Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have entered into a strategic partnership with Infineon Technologies AG, a prominent global semiconductor leader. The aim is to secure essential power semiconductors to meet the surging global demand for electric vehicles (EVs). The agreement reflects a long-standing collaboration between Hyundai, Kia, and Infineon in the realm of sensor components, extending back to the early 2000s.
Comprehensive Power Semiconductor Acquisition
Under this partnership, Hyundai and Kia will procure core power semiconductors designed for automotive applications. These semiconductor components encompass diodes, insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBT), and silicon carbide (SiC) power modules. This collaborative effort builds upon an already established relationship in which Infineon has been supplying power semiconductors to both Hyundai and Kia since the mid-2000s.
Notably, a joint research centre was jointly operated by the parties from 2007 to 2020. Its primary objective was to optimize the electrical performance of vehicles, a mission that aligns with the automotive industry’s transition towards electrification.
Enhancing Electrified Vehicle Performance
The primary focus of this partnership is to leverage Infineon’s expertise and technological capabilities to enhance the performance of Hyundai and Kia’s electrified vehicles. This category includes all-electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid lineups. The collaboration aims to make strides in vehicle electrification and solidify Hyundai and Kia’s presence in the global EV market.
Furthermore, the agreement secures a stable supply of power semiconductors for Hyundai and Kia’s electrified models until 2030. These semiconductors are expected to play a vital role in the forthcoming electrified models to be launched by Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis over the next decade.
Elevating EV Sales Targets
In 2023, Hyundai Motor and Kia have raised their annual EV sales targets for 2030. Hyundai aims to achieve annual sales of 2 million EV units, while Kia is targeting 1.6 million EV units. The partnership with Infineon is poised to contribute significantly to the realization of these ambitious targets.
Infineon’s esteemed position as a leading global semiconductor manufacturer, coupled with its proven technological prowess, production quality, and mass-production track record, positions it as an invaluable partner to help Hyundai and Kia meet their objectives.
A Trusted Partner in the Semiconductor Market
As a prominent figure in the power semiconductor design and manufacturing market, Infineon has extended its influence into automotive and industrial system semiconductors and sensor businesses, in addition to its expertise in power semiconductors. Semiconductors play a pivotal role in modern vehicles, serving various systems encompassing powertrain, battery management, safety, and infotainment.
With the transition to electric vehicles and the integration of autonomous driving technologies, the demand for semiconductors in the automotive sector has surged. EVs, in particular, rely heavily on semiconductors for various functions.
Hyundai Motor and Kia are actively exploring opportunities for further collaboration with global partners. These efforts are aimed at ensuring a secure supply of core semiconductor components beyond power semiconductors, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of their vehicles. The partnership with Infineon underscores the significance of semiconductors in the automotive industry’s electrification journey.
By joining forces with a respected semiconductor leader, Hyundai and Kia are better positioned to navigate the complexities of semiconductor supply, advancing their electrified vehicle initiatives and driving growth in the dynamic EV market.