Honda Motor Co., and Hitachi have signed an agreement for Hitachi to transfer a portion of its common shares in automotive component supplier Astemo to Honda.

The transaction shifts the voting rights of the joint venture. Previously held at a 40–40 percent split between Honda and Hitachi, with 20 percent held by JICC-01, the new structure grants Honda a 61 percent majority stake. Hitachi’s share will decrease to 19 percent, while JICC-01 maintains its 20 percent holding.

The capital restructure aims to position Astemo as a provider of integrated vehicle systems for the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) era. The company intends to integrate software and hardware across in-car domains and cloud engineering.

Under the new arrangement, Astemo will increase collaboration with Honda to utilise the automaker’s development expertise. Hitachi will continue to provide support focused on digital technology to assist in AI and software development.

The company confirmed its intent to pursue an Initial Public Offering (IPO) while focusing on the electrification of mobility and AI-driven intelligence.

"Under the new capital structure, Astemo will accelerate its efforts more than ever, aiming to become a company that leads the electrification of mobility and AI-driven intelligence in the SDV age. As a system solution provider that offers not just individual components but software-defined integrated vehicle systems, Astemo aims to be a leading company that drives electrification and AI-driven intelligence of mobility in the SDV age, challenging itself to achieve further growth," said Astemo in a statement.

At present, Astemo has over 80,000 employees globally and operates across the Americas, Asia, Europe and Japan, managing divisions for electrification, vehicles and motorcycles.

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Kuraray Co., Ltd. has announced a global price increase for its GENESTAR heat-resistant polyamide resin, set to take effect from 1 April 2026. This decision is driven by sustained escalations in logistics, labour and facility maintenance expenses that can no longer be offset through internal cost-saving measures. The adjustment is considered necessary to secure ongoing product availability and uphold quality standards. The price will rise by a minimum of 10 percent across the board.

This material is extensively utilised in the automotive sector, particularly in engine compartments and thermal management systems for components like thermostat housings and coolant parts. Its strong fuel barrier properties also make it a preferred choice for fuel system tubing. Furthermore, its mechanical strength and wear resistance support its use in gear systems and bearings, while its high-voltage insulation capabilities are increasingly critical for various electric vehicle applications.

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HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has taken part in JEC World 2026, the premier global composites exhibition, held from 10 to 12 March 2026 at the Paris Nord Villepinte Convention Center in Paris, France. The company’s participation focuses on its advanced carbon fibre-based composite technologies, applicable in the automotive sector, alongside other key industries such as aerospace, construction and renewable energy.

Having consistently attended this prestigious event since 2013, the company is using this year’s platform to showcase innovations that cater to both high-performance and large-scale industrial needs. A central part of its display includes high-strength 3K carbon fibre, notable for its enhanced tensile strength, making it suitable for demanding applications in automotive components, drones, aviation and civil engineering. To address the requirements of broader industrial markets, the company is also featuring its 48K Large Tow carbon fibre, designed for use in wind power and the automotive industry.

At its exhibition booth, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS is demonstrating the practical versatility of its materials by displaying finished products such as drones and high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, both manufactured using its carbon fibre. This approach underscores the material’s critical role in lightweighting and high-strength applications, including the growing field of hydrogen mobility.

Carbon fibre, which is both a quarter of the weight of steel and significantly stronger, is seeing rising demand for pressure vessels, automotive parts and wind turbine blades. As the first Korean company to domestically develop high-strength carbon fibre under the TANSOME brand in 2010, HS HYOSUNG has been operating its Jeonju plant since 2013 and is now expanding its production capabilities into China and Vietnam. Building on this foundation, the company aims to solidify its status as a global leader, particularly following its 2022 development of H3065, an ultra-high-strength carbon fibre over 14 times stronger than steel, intended for advanced aerospace and automotive sectors.

Jim Dal Lim, CEO, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS, said, “JEC World 2026 is an ideal platform to showcase our outstanding technologies to a global audience and discover future collaboration partners. Through this exhibition, we will expand cooperation with global customers and actively explore new business opportunities in the composites market.”

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Belgium-headquartered Dumarey Group (formerly Punch Group) has appointed Abhishek Agarwal as the Vice President – India, effective 1 March 2026. He joins the propulsion systems provider from HORIBA India, where he served as Head of Mobility and Energy.

Agarwal comes with over two decades of experience in the automotive and engineering sectors. Before his tenure at HORIBA India, he spent over 15 years at AVL India as Business Unit Head for Simulation Software. His career also includes roles at Eicher Engineering Solutions and Minda Industries.

His technical focus encompasses: engine and transmission development; control functions and ECU solutions; fuel injection systems and electric vehicle systems.

The Dumarey Group was founded in 1983 by Guido Dumarey as an international business providing engineering services, systems and components for the automotive and industrial sectors. The company’s technology portfolio includes vehicle powertrains, control systems, dual-fuel hydrogen engines and energy storage.

The group operates across ten locations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. With a workforce of 3,000 employees, it generates approximately EUR 1 billion in annual revenue.

Agarwal holds a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) Kanpur. He also earned an Advance Diploma in Business Administration from the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad.

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Advent HoldCo has confirmed it will not acquire the LANXESS stake in the ENVALIOR joint venture in 2026. This follows a tender submitted by LANXESS in September 2025. Advent cited financing conditions as the reason for the decision.

The tender and purchase periods for the shares in 2027 and 2028 remain in effect. LANXESS will continue its role in the joint venture. The company attributes the development of ENVALIOR to market recovery within the sector, synergies between the companies and consolidation among competitors.

LANXESS stated it remains financed despite the absence of sale proceeds in 2026. The company maintains a cash position and credit lines totalling more than EUR 1.35 billion. Repayment of the bond maturing in October 2026 is secured.

The company stated that it maintains access to debt capital markets and debt reduction remains its top priority.

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