[IAA 2023] The Forefront of Car and Technology Convergence in "Connected Mobility"
독일 Munich IAA 2023 Press Day Opening
IAA Mobility 2023, one of the world's top three motor shows, kicked off on the 4th (local time) with a press day event. Held in Germany, the birthplace of automobiles, the event saw participation from over 600 global automakers and parts companies.
This year's theme is Experience Connected Mobility. From the 5th, for six days, visitors can explore various new cars and technologies at the Munich exhibition center (Messe M?nchen) and multiple 'open spaces' throughout the city. IAA was held in Frankfurt for over 70 years after World War II but moved to Munich starting with the 2021 event. In even-numbered years, a commercial vehicle-focused event is held under the same name.
Expanding beyond cars to encompass all modes of transportation and related upstream and downstream industries, the event added "Mobility" to its name starting in 2021. Alongside global automakers, many information technology (IT) companies specializing in semiconductors and software also participated. A notable feature this year is the increase in foreign companies. While overseas companies accounted for about one-third of participants in 2021, this year they make up nearly half. Particularly, a variety of Greater China-based companies from different sectors, including the world's largest battery manufacturer CATL (Ningde Shidai), BYD, Dongfeng, EVE Power, Leap, and Horizon Robotics, set up exhibition booths.
German automakers, being the hosts, showcased numerous new vehicles. BMW, headquartered in Munich, unveiled the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept car for the first time, reflecting the future direction of its technology. This concept model offers a glimpse of the next-generation product lineup, featuring various innovative technologies and sustainability values. Among new cars, BMW also revealed the world premiere of the plug-in hybrid version of the mid-size 5 Series sedan.
Europe's largest automaker Volkswagen debuted the ID.GTI concept model. "ID" represents Volkswagen's pure electric vehicle lineup, while "GTI" denotes the high-performance line. The model harmonizes driving pleasure with sustainability. The production version of the ID.GTI, based on the MEB platform, is scheduled for release in 2027. Next-generation models of core internal combustion engine vehicles such as the Golf, Passat, and Tiguan were also displayed. Audi, part of the same group, revealed the interior design of the Q6 e-tron for the first time, applying the new electric vehicle platform PPE.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the concept CLA, designed on the upcoming modular architecture MMA platform. Production models developed on this platform will be entry-level electric vehicles capable of traveling up to 750 km on a single charge.
Parts manufacturers playing a key role in the development of electrified and software-based mobility solutions also stood out. Hyundai Mobis exhibited over 20 new mass-producible technologies, including battery systems and powertrain systems. Visitors could also experience the next-generation electrification platform with an adjustable frame and rollable displays.
German Bosch, considered the world's largest parts supplier, emphasized its software capabilities, a hot topic in the automotive industry. Their technologies include reducing battery charging time by about 20% through wireless updates and actively intervening in vehicle control processes such as braking and steering to enhance safety. American parts supplier BorgWarner introduced inverters and thermal management solutions that improve electric vehicle driving performance and extend battery life.
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China's BYD and the United States' Tesla, competing for the top two spots in electric vehicle production and sales, both participated. BYD showcased the European debut of the large electric sedan Seal's SUV model. Tesla exhibited the new version of its flagship Model 3 (project name Highland).
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