Netherlands

On April 23, the signing of the Letter of Intent (LoI) between Hyundai Motor Group and the government of the Netherlands was announced to facilitate the deployment of smart mobility and connectivity services and functions for Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

The project consists of allowing the infotainment systems of Hyundai and Kia vehicles to connect with the Dutch infrastructure to receive smart traffic and safety information, including real-time data to improve road safety and reduce traffic.

The signing of the LoI was done at Hyundai Motor Group's Namyang Research and Development Center in South Korea.

This project aligns with Hyundai Group's software-defined everything (SDx) ecosystem and supports the global development of smart mobility and connectivity services.

(Hyundai Motor Group press release on April 23, 2024)

On April 18, Irdeto, a digital platform cybersecurity provider, partnered with Ford Trucks, to enhance the cybersecurity framework of its trucks and components in line with the latest industry standards and regulations.

Irdeto will provide Ford Trucks with a fully managed key lifecycle management service that is ISO 27001 certified, designed to meet the needs of Ford Trucks’s product lines and electronic control units (ECUs), ensuring security in connected devices, compliance with regulations, long-term resilience, lifecycle management, and customization options.

The collaboration also enables Ford Trucks to streamline its focus towards innovation, safety, and quality, by offloading the management of cryptographic keys and software signing services.

Based on Irdeto press release

On April 17, Ovako, the Swedish pioneer in sustainable steel production, and FNsteel, a steel products developing company, signed a partnership deal to enhance the production of wire rods supplied to Europe’s automotive and engineering sectors, focusing on reducing carbon intensity. The contract will last at least two years, starting in 2025.

Under the partnership, Ovako will produce low-carbon footprint steel raw materials at its Smedjebacken facility in Sweden. FNsteel will then use the raw materials to manufacture premium wire rods through its processing facility. 

FNsteel selected Ovako for its proven record in sustainability, including fully scrap-based production and fossil-free electricity. Ovako’s steel has a carbon footprint 80% lower than the global average.

Based on Ovako press release