HYUNDAI WIA enters the automotive A/C system market.

On July 25th, HYUNDAI WIA announced that it had completed the development and commenced mass production of it’s A/C system, which included an automobile’s air conditioner and heater. The A/C system developed by HYUNDAI WIA will be installed in the PV5, KIA’s Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV). In addition to the A/C system, HYUNDAI WIA also supplies a Coolant Hub Module that manages thermal management for electric vehicle motors and battery systems. It is the first time that HYUNDAI WIA, which mainly produces automobile parts such as engines, AWD systems, and constant velocity joints, will begin mass production of an integrated thermal management system, including A/C system for vehicles.

HYUNDAI WIA developed an in-house HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit first, which is a core component of the automotive A/C system. The HVAC, consisting of a heater, evaporator, motor, and air filter, is one of the most essential devices of the automotive air control system.  It provides air at the optimal temperature for given conditions by processing air drawn from outside through the heater and evaporator.

HYUNDAI WIA also developed a CRFM (Condenser Radiator Fan Module)    which cools both air and coolant. The CRFM, composed of the condenser, radiator, and cooling fan, is mounted on the front   of the vehicle and supports the overall thermal management of the automobile.

HYUNDAI WIA, building on its long-standing experience in automotive module manufacturing, has focused on optimizing the HVAC and CRFM package. The company reduced the number of components to suit the electric vehicle system, allowing lighter components while improving interior comfort. At the same time, the company minimized NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness).

As it is the company’s first entry into the ‘Integrated thermal management system’ market, including the A/C system, HYUNDAI WIA conducted extreme performance testing. In 2023, the company established an Uiwang R&D center in Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do, where it created environments ranging from 65 degrees to minus 30 degrees to carry out development tests from individual components to full systems and actual vehicle performance. In addition, the company conducted a total of 10 rounds of performance and durability testing across different climates and road conditions in Korea, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and other countries. This allowed HYUNDAI WIA to reduce noise and vibration directly perceived by drivers and ensure a consistently comfortable in-cabin environment.

HYUNDAI WIA will mass-produce an A/C system applicable to both combustion engine and hybrid vehicle starting in 2027. This A/C system will be supplied to the next-generation model of Hyundai Motor’s KONA. Based on its experience of supplying the HVAC system to KIA’s PV5, HYUNDAI WIA plans to develop A/C components optimized for combustion engine and hybrid vehicles.

HYUNDAI WIA aims to expand its orders by continuously strengthening investment in thermal management systems. This year alone, HYUNDAI WIA is set to invest approximately 45.9 billion won in R&D for eco-friendly vehicle  components, including integrated thermal management systems. The investment in R&D for eco-friendly vehicle components will further increase to 56.5 billion won in 2026 and 57.8 billion won in 2027.

“We are pleased to introduce our advanced A/C system, which was made possible by the dedication of our employees. Driven by ongoing R&D, we will lead as a first mover, not merely a challenger, in the global mobility thermal management market,” said Nam Young Kim  , Senior Vice President of TMS Sub-division  at HYUNDAI WIA.