Key facts
- Mitsuba is shipping rare-earth-free sunroof motors to German luxury automakers.
- The new motors eliminate the need for neodymium.
- This aims to mitigate price volatility and supply chain risks associated with rare earth elements.
- Eneos has purchased a rare cargo of Canadian crude oil.
- This is the first shipment of Canadian crude oil to Japan since 2025.
- Japan is diversifying its oil imports away from Middle Eastern supplies.
- Canadian crude is becoming more attractive due to conflicts in the Middle East.
Japanese automotive parts manufacturer Mitsuba has commenced shipments of innovative sunroof motors that are entirely free of rare-earth elements. These motors are being supplied to German luxury automakers, a significant development aimed at reducing reliance on critical materials. The new design specifically eliminates the need for neodymium, a rare earth element, which is known for its price volatility and potential supply chain disruptions. This move by Mitsuba is a strategic effort to mitigate these risks for its clients in the automotive sector.