Japan

On April 22, ROHM and STMicroelectronics announced the expansion of the existing multi-year, long-term 150mm silicon carbide (SiC) substrate wafers supply agreement with SiCrystal, a ROHM group company. The new multi-year agreement governs the supply of larger volumes of SiC substrate wafers manufactured in Nuremberg, Germany, for a minimum expected value of USD 230 million.

STMicroelectronics stated that this agreement will support its device manufacturing capacity ramp-up for automotive and industrial customers worldwide. By facilitating more efficient energy generation, distribution, and storage, SiC supports the transition to cleaner mobility solutions, lower emissions industrial processes, and a greener energy future, as well as more reliable power supplies for resource-intensive infrastructure.

Based on STMicroelectronics press release 

ArcelorMittal announced the extension of its ArcelorMittal Multi Part Integration (MPI) steel solution to Japan. This expansion comes as a result of a strategic collaboration with G-Tekt, culminating in the signing of a partial ablation license agreement.

MPI represents a sustainable steel solution designed to simplify vehicle design and production. Specifically tailored for the manufacturing of body-in-white (BIW) structures, MPI streamlines production, reduces assembly complexity, saves weight, and shortens lead times, particularly beneficial for electric vehicles. At the core of ArcelorMittal's MPI process lies partial ablation, a patented technology essential for preparing hot stamping sheets for laser welding. 

G-TEKT CORPORATION has decided to launch the development of large integrated body structure products by using AM-patented Ablation technology and laser welding technology. (Based on ArcelorMittal press release dated April 19, 2024)

On April 18, Hyundai Motor Group signed an agreement for strategic cooperation with Toray Industries, Inc., a pioneer in carbon fiber and composite material technology, to advance material innovation for a new era of mobility.

The partnership with Toray Group plays a key role in the Group’s future mobility strategy, aiming to secure capabilities to develop lightweight and high-strength materials for environmentally friendly and high-performance vehicles. The joint R&D area includes carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) parts expected to improve the performance of EV batteries and motors. Hyundai Motor Group is adopting a comprehensive approach by pursuing fundamental advancements in material technology, in addition to electrification and software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

(Hyundai press release on April 18, 2024)