The meaning of seats in the autonomous driving era moves beyond simple transportation to residential space. The importance of high-quality automobile interior materials has risen due to possible activities inside a car including sleeping, reading, having a meeting, and watching movies. Providing a pleasant atmosphere and harmony with nature has become essential for the health and mental stability of the passengers. As such, we have seen an increase in restrictions related to environmental regulation in the automobile industry.
This means that there will be an increase in requirements and precision for the development of car seats related to the environment. They not only need to be resistant to abrasion and contamination but also respond to hazardous substances. They will need to meet recycling requirements when cars are scrapped. On top of that, colors or designs must be able to reflect diverse customer preferences. The scope of R&D is increasing rapidly. The materials for the car seats at this stage are limited. There is much room for improvement that accounts for pollution prevention and the reduction of harmful substances in treatment methods. Eco-friendly materials are linked to the health of passengers. From the initial stage of production, HYUNDAI TRANSYS is gearing its research to meet various requirements for the environment and people.
HYUNDAI TRANSYS
NATURE FRIENDLY ATTITUDE
Response to environmental regulations
(Nature-friendly, human-friendly)
Currently, HYUNDAI TRANSYS meets the current ELV (End-of-Life-Vehicle Direction) regulation requirement where 85% of the total vehicle weight should be recyclable, more than 95% can be recovered, and the amount of pure waste that does not emit heavy metals should be less than 5%. It has been researching and developing materials that maximize recyclability by minimizing the greenhouse emissions from the manufacturing stage and minimizing the landfill volume of heavy metals from the disposal stage.
Lightweight materials (Nature-friendly)
As the age of autonomous driving and the transition to electric vehicles are near, reducing the total vehicle weight is very important. We conduct researches to improve fuel efficiency and minimize environmental pollution. In addition to replacing the heavy steel seat frame with lightweight plastic, we are also researching for ways to reduce the weight of all materials including substituting the foam of the seat with a lighter material.
Discovery and application of natural materials
(Nature-friendly)
As environmental regulations are strengthened, numerous current materials for vehicle production can be banned. HYUNDAI TRANSYS is conducting research on recycled materials or natural materials that can replace the current materials. We study to find suitable natural materials applicable to the development requirements for car seats such as Korean paper and bamboo.
Wellness healthcare(Human-friendly)
We are searching for ways to reduce air pollutants and harmful gases by introducing natural materials to the leather or foam material of seats and using eco-friendly adhesion technology. In addition, we developed a variety of harmless materials to protect passenger health.
When it comes to leading the development related to the environment, there’s nothing we can do by ourselves. Research for the environment is not a business that should be monopolized by an individual or a company. It is a field that everyone in the world should be interested and involved. Even for one environmental-friendly car seat, it requires the cooperation of all companies in the automobile industry including producing or managing steel, plastic, foam, textile, fabric, leather, and adhesion technology. This is possible only when partners and customers in various fields related to the environment collaborate. Even if green technology becomes possible with one part of technologies, soon it will be used widely – known as the ripple effect. HYUNDAI TRANSYS starts with looking at green technologies from a new perspective. HYUNDAI TRANSYS discusses with other companies across all sectors that care about the environment, while preparing for a unique HYUNDAI TRANSYS eco-friendly identity. We strive to develop a technology that is appropriate for all sectors that are both nature and human-friendly. HYUNDAI TRANSYS will grow as an eco-friendly company that cares about customers and nature.
We promote recycling and upcycling at every stage from research and manufacturing to disposal stage. Any waste from the research in seats is upcycled into various fashion products such as wallets and bags to add new value.
Bio-Mass extracted from natural castor seeds is applied to the foam pad to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate global warming. Castor oil is known to have antimicrobial effects. It shows how we care about passenger's physical health and emotional stability.
Green PUR technology that uses no heat and solvents eliminates vehicle odors and harmful substances. We care about harmony between humans and nature to provide a pleasant driving environment. Starting with Genesis G70, this technology has applied to Santa Fe, and THE K9.
HYUNDAI TRANSYS
(c) HYUNDAI TRANSYS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED