HL Mando Vice Chairman Chung Sung-hyun Honored with Silver Tower Order for Advancing Future Mobility Technologies and Patent Portfolio

HL Mando is intensifying its foothold in the global automotive electronics market by broadening its future mobility technologies and intellectual property assets. As the automotive industry rapidly transitions toward electrification and software-defined vehicles (SDVs), competition is intensifying over core technologies in braking, steering, and autonomous driving systems.

On May 19, at the 61st Invention Day ceremony, HL Mando Vice Chairman Chung Sung-hyun was awarded the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit. This government honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to industrial development and technological innovation. Chung received the award for his pivotal role in advancing the localization of automotive core components and spearheading innovations in mobility and robotics technologies.

Chung joined HL Mando in 1986 and has dedicated nearly four decades to developing automotive core systems. He has been instrumental in advancing next-generation chassis technologies, including Electronic Mechanical Brake (EMB) systems and Steer-by-Wire (SbW) systems, which are regarded as critical for future mobility platforms.

The global automotive sector is accelerating its shift from traditional mechanical systems to electronically controlled By-Wire technologies, driven by the evolution of electric vehicles and autonomous driving capabilities. EMB and SbW systems, which electronically manage braking and steering functions, are increasingly recognized as essential technologies for highly automated driving and SDV architectures.

HL Mando, along with its affiliate HL Klemove, has secured approximately 10,000 patents and utility models domestically and internationally. The company continues to expand its intellectual property portfolio in key markets such as the United States and China. Industry analysts emphasize that software-based vehicle control technologies and proprietary patents are becoming vital for securing global supply contracts.

HL Mando currently collaborates with major global automakers including Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen. As these manufacturers accelerate electrification and SDV development, competition to secure advanced braking and steering technologies intensifies.

The Invention Day ceremony also honored several researchers and engineers from HL affiliates. Bae Jae-hoon, team leader at HL Mando, received a Presidential Citation for his contributions to the mass production development of SbW systems and regulatory standardization related to By-Wire commercialization. Han Jae-hyun, team leader at HL Klemove, was awarded a Prime Minister’s Citation for developing high-performance corner radar technologies for autonomous driving. Jang Jae-hoon, principal researcher at HL Mando, received a Commissioner of Intellectual Property Office Citation for his work on electric brake patent development and technology localization.

Industry observers note that automotive competitiveness is increasingly shifting from hardware-centric manufacturing to software, semiconductor, sensor, and control technologies. As autonomous driving and robotics technologies converge, integrated braking, steering, and sensor systems are expected to become even more critical within the future mobility ecosystem.

Reflecting on the award, Chung stated, “This award reflects the collective technological innovation efforts of HL employees. We will continue expanding research and development in future mobility and robotics technologies to strengthen our global competitiveness.”