LAS VEGAS, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From February 2 to 4, Hitachi Scroll Compressor returned to the AHR Expo 2026 in the United States for the second consecutive year, underscoring its sustained engagement with the North American market. As one of the HVACR industry’s most influential global events, the AHR Expo brings together manufacturers, engineers, contractors, and decision-makers to showcase cutting-edge technologies and exchange insights shaping the future of HVACR. Against this backdrop, Hitachi Scroll Compressor highlighted a focused portfolio of scroll compressor solutions aligned with the industry’s efficiency and decarbonization goals.

“Our continued engagement with the AHR Expo reflects both consistency and strategic focus,” said Wisdom Hao, GM of Guangzhou Bosch Home Comfort Group Compressor Technology Co., Ltd. “North America remains a key strategic region, particularly as it faces tighter performance benchmarks and higher expectations for long-term operational stability.”

Through the showcase at the AHR Expo 2026, Hitachi Scroll Compressor presented its newly launched products alongside proven models, demonstrating how the portfolio evolves to meet customer requirements.

A major highlight at its booth was its newly introduced high-efficiency low-side scroll compressor, designed in response to rising efficiency expectations and application demands in the unitary market. Aligned with global energy-saving and decarbonization trends, the product delivers measurable improvements in seasonal efficiency, lower operating noise, and stable performance under varying load conditions. It represents the latest generation in Hitachi’s scroll compressor technology roadmap, building on decades of expertise while introducing targeted upgrades for today’s efficiency-driven market.

The two-stage design originates from the world’s first scroll compressor family developed by Hitachi and inherits its benchmark performance and durability. An upgraded solenoid valve enables precise two-step capacity control, supporting more efficient part-load operation, while the scroll load design has been optimized to meet SEER2 requirements. A newly developed motor improves light-load performance, and high-precision machining and assembly contribute to durability and operational stability. Dual compliance for liquid and debris handling further strengthens robustness in real-world conditions.

In addition to low-side solutions, Hitachi Scroll Compressor showcased a lineup of high-side scroll compressors addressing a broader range of North American applications, including heat pump heating and cooling, commercial refrigeration and cold storage, as well as data center and equipment cooling. As demand increases for systems capable of stable operation across wider temperature ranges, the high-side scroll compressors offer strong adaptability and performance consistency.

Designed with a wide operating envelope, the high-side scroll compressors support stable operation in both heating and cooling modes. They are compatible with environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R290, R32, and R454B, aligning with the industry’s shift toward lower-global-warming-potential solutions. Compatibility with enhanced vapor injection technology further enhances heating efficiency, particularly in colder climates.

Together, the technologies presented at AHR Expo underscored Hitachi Scroll Compressor’s innovation strategy—advancing core compressor technologies while closely aligning with regulatory trends and end-user priorities. From residential and light commercial systems to complex industrial applications, the company’s portfolio is designed to help equipment manufacturers achieve higher efficiency, quieter operation, and dependable long-term performance.

Looking ahead, Hitachi Scroll Compressor plans to deepen collaboration across the HVACR value chain, using international platforms such as AHR Expo to share insights, gather market feedback, and accelerate the adoption of efficient, reliable, and sustainable compressor technologies amid the global energy transition.

For more information, please visit https://compressors.hitachiaircon.com/en.

Annual Revenue Reaches KRW 10.88 Trillion, Representing 8.9% Year-on-Year Growth

• Annual revenue reached KRW 10.88 trillion, representing 8.9% year-on-year growth with operating profit of KRW 271.8 billion
• Operating margin remained above 3.4% in both Q3 and Q4, reflecting continued profitability improvement
• Cost of sales ratio was maintained below 90% for two consecutive quarters, highlighting continued improvements in operational efficiency

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hanon Systems, a leading global automotive thermal management supplier and subsidiary of Hankook & Company Group, today announced its full year 2025 financial results.

In 2025, Hanon Systems recorded annual revenue of KRW 10.88 trillion, an increase from KRW 9.99 trillion in the previous year. Operating profit reached KRW 271.8 billion, driven by company-wide operational improvements and efficiency initiatives implemented following its acquisition by Hankook & Company Group.

As a result, the company maintained an operating margin of 3.5% in the third quarter and 3.4% in the fourth quarter, representing two consecutive quarters above the 3% level. The cost of sales ratio was maintained below 90% for the second consecutive quarter, highlighting continued improvements in profitability and cost structure.

