LG Electronics' automotive lighting subsidiary, ZKW, and REHAU Automotive, a German automotive supplier specializing in plastics, have announced a strategic partnership to develop "intelligent vehicle fronts."
This initiative aims to integrate advanced lighting systems into vehicle body panels, creating a new value proposition for the automotive industry.
The seamless, intelligent vehicle front concept focuses on redesigning the front end of electric vehicles (EVs) without the traditional radiator.
This novel approach enables the integration of components such as lighting, logos, sensors, and heating elements into a complete system, transforming the vehicle front into an intelligent design object while maintaining high safety standards.
The companies have already begun work on several concepts for automakers, with the development of an integrated vehicle front end launched in April.
The collaboration leverages ZKW's expertise in advanced lighting and electronics solutions and REHAU's expertise in automotive plastic components.
"The cooperation aims to tap additional business potential," said Dr. Wilhelm Steger, CEO of ZKW Group GmbH. Dr. Markus Distelhoff, CEO of REHAU Automotive, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of unique, functional design as a differentiating feature for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
This collaboration aligns with LG Electronics' strategic focus on the emerging EV market.
The company's automotive business, which includes LG Electronics' in-house vehicle component division, LG Magna e-Powertrain, and ZKW, has seen a surge in sales due to the increasing demand for electric cars.
In the first quarter of 2023, LG Electronics' vehicle component business posted a 27.1% increase in revenue to KRW 2.39 trillion ($1.79 billion). It also posted an operating profit of KRW 54 billion ($40.6 million).
This is a significant turnaround from the previous year's loss and underscores the potential of the EV market as a key growth driver for the company.
US$1=KRW 1,330.36
