HL Mando is strengthening its presence in the global automotive electronics market by expanding its future mobility technologies and intellectual property portfolio. As the automotive industry rapidly shifts toward electrification and software-defined vehicles (SDVs), competition over core technologies in braking, steering, and autonomous driving systems is becoming increasingly intense.
According to industry sources, HL Mando Vice Chairman Chung Sung-hyun received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit at the 61st Invention Day ceremony held on May 19. The government award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to industrial development and technological innovation. Chung was recognized for his role in advancing localization of automotive core components and pioneering mobility and robotics technologies.
Since joining the company in 1986, Chung has spent nearly four decades developing automotive core systems. He has played a key role in advancing next-generation chassis technologies, including Electronic Mechanical Brake (EMB) systems and Steer-by-Wire (SbW) systems, which are considered essential for future mobility platforms.
The global automotive sector is currently accelerating the transition from conventional mechanical systems to electronically controlled “By-Wire” technologies as electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies evolve. EMB and SbW systems, which electronically control braking and steering functions, are increasingly viewed as critical technologies for highly automated driving and SDV architectures.
HL Mando and HL Klemove have secured approximately 10,000 patents and utility models in Korea and overseas, while continuing to expand their intellectual property portfolios in major markets such as the United States and China. Industry analysts say that software-based vehicle control technologies and proprietary patents are becoming increasingly important in securing global supply contracts.
HL Mando currently works with global automakers including Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen. As automakers accelerate electrification and SDV development, competition to secure advanced braking and steering technologies is also intensifying.
The ceremony also recognized several researchers and engineers from HL affiliates. Bae Jae-hoon, a team leader at HL Mando, received a Presidential Citation for his contributions to mass production development of SbW systems and regulatory standardization related to By-Wire commercialization. Han Jae-hyun, a team leader at HL Klemove, received a Prime Minister’s Citation for developing high-performance corner radar technologies for autonomous driving. Jang Jae-hoon, a principal researcher at HL Mando, received a Commissioner of Intellectual Property Office Citation for contributions to electric brake patent development and technology localization.
Industry observers note that automotive competitiveness is increasingly shifting from hardware-centered manufacturing to software, semiconductor, sensor, and control technologies. As autonomous driving and robotics technologies continue to converge, integrated braking, steering, and sensor systems are expected to become even more critical in the future mobility ecosystem.
“This award reflects the collective technological innovation efforts of HL employees,” Chung said. “We will continue expanding research and development in future mobility and robotics technologies to strengthen our global competitiveness.”