Through ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial structure, net interest expenses decreased by KRW 28.8 billion year-on-year. The company expects its recent capital increase to further reduce financial burden associated with interest costs.

Hanon Systems continued to diversify its global customer portfolio, strengthening existing partnerships while securing new OEM customers in Asia. Leveraging its system-level thermal management solutions and diverse product portfolio supporting nearly all vehicle types, the company aims to further expand its presence in the global market.

Electrified-vehicle sales accounted for 28% of total revenue in 2025. As the global automotive market’s transition to electrification continues to lag behind expectations, internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models maintain strong market presence in many regions. In response, Hanon Systems plans to maximize profitability of its core ICE and HEV products, while remaining flexible in addressing electrification and hybrid demand.

Hanon Systems has developed a comprehensive thermal management portfolio supporting ICE, HEV, battery electric vehicles (BEV), extended-range electric vehicles (EREV), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). The company has established early technological leadership in electric vehicle thermal management, positioning itself as a leading global supplier in automotive thermal management.  

Looking ahead, the company stated that it will continue to prioritize cost structure improvements and profitability recovery, building upon achievements achieved during 2025.

“Despite ongoing global uncertainty, we remain committed to strengthening our fundamental business structure, fostering corporate culture innovation, and achieving operational stability alongside Hankook & Company Group,” said Lee Soo-il, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hanon Systems.

“This year, we will accelerate growth by reinforcing operational discipline, strengthening our R&D capabilities, and pursuing new business opportunities leveraging our thermal management expertise.”

About Hanon Systems
Hanon Systems, founded in 1986, is a global leader in thermal management solutions. In January 2025, it became a subsidiary of Hankook & Company Group. Its offering includes a wide range of solutions in the areas of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, powertrain cooling, compressor, fluid transport, and electronics and fluid pressure. The company currently operates 50 manufacturing sites and three regional innovation centers and employs more than 20,000 people across 21 countries. To learn more, visit hanonsystems.com.

Follow Hanon Systems:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanonsystems
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6bSZ7NMg7LPhXDyTOMwebQ/feed

• Showcasing Nexlide innovations at DVN Lighting Workshop (February 4 to 5) 
• Introducing ‘Nexlide Air and Pixel’, featuring proprietary surface light source technology 
• Accelerating European market penetration through targeted OEM roadshows

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LG Innotek (CEO Moon Hyuksoo) will unveil its advanced vehicle lighting technology in Germany, the historic home of automotive innovation.

On February 3, 2026, the company announced that it will participate in the 39th Lighting Workshop hosted by Driving Vision News (DVN), showcasing its next-generation automotive lighting technologies.

DVN, headquartered in France, is an authoritative specialized media outlet and academic organization serving the automotive components industry. The DVN Lighting Workshop, held annually worldwide, brings together leading global vehicle OEMs and automotive electronics component makers to discuss core challenges in the car lighting industry while providing a premier venue for exchanging information on technological trends and insights.

The 39th DVN Lighting Workshop will be held at Olympia Park, Munich, Germany, from February 4 to 5, 2026. During the workshop, LG Innotek will operate a dedicated exhibition booth showcasing its latest ‘Nexlide’ product lineup.

Its leading products include ‘Nexlide Air’, a thin and lightweight lighting solution optimized for bumper and grille applications using ultra-light silicon-based materials, and ‘Nexlide Pixel’, which achieves the world’s thinnest pixel size (0.08×0.08inch) among vehicle lighting solutions for significantly improved resolution. LG Innotek’s Ultra-Thin Pixel Lighting Module (Nexlide Pixel) received the CES 2026 Innovation Award. 

‘Nexlide Pixel’ displays high-resolution text and images through vehicle lighting and represents a major advancement in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication capabilities.

For example, in emergency situations, the lettering function enables transmission of in–vehicle status information to emergency responders, while emoticon displays enable drivers to express their individuality.

LG Innotek’s exhibition will also highlight ‘Nexlide Cube’, which creates 3D lighting effects through a multilayered structure that produces a floating light illusion (where light appears suspended in the air), and ‘Nexlide C+’, featuring angle-dependent 3D multi-effects that display different images based on viewing angle.

Following the DVN Lighting Workshop, LG Innotek plans to accelerate its penetration of the European automotive market through targeted roadshows for major OEM customers. By 2030, the company aims to grow its automotive lighting business to about USD 691 million.

LG Innotek has actively promoted its automotive lighting solutions in Europe, including through webinars for European automakers and component makers last year.

