Hyundai Motor, Hyundai Mobis, and 22 other companies and institutions have joined forces to strengthen the domestic vehicle semiconductor ecosystem. The plan aims to establish a local supply chain that encompasses the design, production, evaluation, and commercialization of vehicle semiconductors through collaboration among large corporations, small fabless companies, and foundries.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on October 21 that the 'Vehicle Semiconductor One Team Task Force (TF)' was launched during a special session of the '2026 Vehicle Semiconductor Forum (ASK)' held in Pangyo, Seongnam. The event was attended by Minister Kim Jeong-kwan and representatives from automotive manufacturers, parts suppliers, and semiconductor design and manufacturing companies.
The Vehicle Semiconductor Forum is a collaborative body led by Hyundai Mobis, which was established in September of last year. This year's event saw participation from over 140 representatives from 53 companies and institutions.
The newly launched One Team TF operates under the government's manufacturing AI transformation policy, the 'M.AX Alliance.' Participants include demand-side companies such as Hyundai Motor, Hyundai Mobis, LG Electronics, HL Klemove, and HL Mando, as well as semiconductor firms like OpenEdge Technology, LX Semicon, Telechips, Bosch Semiconductor, and NextChip.
SK Kifoundry and DB HiTek, responsible for semiconductor production, along with packaging company Hanamicro, are also involved. In total, 24 companies and institutions are participating in this initiative.
The TF will enhance collaboration among companies throughout the design, production, and application processes of vehicle semiconductors. Fabless companies will develop products that meet the performance and specifications required by automotive manufacturers and secure stable demand sources. Foundries and packaging companies are expected to expand their business areas through vehicle semiconductor production, while demand-side companies can diversify their domestic supply chains.
The launch of the TF follows a meeting held on September 30 at Hyundai Mobis headquarters, where the Ministry and industry representatives signed five memorandums of understanding in three areas: mid-sized vehicles, vehicle semiconductors, and robo-taxis. During the meeting, companies expressed the need for a permanent collaborative system to support the development and commercialization of vehicle semiconductors.
Efforts to localize vehicle silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors are also underway. On this day, Hyundai Mobis, SK Kifoundry, four small fabless companies, and four supporting institutions signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an ecosystem for the process and evaluation of vehicle power semiconductors.
SiC power semiconductors are key components used in electric vehicles for power conversion and control. While they enable high-efficiency power management, their production and evaluation require specialized facilities, making it challenging for small businesses to independently develop and validate them in real vehicles.
The participating organizations will jointly build the essential manufacturing and evaluation equipment for SiC power semiconductors and provide support for small fabless and parts companies to utilize these resources. The Ministry plans to support research and development (R&D), infrastructure, and workforce training through the 'Growing Together M.AX Project.'
Minister Kim Jeong-kwan stated, "I am confident that vehicle semiconductor companies will become key players in leading the future automotive industry. We will diligently address the challenges faced by the vehicle semiconductor sector with speed and thoroughness."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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