Hyundai Motor and Kia unveiled 42 new technologies developed by their suppliers, including a locking mechanism that reduces tailgate noise and a system that detects pedal misoperation.
Hyundai Motor and Kia said on Wednesday that they held the "2026 R&D Supplier Tech Day" at the Rolling Hills Hotel in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. Attendees included Manfred Harrer, President of Hyundai Motor-Kia R&D Division; Moon Seung-jun, Chairman of the Hyundai Motor-Kia Suppliers Association; Lee Taek-seong, head of the Korea Automotive Industry Cooperative; and Ahn Jeong-gu, head of the K-Mobility Bridge Foundation.
This event, held annually since 2006, is a platform to commend suppliers that have achieved outstanding results in technology development and quality assurance, and to share research and development outcomes. This year, 42 technologies developed by 37 suppliers were exhibited, and five excellent technologies were awarded.
The Grand Prize was awarded to Daedong Door's "Soft Opening Latch." A latch is a locking device that keeps a vehicle door in the closed position.
This technology applies a "worm gear," a deceleration mechanism that controls operating speed, inside the latch to reduce impact and noise during unlocking. According to Hyundai Motor and Kia, the technology improved the closing stability of the tailgate and reduced seam vibration and noise generated while driving by approximately 18%.
Four technologies were selected for Excellence Awards: Donghee Industry's "Rear View Monitor (RVM) Camera Ultrasonic Cleaning Module," Kyungchang Industry's "Misoperation Detection Accelerator Pedal," Hwashin's "Front Lower Arm with 1.8GPa-class Localized Heat Treatment," and Clarion Delco's "Next-Generation Battery Technology hAGM." hAGM is a technology that enhances the battery's ability to accept charging current.
During the event, presentations were also held on the development cases of five outstanding new technologies, centered around Daedong Door and Donghee Industry. Hyundai Motor and Kia combined an offline event with an online live broadcast to expand participation among supplier representatives.
Videos of the 42nd exhibited new technologies will be available online from today until November 30 for employees of Hyundai Motor, Kia, and their suppliers. Technologies that can be disclosed externally are planned to be open to external customers as well.
Harrer said, "The excellent technology and innovation of our suppliers are the driving force behind enhancing the competitiveness of Hyundai Motor and Kia," adding, "We will continue to expand technology exchange and cooperation to prepare together for the future mobility era."
in INDUSTRY
