LG Chem, Volkswagen Group join hands on next-generation automotive materials

LG Chem has teamed up with Volkswagen Group to collaborate on materials for future vehicles.

LG Chem announced Monday that it recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Volkswagen Group at LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, covering the development and expanded application of next-generation, eco-friendly mobility materials.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior executives from both companies, including Volkswagen Group Exterior Purchasing Group Vice President Stefan Gramse and LG Chem Petrochemical Business Division Executive Vice President Kim Sang-min.

Under the agreement, the two companies will work together on vehicle lightweighting, performance improvement, and the development of next-generation plastics and composite materials, drawing on LG Chem's high-performance plastics — including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and engineering plastics (EP).

The partners also plan to explore expanding the use of LG Chem's recycled and cost-competitive materials in the interior and exterior components of Volkswagen Group's major vehicle brands, aiming to strengthen sustainable materials competitiveness for future vehicles.

The two companies agreed to share technology and market trends related to next-generation mobility materials and to cooperate on research and development, including feasibility studies on specific material applications.

Volkswagen Group executives visited LG Chem's CS Campus in Osan, where they attended exhibition booth tours and seminar sessions showcasing solutions in post-consumer recycled material-based circular economy, electrification, high functionality and cost competitiveness.

They also visited LG Science Park in Magok to review LG Group's future growth technologies and research and development capabilities in the mobility sector, and discussed ways to expand cooperation.

At the signing ceremony, representatives from both companies took part in a special puzzle-piece ceremony, symbolizing their shared commitment to completing a single vision for future mobility.

"We expect this to be a meaningful starting point where a global automaker and a materials company come together to drive innovation in future mobility materials," Kim said. "Building on our technological strengths and competitiveness in high-value, eco-friendly materials, we will work with our customers to create milestones for sustainable growth."

LG Chem has a combined annual ABS production capacity of 2.35 million tons domestically and abroad, and maintains a portfolio of ABS products — including high-gloss, high heat-resistant and paint-free process variants — that can be immediately applied to customer-specific needs.