Vitesco Technologies recently unveiled its newly constructed next-generation electric drive system EMR4 production facility and the industry’s first AutoStore, revealing its vision to become a leading player in future mobility within the automotive market.
Vitesco Technologies is creating a cleaner, more efficient, and economical mobility environment through intelligent system solutions and products spanning electrification, hybrids, and internal combustion engines. Key products include electric drive systems, electronic control systems, sensors and actuators, and exhaust gas after-treatment solutions. It is one of the few technology companies worldwide with an extensive portfolio that ranges across 48V systems, hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and hydrogen-based electric vehicles.
The EMR4 plant, a culmination of the latest technologies, is expected to accelerate the group’s electrification strategy and serve as a driving force for creating new value.
The factory, inaugurated on the 16th, is the first fully operational production line for the next-generation integrated drive system EMR4. The new facility comprises an EMR4 production line and an automated warehouse, AutoStore.
With a total expansion area of about 4,390m²—including the 2,800m² EMR4 line and the AutoStore along with various auxiliary facilities—Vitesco Technologies invested more than 120 billion won (approximately 80 million euros) in the factory’s building expansion and facilities enhancement.
The EMR4 plant features one highly automated line (with robots and automatic conveyor systems) and five sub-lines. The entire line consists of rotor to stator to inverter to final assembly to EOL (End of Line) testing.
The new factory is set to produce motors and inverters. Approximately one-third of the new process equipment is allocated for stator production, another third for rotor and inverter production, and the remaining third for the assembly and performance testing of the integrated drive system.
Mass production is expected to begin next year, with the new line anticipated to have an annual production capacity of over 200,000 EMR4 units. Initial products from the new production line will undergo a six-month testing period before being applied to global B/C segment electric vehicles of Hyundai Motor Group starting in 2024.
The AutoStore, which is the first automated warehouse introduced in Korea by Vitesco Technologies, consists of 13 robots and 5,830 storage bins. Unlike typical AutoStore storage bins in other industries, which are usually 330mm high, this is the first application of 425mm height. It also marks the first instance of applying anti-static functionality (ESD Protection).
Because AutoStore requires no space for human movement, it enables greater storage capacity in warehouses and boasts improved logistics capabilities in terms of time efficiency. Compared to manual handling, it offers 4 times the storage efficiency in the same area and doubles the operational throughput.
Vitesco Technologies Korea CEO Kim Jun-seok stated during a press conference that “I expect the EMR4, as the epitome of the latest technology, to bring about a new turning point in the rapidly changing global automotive market.” He added, “We will produce the highest quality products using cutting-edge facilities and lead the group’s electrification strategy, utilizing this as a driving force for creating new value.”
The production plant for the next-generation electric drive system holds significant meaning at the group level for Vitesco Technologies. The inauguration ceremony on the 16th was attended by members of the Board of Management of Vitesco Technologies Group, including Thomas Schtiale, President of Electrification Division, and Hans Jürgen Braun, President of Operations, showing strong commitment from headquarters.
Thomas Schtiale stated at the inauguration ceremony, “Korea is an important and high-growth market for electrification, and we are proud to play an active role in Korea’s electrification transition.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr