Hyundai Mobis Supplies Electric Vehicle Modules to Mercedes-Benz... Fifth Factory in the U.S.

Local workers are assembling chassis modules at Hyundai Mobis' parts plant in Alabama, USA.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Hyundai Mobis announced on the 18th that it has signed a contract to supply chassis modules for Mercedes-Benz AG's (hereinafter Benz) dedicated electric vehicle models.

Following Chrysler, this is the second large-scale overseas order. For this contract, Hyundai Mobis built a factory in McCalla, Alabama, near Benz's U.S. plant, and has started mass production. This is the fifth factory in the U.S., following the Alabama and Georgia plants supplying modules to Hyundai Motor and Kia, and the Michigan and Ohio plants producing Chrysler modules.

The chassis refers to the parts assembled under the vehicle body, including steering, braking, and suspension systems. The chassis module is a large-scale component assembly that combines these devices centered on the frame. It is considered a core system that determines the vehicle's driving stability.

The chassis modules Hyundai Mobis will supply this time are for pure electric vehicle models. These are four sports utility vehicle (SUV) models equipped with an electric vehicle-dedicated platform. According to the vehicle production schedule, front and rear chassis modules will be supplied sequentially. The newly established Alabama plant for this module supply is equipped with mixed production facilities.

Benz reportedly thoroughly examined Hyundai Mobis's supply capabilities during contract negotiations. In this process, production technology, management capabilities, and quality control abilities were highly evaluated. Hyundai Mobis stated, "It is significant that our module technology and quality, accumulated over more than 20 years, have been recognized by the world's top premium automobile brand."

Hyundai Mobis began developing chassis modules in 1999. Since then, it has mass-produced the three major core modules installed in vehicles: driver seat modules, front-end modules (integrating air conditioning, lighting, bumper systems, etc.), and chassis modules. Hyundai Mobis currently operates 28 module factories in total, including 8 domestic and 20 overseas locations. Previously, in 2006, it signed a contract to supply chassis modules for Chrysler's locally produced vehicles in the U.S.

The company expects that this contract will increase opportunities for orders from global automakers. Hyundai Mobis currently supplies electronic components, lamps, sound systems, and more to global automakers such as General Motors (GM), Stellantis, Volkswagen, and Geely Automobile. The annual overseas order target for this year is set at $3.75 billion, and 70% of this target was already achieved in the first half of the year.

Cho Sung-hwan, President of Hyundai Mobis, said, "Due to the nature of the module business, once a supply system is established, long-term partnerships can be maintained. Based on excellent technology and stable supply capabilities, we will enhance trust with our customers and secure more order opportunities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.