Tier 1 suppliers Valeo has announced that based on the successful joint development with a European OEM on the magnet-free electric motor technology (EESM – Externally Excited Synchronous Motor), it is now extending its portfolio of magnet-free electric motors towards upper segment vehicles together with component major Mahle.

The partners have joined forces to develop an innovative magnet-free electric axle system, targeting upper segment electric vehicles with peak power ranging from 220 kW to 350 kW.

The iBEE system (inner Brushless Electrical Excitation), is a cutting-edge technology that aims to revolutionise performance and efficiency of magnet-free electric motors. Valeo and Mahle signed a Joint Development Agreement to combine both Valeo’s expertise in electric motors, highly efficient inverters and associated motor control laws and the expertise of Mahle on magnet-free rotor with its Mahle Contactless Transmitter (MCT) technology.

They are working on an innovative cooling concept in order to achieve an outstanding continuous to peak power ratio. Moreover, the carbon footprint is expected to be reduced by more than 40 percent versus a permanent magnet electric motor of equivalent power. The testing of the first prototypes will be completed by the end of 2024.

Xavier Dupont, Valeo Power Division CEO said, “This cooperation with Mahle is a perfect match. Mahle develops the EESM rotor and their brushless excitation system. Based on our power electronics know-how, Valeo provides a dedicated control of this electric motor and brushless system embedded in our inverter. This partnership allows Valeo to complete its EESM portfolio towards upper segment and is key to support the evolution of the automotive industry towards more innovative sustainable solutions.''

Martin Wellhoeffer, Member of the Mahle Group Management Board said, “In this project two front runners of electrification are joining forces. The new e-axle will benefit from Mahle’s expertise in contactless transmitter technology. Together we will be setting a new benchmark in packaging and efficiency for EESM based e-axles and taking the next step for our customers towards future mobility.”

Valeo's first EESM development is based on cooperation with a European OEM launched in 2022 in order to create a new magnet-free electric motor generation (EESM). The initial targets of the project were double; first to get an all-in-one architecture with a new stator and cooling technology in order to increase by 30 percent the power density compared to the current motors equipping the current OEM’s vehicles on the road. Secondly, to shrink its carbon footprint by 30 percent versus an electric motor equipped with magnets (PMSM). A validation phase for more than 6 months was successfully ended with results level over the initial expectations in terms of power and efficiency especially thanks to Valeo inverter expertise.

The performances match the level of permanent magnet electric motors for B/C segment vehicles with all benefits of a magnet-free technology (no rare earth and lower carbon footprint)

As part of its electrification strategy Mahle has been focusing on developing electric drive systems. Its contactless transmitter technology for magnet-free electric motors is testament to the company’s strong expertise in this field. Thanks to its high maturity level it is a key enabler for the next evolution of EESM-based e-axles.

Avoiding the use of rare earth materials does not only positively contribute to the sustainability of e-mobility, but is also advantageous in terms of costs and resource security. The key feature is the inductive and thus contactless and wear-free power transmission allowing motor operation at benchmark efficiency level.

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Hexpol, the Swedish polymer group, has agreed to acquire an 80 percent stake in Symplast A.Ş., a Turkish manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomer compounds, for Euro 54 million on a cash- and debt-free basis.

The deal will expand Hexpol’s thermoplastic compounding operations and strengthen its presence in Türkiye, where Symplast supplies customers in the automotive, construction, consumer and electronics industries. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027, subject to customary closing conditions, including competition authority approval.

Symplast, headquartered in İzmir, was founded in 2013 by four shareholders: Selahattin Dülger, Ali Rıza Kır, Yaşar Kurtuluş and Fahri Tolga Sarıkahya. The company has annual sales of about Euro 34 million and employs 135 people.

Its operations include a manufacturing facility, headquarters and research and development centre in İzmir, a semi-finished materials facility in Poti, Georgia, and a sales office in Germany. The İzmir site has available capacity and room for expansion within its existing footprint.

Symplast makes engineered thermoplastic elastomers for applications including automotive weather seals, window and door systems, construction membranes, consumer products, cable sheathing and connectors. Its in-house research and laboratory capabilities support the development of formulations tailored to customers’ requirements.

Sarıkahya and Kır will continue to run the business as a subsidiary of Hexpol’s Thermoplastic Compounding division.

“The acquisition of Symplast is another important step in executing the growth strategy for our Thermoplastic Compounding business area. Symplast gives HEXPOL a strong position in Turkey, an attractive and strategically located manufacturing market with a well-developed automotive and construction industry,” says Henrik Elmin CEO and President of HEXPOL.

“Symplast brings strong formulation and application expertise, modern production capabilities and an entrepreneurial organization with a clear focus on customer service. The company is highly complementary to our existing thermoplastic operations and provides an attractive platform for continued growth, both in Turkey and in export markets,” concludes Jan Wikström, President business area HEXPOL Thermoplastic Compounding.

“We are very pleased to have found a long-term industrial owner that shares our commitment to product quality, technical expertise and close customer relationships,” says Selahattin Dülger, Chairman of the Board and one of the founders of Symplast.

“HEXPOL has demonstrated a deep understanding of our business and a clear ambition to invest in its continued development. Becoming part of HEXPOL will give Symplast access to broader technical capabilities, an international customer base and the resources required to accelerate its growth, while preserving the entrepreneurial culture on which the company has been built,” concludes Dülger.

