Korean auto parts makers are stepping up efforts to break into the supply chain of Japanese automaker Honda, working with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.
KOTRA said on the 15th that it held the "2026 Inside Honda" showcase and matchmaking event at Honda's research and development center in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, together with the Gyeonggi and Busan technoparks.
The Inside Honda program is a global partnering project that KOTRA is holding for the first time in two years since 2024. It was organized after securing Honda's procurement needs in advance in areas such as vehicle software and thermal management systems.
As the auto industry becomes increasingly electronics-driven, software-defined vehicles are emerging as a core part of the industry's future. Japanese automakers are also looking beyond their traditional affiliate-centered supply chains and turning to Korean electrification parts and technology companies as new partners for SDVs. An SDV is a vehicle whose main functions are controlled through software, allowing features to be added or improved through updates even after the car leaves the factory.
Thirty Korean companies specializing in fields including autonomous driving, automotive electronics, artificial intelligence and rechargeable batteries took part in the event. Officials from Honda's purchasing and development divisions, along with representatives of its suppliers, attended to view the Korean companies' product showcases and hold one-on-one business meetings. In a technology presentation session, eight Korean firms also presented their capabilities to the Honda participants.
An official at one of the participating Korean companies said, "Honda's officials responded enthusiastically at the previous event, so we upgraded our product and took part again." The official added, "The Japanese original equipment manufacturer market has been conservative, but Japanese automakers have shown growing interest in Korean companies since last year, and we want to make the most of this opportunity."
KOTRA supported about 50 business meetings through the program. It plans to provide follow-up support throughout the year, including local consulting and office space at its global partnering centers, to help companies pursue contracts and register as new vendors.
Park Yong-min, head of KOTRA's Japan regional headquarters, said, "It is meaningful that our companies have been given a chance to cooperate at a site where Honda's core R&D and future technologies are being tested." He added, "We will do our best to help Korean future mobility parts companies with strong technology break into Japanese automakers' supply chains."