Key facts
- Japanese auto parts maker Mitsuba is now shipping rare-earth-free sunroof motors to German luxury car manufacturers.
- These new motors eliminate the need for neodymium, a rare earth element, addressing supply chain and price volatility concerns.
- Mitsuba aims to sell 2 million units of these motors annually, building on its global leadership in roof motors.
- The development is part of a broader industry trend in Japan to reduce reliance on China for critical rare earth elements.
- Alternative magnet-free motor technologies are being developed and adopted by other Japanese companies for EVs and hybrids.
Japanese automotive parts maker Mitsuba has begun supplying German luxury car manufacturers with sunroof motors that do not contain rare-earth elements. This move addresses growing industry concerns over price volatility and supply chain risks associated with rare earths, which are largely controlled by China.
The new motors eliminate the need for neodymium, a powerful rare earth magnet previously used in Mitsuba's earlier versions. The company, which held a 36% global market share in roof motors in fiscal 2025 with approximately 14 million units sold, aims to sell 2 million units of the new rare-earth-free motors annually. The product was developed in collaboration with German supplier Bevest Roof & Components and is noted to be smaller and lighter than its predecessors.
This initiative aligns with a broader trend in the automotive sector to reduce reliance on rare earth elements. Japanese companies like Proterial Ltd. and Daido Steel Co. are also developing and commercializing heavy-rare-earth-free magnet technologies for electric and hybrid vehicle motors. Daido Steel's magnets have been used by Honda in hybrids since 2016, and the company is significantly increasing its production capacity. These efforts aim to secure supply chains and mitigate geopolitical risks, particularly amid U.S.-China tensions.
Innovations in magnet-free electric motor designs are also emerging, utilizing principles such as reluctance torque and induction to achieve performance without relying on scarce materials. This shift promises more sustainable production, cleaner supply chains, and potentially lower costs for industries ranging from electric vehicles to renewable energy.