Hyundai Motor will collaborate with LG Electronics on home appliances for the interior of electric vehicles. The two companies will work together to develop OLED TVs to be mounted on the ceiling and walls, as well as home appliances such as refrigerators and coffee makers that make the interior of the car more comfortable. They unveiled the next generation concept car “Ionic Concept Cabin.”
It has a curved OLED panel on the ceiling and a small refrigerator under the seat. Air purifiers and high-quality speakers have also been modified from LG products for in-vehicle use to improve indoor comfort, according to the company. LG Electronics is one of the suppliers of electronic components to Hyundai Motor. Compared to gasoline-powered cars, EVs provide more space inside the vehicle, which means that they can be used as more than just a means of transportation. In a world where not only driving performance but also comfort is important, Hyundai is collaborating with LG to add value to its vehicles.
Source: The Nikkei (The original article was partially revised by the author.)
PSR Analysis: This is an interesting initiative to make cars not just a simple means of transportation, but also a place to create new value by making more efficient use of interior space. LG’s group company, LG Chem, supplies batteries to Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia Motors. The tag-team of South Korea’s leading conglomerates, Hyundai and LG, is starting to become more active among the companies in their respective groups.
The new concept car is equipped with a variety of livability-oriented features, including – Shoe care that keeps your shoes comfortable even when they’re wet or dirty; Capsule coffee machine that easily makes coffee; Clothes management machine that helps you keep your clothes dry, and a Mini bar with refrigeration to enjoy cold drinks anywhere in summer. Of course, advances in the driving performance and economy of EVs themselves are important, but comfortableness will also be an important factor in future purchasing decisions. PSR
Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research
