborated with Mercedes-Benz to develop an impact absorber made using its polyamide particle from Ultramid Expand, the Germany-based chemical company said in a press release. Mercedes-Benz used the impact absorber in its VISION EQXX electric car concept. As name suggests, an impact absorber is used in a vehicle to absorb and distribute the forces arising in a crash and transfer them to the vehicle body. Automakers generally use metal structures for this, but they are very complex ...

Autoneum has introduced a fully recyclable 100% polyester trunk side trim, advancing the automotive industry's shift toward a more circular economy. This new component is part of Autoneum's portfolio of sustainable monomaterial products and utilizes the company's Pure technology Propylat PET. Autoneum has made this eco-friendly 100% polyester trunk trim available across Europe, North America and China, demonstrating its commitment to promoting sustainability in the automotive sector on a global ...

The mechanical and plant engineering firm Dürr has announced the development of the Eco QPower, a sustainable energy management system designed for automotive paint shops, which boasts a potential to cut down energy requirements and CO2 emissions by more than 19%. The new system also enables a 21% reduction in energy consumption during the paint shop's operational phase due to more efficient energy use, facilitated by the integration of heat pumps, water circuits and smart software. This inn...

Celanese has recently broadened its range of materials designed for automotive boots and bellows, introducing multiple sustainable materials alongside a new grade optimized for injection molding. The company has developed specific formulations for the various types of boots and bellows used in vehicles, catering to their unique technical requirements. This development is especially beneficial when original equipment manufacturers transition from thermoset rubber, which is challenging to recycle,...

Autoliv has introduced airbag cushions, made using 100% recycled polyester, the company said in a press release. The Sweden-based supplier collaborated with its supply chain partners to develop yarns, fabrics and cushions made from 100% recycled polyester for use in airbag production. The innovation promises to reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of airbags by half at the polymer level, all while maintaining the safety functionality comparable to standard polyester airbags. This development i...

On June 12, 2024, Lynk & Co introduced its first all-electric vehicle, the luxury flagship sedan, Lynk & Co Z10, in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Z10 represents Lynk & Co's cutting-edge technology, unique brand heritage, and its vision of Zeal, Enjoyment, Responsibility, and Originality, promising to deliver driving pleasure, enjoyment, safety, and quality. The design of the vehicle was inspired by the Lynk & Co The Next Day concept car and incorporates modern and timeless elements. ...

Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei has successfully conducted a proof of concept for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using its proprietary high-ionic conductive electrolyte. This development allows for improved power output at low temperatures, enhanced durability at high temperatures, and contributes to the reduction of battery pack costs and sizes, thereby increasing energy density. Asahi Kasei aims to commercialize the new technology by 2025. LIBs are generally used within a tempera...

Antolin has introduced two products, ECover and ECover Tech, for use in vehicle interiors, the Spain-based company said in a press release June 6. These two solutions have been designed and developed with the aim of offering customers more sustainable components without compromising on design, perceived quality or the integration of features. ECover is designed using a single material, polypropylene, for both the plastic carrier of the vehicle's interior part and the fabric that covers it, ma...

Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) and POSCO N.EX.T Hub have developed a 3D polymeric structure improving lithium ion movement in a cell with lithium metal anode.  Professor Soojin Park and Dong-Yeob Han, a PhD candidate from the Department of Chemistry at POSTECH, in collaboration with Dr. Gyujin Song of KIER and a team of researchers at POSCO N.EX.T Hub created a hybrid porous structure using polyvin...

Researchers at the Department of Aluminum in the Advanced Metals Division at the Korea Institute of Material Sciences have developed an aluminum alloy for electric vehicles that dramatically improves thermal stability, thereby reducing the risk of fire hazards. The team identified a new mechanism by which the nanostructures inside aluminum alloys work and found that the alloys they developed improved thermal stability by up to 140% compared to materials from leading overseas companies. T...

Gestamp, a global company known for its design, development, and manufacture of highly engineered metal components for the auto industry, is presenting its new family of products, Gigastamping, at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2024 Yokohama, Japan. Gestamp is also showcasing a new rear body solution, the One Piece Rear Frame part, a safer and lighter for the EV architecture, at the event. This solution offers the integration of the entire rear section into a single piece using ...

NTN Corp. (NTN) has developed a special heat-treatment technology named HA-C. This technology is designed to contribute to the downsizing and lightening of drive units for automobiles, including e-Axles used in electric vehicles. The HA-C technology allows for a higher load capacity of bearing, meaning NTN can create more compact and lighter bearings compared to traditional ones. The technology uses a large number of hard and fine precipitates to disperse, resulting in extremely high surface ...

BASF is expanding its biomass balance offering to include BMBCert 1,4-butanediol (BDO), tetrahydrofuran (THF), polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF) and 3-(dimethylamino)propylamine (DMAPA). BASF announced that its plant in Geismar, La., has also achieved certifications for manufacturing these products, whereas the Ulsan site in South Korea has obtained certification for PolyTHF. These products replace fossil resources with renewable raw materials. This allows BASF to offer regionally produ...

LyondellBasell has announced a collaboration with the Hunan Huda Aisheng Group (AISN), a notable automotive supplier in mainland China, to create the first lightweight plastic engine hood applications for new energy vehicles of premium domestic automotive brands. The two companies launched the product at the ChinaPlas 2024 International Plastics and Rubber Exhibition. "LyondellBasell is looking forward to working with AISN to drive a common mission of rapidly developing China's New Energy Veh...

Polyplastics, a company specializing in engineering plastics, has unveiled its new polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) grade, DURAFIDEⓇ PPS 1140HS6. This grade features improved thermal shock resistance and is easy to recycle during post-consumer recycling (PCR). This property allows it to be collected without being separated from other PPS components during the recycling process. The 40% glass-filled product is particularly suited to the requirements of metal insert molding, such as busbars for elect...

Sabic showcased two transportation applications that illustrate the capabilities of its polypropylene-ultra melt strength (PP-UMS) foam resin at NPE2024. This material offers a high level of foamability, allowing for the creation of polypropylene (PP) foams with a low density, robust impact resistance and conformity with VDA 278 emission regulations. The resin's processing versatility enables it to be used in sandwich panels for trucks, delivery vans, and recreational vehicles, as well as i...

Panacol will showcase its latest adhesives for various e-mobility and automotive electronics applications at 2024's Coil Winding, Insulation, & Electrical Manufacturing Exhibition (CWIEME) in Berlin, May 14–16. The company's ultraviolet (UV) adhesives in the Vitralit range are suitable for relieving stress on wires at the commutator, and can be cured in seconds using UV light. Panacol has also developed dual-curing (UV moisture) adhesives for bonding magnets in electric motors, which cu...

Sepion Technologies has developed a non-flammable liquid electrolyte that can reduce the risk and severity of fires in electric vehicle batteries, it said in a press release dated April 30. The company's proprietary materials discovery platform, powered by AI, was used to identify the new electrolyte material, which demonstrated a flash point exceeding 70°C and a self-extinguishing time (SET) that is 25 times better than commercial lithium-ion battery electrolytes. Sepion's researchers used fla...