Korean auto parts makers strengthen software capabilities for future mobility
HL Group is accelerating its push into autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle (SDV) technologies as the automotive industry rapidly shifts from hardware-centric manufacturing to AI- and software-based mobility platforms.
Industry sources say HL Klemove, HL Group’s autonomous driving solutions affiliate, has recently expanded cooperation with Korean autonomous driving startup Autonomous A2Z to jointly develop Level 4 autonomous driving systems.
The partnership aims to combine HL Klemove’s sensor, controller and autonomous driving software technologies with Autonomous A2Z’s real-world driving data to enhance AI-based autonomous driving systems.
Level 4 autonomous driving refers to a high degree of vehicle automation capable of operating without driver intervention under specific conditions and environments. Industry experts say key competitiveness in commercialization will depend on securing advanced semiconductor, sensor fusion, high-performance computing (HPC) and real-time data processing technologies.
HL Klemove has been expanding its business portfolio in core autonomous driving components including radar, cameras, LiDAR, vehicle control systems and autonomous driving software. The company is also strengthening its software capabilities amid intensifying competition for AI-based end-to-end (E2E) autonomous driving technologies.
Autonomous A2Z has accumulated driving data through autonomous shuttle and vehicle operations across Korea’s pilot autonomous driving zones. Industry observers expect cooperation between autonomous driving platform developers and automotive parts suppliers to increase further as companies seek to secure large-scale real-world driving data.
The global automotive industry is currently undergoing rapid transformation driven by electric vehicles, SDVs and AI-powered autonomous driving systems. Automakers are increasing the proportion of software integrated into vehicles, while parts suppliers are attempting to evolve from traditional manufacturing companies into software- and data-oriented technology firms.
HL Group has been positioning autonomous driving and future mobility electronics as key growth engines alongside its existing businesses in braking, steering and suspension systems. In particular, the group has been strengthening future mobility competitiveness through HL Mando and HL Klemove.
Industry analysts believe future automotive competitiveness will increasingly depend not only on manufacturing capabilities but also on AI algorithms, vehicle data processing and software integration technologies. As a result, Korean automotive suppliers are expected to expand investments in autonomous driving platforms and vehicle software technologies.
