Hyundai Mobis has brought together more than 20 domestic and overseas firms and research bodies to bolster South Korea’s capabilities in automotive semiconductors. 

The company recently hosted the first “Auto Semicon Korea” (ASK) forum. 

ASK was attended by 23 organisations spanning carmakers, fabless chip designers, foundries, design houses, packaging specialists and design tool providers. 

It is described as the first private-sector-led “K-automotive semiconductor” cooperation platform intended to support domestic industry growth and localisation of key semiconductor technologies. 

Hyundai Mobis plans to lead development of Korea’s automotive semiconductor sector with participating companies. 

It acts as a Tier 1 supplier connecting carmakers and semiconductor vendors. 

The firm also designs semiconductors as a fabless company and manages supply chains. 

It says this dual role positions it to coordinate the domestic chip ecosystem. 

Hyundai Mobis President Lee Gyu-suk said: “We are securing independent semiconductor design capabilities while pursuing joint development with fabless companies and design houses, and expanding cooperation with major foundries.  

“We actively encourage companies specialised in home appliances or mobile to enter the mobility sector, and through this, we will take the lead in building the domestic ecosystem.” 

Hyundai Mobis intends to build ASK into Korea’s leading automotive semiconductor forum. The event will be held every year. 

From next year, ASK will seek participation from start-ups and established semiconductor-related businesses. 

Relevant associations and major institutions will also be invited. 

Samsung Electronics, SK keyfoundry, GlobalFoundries, Dongwoon Anatech, and Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) were among the participants in the latest event. 

Hyundai Mobis estimates integrated development of EV drive systems can shorten development.  

It says combining power semiconductor and core component development could cut timelines by almost two years. 

The same integrated approach is planned for system semiconductors in controllers for key vehicle parts. 

In 2025, Hyundai Mobis is mass-producing 16 in-house semiconductor types through external foundries. 

These include power, drive, communication, sensor and data processing chips. 

Production volume is expected to reach 20 million units this year. 

The company’s analysis suggests broader local participation could accelerate localisation. 

Hyundai Mobis says wider involvement could also bring significant economic ripple effects. 

Through ASK, Hyundai Mobis plans to help chipmakers from consumer segments, such as mobile, enter mobility markets. Support will focus on the near term. 

The company’s semiconductor R&D process recently obtained ISO 26262 international certification.  

Hyundai Mobis plans to share design and quality management know-how with partners. 

It aims to use this knowledge sharing to help strengthen domestic companies’ competitiveness. 

Among ASK participants, GlobalFoundries and Dongwoon Anatech have completed joint developments with Hyundai Mobis.  

They are preparing mass production of next-generation lamps and power semiconductors.