Automotive Products & BatteriesWe support the future of safer, more confortable mobility by connecting people, vehicles and the world.
The segment consists of 2 businesses, whihc are the automotive products business, including wire harnesses, steering roll connectors, lead battery state detection sensors and peripheral monitoring radar, and the batteries business through the listed subsidiary Furukawa Battery Co., Ltd.
Business environment and background
Accelerating introduction of EVs and growing needs for lighter weight
Directed at achieving carbon neutrality in 2050, decarbonization of the mobility domain has become an important issue. The key to achieving this will be electric vehicles (EVs). Following the more widespread introduction of EVs, there are currently demands to further reduce the weight of vehicle components with the aim of improving driving distance per charge.
However, in many cases, increasing vehicle performance leads to heavier weight, so there is growing demand for aluminum components in order to reduce vehicle weight.
Realizing safe, secure and convenient vehicles
In the mobility industry, the needs for vehicles with a higher level of safety are increasing. In order to realize such safety, vehicle components need to be high performance and high precision.
Based on these trends, Furukawa Electric offers wiring harnesses, peripheral monitoring radar and lead-acid battery state sensor in the Automotive Products & Batteries business, as well as batteries through the business operated by the listed subsidiary Furukawa Battery.
Business domains and strengths
Aluminum wiring harnesses and Alpha Terminal® boast high superiority and originality
Automobile wiring harnesses supply electric power and transmit signals within the vehicle and function similar to the human nervous and circulatory systems. Traditionally, wiring harnesses used copper as the conductor, but in response to the needs for lighter weight, depleted copper reserves and soaring prices, copper is increasingly being replaced by aluminum. However, in aluminum wiring harness, the point of contact between the aluminum wire and copper alloy terminal corrodes easily, resulting in issues in the more widespread use of these harnesses.
The Alpha Terminal® series developed by Furukawa Electric in response to this issue uses proprietary optical fiber laser welding technology to realize a corrosion-proof structure with excellent airtightness. In addition, the aluminum wiring harnesses are 20-40% lighter than traditional copper harnesses, thereby contributing to lighter vehicle weight and reduced CO₂ emissions.
The production process for the aluminum wire and Alpha Terminal® is carried out fully within the Furukawa Electric Group, and while utilizing renewable energy, we have come together as a group to establish a sustainable production system.
Original product conceived through a combination of the Furukawa Electric Group’s core technology and in-vehicle technology
Our ability to combine the core technology and in-vehicle technology accumulated within the entire Furukawa Electric Group to develop products with unparalleled originality is also a major strength.
For example, our “peripheral monitoring radar” combines high frequency technology and in-vehicle technology to support safe driving by detecting obstructions in the blind spots around the vehicle. The newly developed second generation radar model pursues an even higher level of safety with the aim of conforming to the requirements for functional safety and cybersecurity.
Our BSS® (lead-acid battery state sensor), which provides battery information important for vehicle power supply management, is a product that utilizes lead-acid battery technology and insights. The sensor uses proprietary technology to accurately monitor the battery state of charge and contribute to optimized charge control and safe, definite system activation. It also realizes a power supply system that contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions.
(note)Alpha Terminal®, BSS®, MMR2® are registered trademark of Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. and Furukawa Automotive Systems inc. in Japan.
Medium-term business strategy (2025)
Aluminum wiring harnesses and Alpha Terminal® to be equipped in 100 vehicle models of 8 companies
While leveraging the strengths of the Alpha Terminal®, including high corrosion resistance and a fully in-house production system, we will further contribute to reducing vehicle weight. In particular, aluminum wiring harnesses using Alpha Terminals® were equipped in 56 vehicle models of 6 manufacturers in FY2021, but this will increase to 100 models of 8 manufacturers in 2024.
Entering and expanding into new markets for peripheral monitoring radar
Furukawa Electric’s peripheral monitoring radar uses proprietary original pulse wave transmission. It features a high level of freedom in vehicle installation location, and rain, snow and fog have minimal impact on radar performance. Leveraging these strengths, along with use in light cars and SUVs, we are working to create and expand into new markets, including agricultural machinery, construction equipment, forklifts and traffic infrastructure. We will aim to increase sales by 4.4 times in 2025 (compared to FY2021).
Development of smaller, lighter, higher performance high voltage products
High voltage products that can withstand high voltages and large currents are essential for vehicle electrification. Utilizing the well-differentiated technology of the Furukawa Electric Group, we have developed high voltage wiring harnesses, high voltage junction boxes and high voltage connectors that are smaller, lighter and higher performance. We will aim to increase sales of high voltage products by 1.3 times in 2025 (compared to FY2021).
Products
Furukawa Electric Group, Vision 2030
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