The technological revolution Plastic Omnium is embarking on is seeing a transformation of its product portfolio, with its center of gravity switching from mechanically-based to software-based. The Group has chosen to make this shift through cooperation, integration and the acquisition of new skills. How does innovation drive transformations in mobility? Christian Kopp: The transformation of mobility happens and contain no rare earth elements, Greenerwave for thanks to technological breakthroughs. Our focus in 4D imaging radar, and Alkalee for software architecture. no longer on optimizing technological solutions, but What we set out to do is create bridges between these on rolling out new technologies and design processes, pure technology actors and our traditional customers, often involving radical changes to how vehicles’ primary adapting and scaling their solutions to suit all forms of functions work. Where there were once a handful of mobility. electronic components, we are now seeing dozens if not hundreds of microprocessors in every car. What are Plastic Omnium’s technological ambitions? Alexandre Corjon: Technology alone is not enough to C.K.: We want to become more of a systems specialist. If deliver a true ecological transition. Technology is a tool that we take hydrogen as an example, we intend to be present allows us to offer solutions that are financially acceptable across the complete value chain, everywhere from high- to our end customers. This applies to batteries, where pressure tanks, thanks to our well known expertise in prices have fallen constantly over the past decade, and filament winding, to fuel cells and fuel cell system electronics, where we are identifying new components that management. The same applies to batteries, where we will deliver lower costs. will be offering complete systems that we master every part of, as well as smart systems associated with cells. What technologies does Plastic Omnium believe in? A.C.: Our technological advances are all aimed at making C.K.: We believe that the energy transition will not happen mobility safer, for instance, with 4D imaging radar and only thanks to battery electric vehicles. This is not a one- smart lighting, more attractive by using interior lighting size-fits-all solution and webelieve that meeting tomorrow’s and bodywork panels to create unique experiences. mobility challenges will require a mix of powertrains, We address sustainability by investing in bio-sourced, including hydrogen and e-fuels. Plastic Omnium is taking recycled materials and integrating new functions such a position today across the entire powertrain mix: ICE, as photovoltaic panels, and investing in batteries, power hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric, battery and hydrogen. electronics and hydrogen. And then there is software, A.C.: The choices made in Europe are not the same as which is fast becoming central to every vehicle for the choices made in other parts of the world. Shifting to managing lighting, battery and fuel cells. an electric car is the right thing to do if you can run it using green electricity. But this is not possible in every market. How can you adopt so many technologies simultaneously? Plastic Omnium is convinced that e-fuels and hydrogen A.C.: We work according to a number of different are both also vital to the success of the industry's timescales. Working with the CEA gives us access to the transformation. advanced technology needed to develop demonstrators. Working with startups allows us to set up partnerships What does it mean to be a technology partner? with various levels of integration depending on their C.K.: Over the past 30 years, Plastic Omnium has shif- technological maturity. And acquisitions allow us to ted its core expertise from plastic manufacturing to its gain direct access to their technology and customer new role as a designer and producer of complex systems. portfolios.This agility is what makes us stronger and This is one of the keys to our success, which is very more competitive, and allows us to meet the extremely much rooted in our ability to work with the best partners, varied needs of different actors in the mobility sector. including startups, so that we can offer the market the C.K.: As well as our open innovation approach, we finest technological and industrial solutions. sometimes choose to integrate technologies, purchase A.C.: At CES in Las Vegas, we showcased our partnerships components or create joint ventures. For hydrogen with startups such as Tiamat, for developing power mobility,for example, we manufacture our own high- battery packs designed mostly for decarbonization and pressure tanks and have also set up EKPO, a joint venture using alternative chemical compositions that are safer with ElringKlinger, to produce the fuel cells. 37