Amidst the rapid evolution characterizing today’s automotive landscape, a fierce auto patent battle unfolds, with Hyundai and Kia aggressively positioning themselves against industry leader Toyota. This competition transcends traditional manufacturing, spotlighting a pivotal shift toward future mobility realms—electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid models, and autonomous driving innovations.
Historical dominance in patents, once centered around the internal combustion engine, has expanded. The industry now fiercely contests across three crucial domains: EV drivetrain, thermal management systems, and autonomous driving technologies—each essential for the performance, range, and safety of tomorrow’s vehicles.
Data analysis spanning 2001 to 2021, utilizing records from the Korean Intellectual Property Office and the IP5 regions (Korea, the United States, Europe, Japan, and China)—representing over 80% of global patents—places Toyota at the forefront with approximately 14,000 filings in these key sectors. Hyundai and Kia closely follow, amassing around 8,000 patents, signaling their vigorous pursuit of innovation. European giants like Volkswagen and Mercedes, traditionally focused on internal combustion engines, lag in this new era.
Japanese manufacturers, labeled as ‘latecomers’ to the EV market, have emerged as strong competitors, particularly within the EV drivetrain arena. Toyota, with 2,760 patents, exemplifies the industry’s drive to refine EV technology. Their innovative patent for manual transmissions in EVs highlights a commitment to enhancing the driving experience. Hyundai’s ‘Active Air Skirt’ patent, aimed at improving aerodynamics and EV range, showcases proactive strides in electric mobility.
The hybrid vehicle sector mirrors this intense rivalry, with Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan leading patent filings. An uptick in patent applications from European automakers suggests a more gradual transition to fully electric vehicles than previously anticipated, indicating hybrids may remain significant beyond the 2035 EV transition target.
The autonomous driving sector shines a light on IT companies’ growing role, especially from China, with Baidu securing the most patents. This accentuates the cross-industry collaboration and competition at the heart of future automotive technology.
DON’T MISS | Tesla, Polestar Exit Ignites Clash on Australia’s Emissions Rules
