South Korea to Ease Regulations to Foster Urban Mining

According to Chinese media outlet Eastmoney on September 15, Hyundai Motor Group has established a strategic partnership with Umicore in the field of EV battery cathode materials. The partnership focuses on high-nickel cathode active materials (CAM), a key material for high-performance batteries. Based on its advanced materials technology, Umicore is expected to supply materials for Hyundai Motor Group’s EV battery systems in Europe. The two companies did not disclose detailed terms of the partnership, including supply volume, contract value, vehicle models or battery platforms.

Kia unveiled the PV7 for the first time at IAA Transportation 2026, the world’s largest commercial vehicle exhibition, held in Hanover, Germany, on September 14. The PV7 is Kia’s second dedicated electrified PBV following the PV5 launched last year. It is a large model that combines a flexible body structure that can be adapted for different use cases with electrified performance, in-vehicle software and fleet operation solutions. The PV7 is based on Kia’s dedicated PBV electric platform, E-GMP.S. Based on the platform, Kia secured a wide, flat interior and cargo space while applying 71.5 kWh and 96.2 kWh NCM high-voltage batteries, a high-efficiency electric drive system and an 800 V charging system. The model will be offered in Standard and Long Range versions. The Long Range Cargo Long variant can travel more than 460 km under Europe’s WLTP standard, based on Kia’s own measurements.

SK Innovation said on September 14 that it currently has no additional business restructuring plans following its absorption merger of SK IE Technology (SKIET). The company has been carrying out large-scale business portfolio restructuring, or rebalancing, to improve its financial structure, but said no decisions have been made beyond the SKIET merger. SK Innovation also said it is not considering an initial public offering (IPO) for SK On.