Toyo to develop EV suspension module

Itami City, Japan – Toyo Rubber Industry Co. and GLM, a Kyoto-based electric vehicle (EV) maker, have started the joint development of suspension modules for EVs.

In a 17 Jan statement in Japanese, the tire and rubber parts maker said the project was prompted by an increase in the mass production of electric vehicles globally.

According to Toyo, rubber parts deliver a range of functionalities in EVs, including increasing quietness and reducing vibration from sources such as road surfaces and the engine.

The main component being co-developed by the two companies is "air active suspension” – a system that electronically controls vehicle vibrations.

This, according to Toyo, will help deliver a smoother ride through “automatically controlling various shock absorbers of the car.”

To develop the modules, Toyo is providing knowhow in active-suspension and undercarriage mechanisms.

The partners aim to develop and commercialise the “next generation” active suspension that incorporates electronic control technology by 2020.

GLM began full-scale mass production of the EV sports car "Tomi Kailra ZZ" in October 2015.

The following year, the company unveiled its concept vehicle GLM G4 at the "Paris Motor Show 2016", which is currently being mass produced.