On Oct. 14, at HL Mando’s research facility in Miyun, Beijing, a test drive took an unexpected turn. As the Genesis G80, a luxury sedan by Hyundai, cruised along a 1.7 km track, the driver suddenly pulled out a tablet. Letting go of the steering wheel, he began subtly moving a steering wheel icon on the tablet’s screen. The car responded, smoothly adjusting its direction. This demonstration showed how, in the future, passengers in both the front and back seats could steer vehicles using mobile devices. “The way car interiors are designed will drastically change,” said a representative from HL Mando, adding that seating could one day be arranged in a circular format to encourage conversation, as steering control from the backseat will also be possible.
HL Mando, a key subsidiary of HL Group specializing in automotive components, kicked off its “HL Track Day” on Oct. 14 at its Beijing branch. The five-day event, running until Oct. 18, is showcasing a range of new automotive technologies. Last year’s event in Korea focused mainly on steering systems, but this year’s edition highlights advancements across various sectors of the auto industry. According to an HL Mando representative, the decision to hold this year’s event in Beijing reflects China’s growing importance in the automotive market. “China has become a key market for us, with its high growth rate that contrasts the global slowdown in electric vehicle demand. The market here is strong, with a large customer base that readily adopts new technologies,” the representative said.
During the event, HL Mando demonstrated several innovations on vehicles from key clients. One standout was the “Mobile Wheel Control” feature, which allows drivers to steer the car using a smartphone or tablet. Another was “Steer by Wire,” a technology that allows the steering wheel to be retracted when not in use. Traditional steering systems are mechanically connected to the car’s chassis, but HL Mando’s solution relies on electrical signals, allowing for more flexibility in steering wheel placement. This technology earned the company an Innovation Award at CES 2021 in the Vehicle Intelligence & Transportation category. While the technology is not yet commercially available due to pending regulations in Korea and China, HL Mando is working closely with clients to prepare for future rollouts. China is expected to implement relevant legislation by late 2025.
Another featured innovation was HL Mando’s “Smart Damping Control (SDC) 70,” an advanced suspension system that enhances ride comfort. Suspension systems are designed to reduce vibrations and shocks from the road, and during a test drive of the L9 electric vehicle from Li Auto, a Chinese automaker, the technology proved its worth. The car glided smoothly over bumpy, uneven terrain, but when the system was turned off, the ride became significantly rougher. This technology not only boosts comfort but also increases safety by minimizing the effects of sudden braking or acceleration. HL Mando also showcased its advanced ABS system, designed to prevent skidding during emergency braking. In a demonstration, a vehicle traveling at 60 km/h came to a swift, controlled stop, with minimal discomfort to passengers. “In a typical vehicle, this maneuver would likely have caused skidding or sliding, especially on curves,” the driver remarked.
HL Mando is one of the few foreign companies finding success in China’s increasingly competitive automotive market, which has earned a reputation as “the graveyard of foreign cars.” While many international automakers, including Hyundai and Volkswagen, have struggled in the face of stiff competition from local brands and have been forced to close factories or reduce production, HL Mando has been thriving. According to its mid-year report, HL Mando’s Chinese operations generated 2.3068 trillion won in revenue last year, a 15% increase from the previous year’s 1.9991 trillion won. The company expects to match this performance in 2024, with first-half earnings of 1.0556 trillion won.
Much of HL Mando’s success in China is attributed to its proactive localization strategy. The company entered the Chinese market in 2002 with a factory in Suzhou, initially relying heavily on Hyundai and Kia as its main customers. Over time, however, it has diversified its client base to include several Chinese automakers. Establishing a local research and development center in China, coupled with significant investment in new technologies, has been key to this diversification. “We now have the capacity to manage all aspects of our business in China, from R&D to sales, procurement, and production,” said an HL Mando representative.
