Optrontec Begins Supplying High-Definition Lenses for Autonomous Driving to U.S. Automaker... Aiming for Turnaround This Year

Optrontec, a company specializing in optical filters and lenses and led by CEO Choi Sangho, announced on April 23 that it has begun supplying high-definition lenses for autonomous driving to a U.S. automaker. Starting this year, the company plans to gradually expand its automotive electronics sales, diversify its client base, and achieve a turnaround in operating profit.

Optrontec, which has traditionally focused on the smartphone camera module business, has entered the automotive electronics market as part of its strategy for future growth. As a result, the company has successfully secured supply contracts with global electric vehicle manufacturers and Hyundai Motor Company. The product being supplied this time has passed the U.S. automaker's rigorous quality and reliability verification process after approximately three and a half years of development since 2021.

Optrontec began full-scale mass production of high-definition lenses for autonomous driving this month. Once the investment to expand production capacity at its Daejeon plant in Korea is completed, the company expects to supply more than double the initially planned volume to the U.S. automaker. Representatives from the automaker are currently conducting on-site inspections at the Daejeon plant.

Camera modules are becoming increasingly important as autonomous driving technology advances and electric vehicles become more widespread. While high-resolution cameras were previously installed on the exterior of vehicles, there has recently been an increase in the adoption of "in-cabin" cameras designed to monitor driver conditions such as drowsiness and forward attention.

The company also expects to benefit from the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. As U.S. automakers diversify their suppliers for high-definition lenses for autonomous driving, moving away from exclusive reliance on Chinese companies, expectations for non-Chinese, Korean suppliers are rising.

An Optrontec representative stated, "As the U.S. government intensifies trade conflicts with not only China but also Europe, Mexico, and Canada, a favorable business environment is being created for Optrontec. At the request of the U.S. automaker, we have already been planning additional equipment investments at our domestic production base since the end of last year."

The representative added, "Based on our track record of supplying to the largest global client, we plan to expand our sales channels to automakers in Japan, Europe, and Korea."