Byaeng kuk Yoo, senior vice president and head of the Mobility Solution Business Unit, said: “LG Innotek will continue launching innovative lighting solutions that provide customers with differentiated experiences and grow as a technology partner that is trusted by customers in Europe and Japan, expanding beyond North American markets.”

[Reference] ‘Nexlide,‘ LG Innotek‘s automotive lighting brand, uses surface light source technology to enable uniform lighting across an extended surface without conventional thickness constraints.

LG Innotek holds more than 700 patents related to surface light source technology. This technology enables ultra-slim vehicle lighting modules to emit brighter, more evenly distributed light while substantially enhancing design freedom for customers in vehicle design.

CHONGQING, China, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In 2025, SERES NEV sales exceeded 470,000 units, cementing the company’s position as industry leader. The flagship AITO brand especially stood out, with over 420,000 vehicles delivered throughout the year—making it the top-selling luxury brand in the Chinese market. This achievement underscored AITO’s leadership in China’s high-end new energy market and the rise of Chinese brands in the premium automotive segment.

AITO’s sustained success is no accident. Its “blockbuster” appeal stemmed from precise product positioning, robust capabilities, and a strong reputation among users. All of this resulted in a strong product lineup in the CNY 200,000 to 600,000 price range. The AITO M9 proved to be a true phenomenon, with cumulative deliveries exceeding 270,000 units and a 21-month run as the top model in its segment.

At the same time, the AITO M8 and M7 also established leading positions in their respective segments: the M8 was the best-selling model in the CNY 400,000 segment for six consecutive months, and cumulative deliveries of the M7 surpassed 400,000 units, setting a benchmark in the market. Together, these three flagship models drove brand momentum and reinforced AITO’s competitive edge in the high-end market.

Beyond sales, AITO’s sterling reputation and high vehicle value retention continued to fuel its strong market performance. AITO surpassed traditional luxury brands like BMW and Audi in the Chinese automotive market research firm LandRoad’s New Energy Vehicle Brand Index. With an average vehicle price of CNY 400,000, it also overtook the BBA group (BMW, Benz, and Audi) to become China’s leading luxury automotive brand. This milestone signified both AITO’s dominance in scale and a significant rise in brand reputation, customer trust, and value, establishing it as the top choice for discerning consumers.

Looking ahead, as it expands globally, advances its technologies, and broadens its portfolio, AITO will further strengthen its leadership in the luxury NEV market. With growing confidence, AITO is set to drive greater breakthroughs for Chinese automotive brands worldwide.

– Global pre-registration now available on App Store and Google Play

– Official SMiniz brand page officially open

SEONGNAM, South Korea, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kakao Games announced today that global pre-registration has begun for SMiniz, a new game based on the IP of SM Entertainment.

Pre-registration for “SMiniz” will run globally until February 23 across multiple regions worldwide. Those who have pre-registered will receive ‘Group Draw Tickets’ as a reward after launch.

Kakao Games has also launched the official “SMiniz” brand page, where users can sign up for pre-registration and access additional details about the game.

“SMiniz” is a mobile casual match 3 puzzle game featuring small character versions inspired by SM Entertainment artists. Players solve puzzles alongside their favorite characters in an accessible and easy to enjoy gameplay experience.

Following a global closed beta test conducted last December, “SMiniz” received positive feedback for its approachable puzzle gameplay, along with a variety of SM IP based content, including photocard collection elements that reflect fandom culture, customizable Toploader and Fan Zone spaces tailored to individual preferences, artist inspired costumes that capture the concept of real world artist activities.

SMiniz is currently in preparation for its official launch in the first quarter of 2026. Developed as an in-house title targeting a global fanbase. Kakao Games will handle global publishing and live service operations, while METABORA is responsible for development and SM Entertainment provides the IP of its affiliated artists.

#APPENDIX

‘SMiniz’ Official Brand Page: https://sminiz.kakaogames.com/ 

About Kakao Games Corp.

Kakao Games (CEO Sang-Woo Han) is the gaming subsidiary of Kakao, specializing in both publishing and development across a wide range of genres, from casual to hardcore titles on PC and mobile. Since its KOSDAQ listing in September 2020, Kakao Games has successfully developed and launched popular titles such as Odin: Valhalla Rising, Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Eversoul, Guardian Tales, and Kakao Battlegrounds, with multiple global releases on the horizon. Kakao Games remains committed to expanding its portfolio and exploring new opportunities in the evolving gaming landscape.