Hexpol said at its Capital Markets Day in November 2025 that it would increase its focus on thermoplastic compounding as a key growth platform. The Symplast acquisition adds a manufacturing presence in Türkiye and access to customers in the domestic market, Europe and neighbouring regions.

The Euro 54 million purchase price will be funded through a combination of bank facilities and cash. Hexpol will have an option to acquire the remaining shares, while the founders will have an option to sell their remaining holdings to the group.

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German lubricant manufacturer Mannol has stated that the introduction of European Euro 7 emissions regulations will increase the technical demands placed on engine oil durability and exhaust aftertreatment compatibility.

Scheduled to take effect for new vehicle types in categories M1 and N1 starting 29 November 2026, the Euro 7 framework extends regulatory oversight to particulate emissions from braking systems and minimum durability requirements for traction batteries, alongside stricter monitoring of tailpipe emissions over extended vehicle lifespans.

Because the standard mandates compliance over an eight-year or 160,000-kilometre period, the long-term stability of engine components and lubricants becomes critical to preventing deposit accumulation and catalyst fouling.

Mannol notes that specifications established by organizations such as the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, the American Petroleum Institute and the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee provide the technical framework for lubricant selection. low- and mid-SAPS formulations limit sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur content to protect particulate filters and catalytic converters, while lower high-temperature high-shear viscosities reduce hydrodynamic friction losses in modern powertrains.

The company offers specialised products within its portfolio, including the Molibden Ultra 5W-30 formulation combining ACEA C2 and C3 with API SQ and ILSAC GF-7A standards, the Legend Formula C5 0W-20 for low-viscosity manufacturer approvals, and the Hybrid SP 0W-16 developed for hybrid powertrains and thermal cycling conditions.

Konstantin Gaab, Managing Director of SCT Vertriebs, said, "From our perspective, Euro 7 is not merely a further development of emissions legislation, but above all a signal that modern vehicles will need to meet increasingly stringent requirements for long-term technical durability. The challenge for the lubricant industry is to further reduce friction losses and, consequently, energy consumption without compromising wear protection or the performance of exhaust aftertreatment systems. Modern performance standards such as ACEA C5, C6 and C7, as well as API SQ and ILSAC GF-7, provide the industry with an important technical foundation. The key will be to translate these requirements into high-performance formulations tailored to specific engine designs. Our existing MANNOL portfolio already supports a range of modern powertrain technologies. At the same time, we regard the continuous development of our lubricants as essential to meeting the future requirements of vehicle manufacturers. Our aim is not simply to respond to regulatory changes, but to understand their technical implications at an early stage and incorporate them into the ongoing development of our product portfolio."

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Pune-headquartered automotive component supplier Varroc Engineering and French battery system manufacturer Forsee Power have joined forces to produce electric vehicle battery packs in India.

Under the terms of the transaction, Varroc will acquire a 45 percent equity stake in Forsee Power's Indian subsidiary, Forsee Power India and will assume management and operational control of the entity.

Varroc will also subscribe to Optionally Convertible Redeemable Preference Shares to provide growth capital for the joint venture, subject to regulatory and corporate approvals. The joint venture will initially focus on battery pack development for three-wheeled electric vehicles, before expanding into two-wheelers, light commercial vehicles, buses, trucks and industrial equipment.

The agreement combines Forsee Power's battery system architecture and software with Varroc's component manufacturing, engineering infrastructure and vehicle manufacturer supply relationships across domestic assembly operations.

Arjun Jain, Whole Time Director and CEO – Business I, Varroc, said, "Electric mobility is both evolving and growing rapidly, thus creating new opportunities and new requirements for the automotive industry. Through this evolution we believe OEMs will need partners who can anticipate changes and translate them into reliable, cost-effective solutions at scale. Our partnership with Forsee Power brings together complementary strengths in battery-system technology, automotive engineering, manufacturing and customer relationships. It represents an important step in expanding Varroc’s portfolio to address the evolving needs of our market and the future of mobility. This will further enhance addressable content per electric vehicle in all the segment."

Christophe Gurtner, Chairman and CEO, Forsee Power, said, "With the rapid growth of electric mobility adoption in India, the opportunity is clear and we are ready to scale. Joining forces with Varroc combines our battery technology with local industrial strength and customer access. Three-wheelers are our starting point, with a clear ambition to expand across two-wheeler, commercial and industrial vehicles."

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German technology company AUMOVIO will showcase a portfolio of braking, rider assistance and connectivity solutions for motorcycles and powersports vehicles at EICMA 2026 in Milan, scheduled from 3 to 8 November 2026.

The company's showcase centres on the launch of the MK 120 MAB brake system, which extends AUMOVIO's braking product line beyond two-wheeled applications. The system is engineered for three-wheeled scooters, side-by-side vehicles, utility terrain vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.

It integrates vehicle stability functions derived from passenger car and motorcycle architectures, including active yaw control and wheel lift mitigation, to assist vehicle control across varied terrain.

In addition to the MK 120 MAB, AUMOVIO will display its Motorcycle ABS 2.3 Base unit featuring an optional inertial measurement unit, alongside the MiniMAB EVO system designed for small-displacement scooters and commuters.

The company's display also features radar sensors for adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection, digital instrument clusters ranging from 4 to 8.8 inches, a standalone Connected Infotainment Box and automated manual transmission control units.

The hardware, software and electronic systems on display utilise automotive development, cybersecurity and production standards adapted to motorcycle and powersports operational environments.

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