From Automotive to Mobility: How Ionbond expands its focus for the future of transportation
The global transportation landscape is undergoing profound change. Electrification, hydrogen technologies, autonomous systems and new mobility concepts are reshaping what was once a predominantly automotive-driven industry. Reflecting this evolution, Ionbond has renamed its Automotive segment to Mobility, marking an important step in how the company positions itself for the future.
We spoke with André Hieke, Global Segment Manager Mobility at Ionbond, about the motivation behind the change, the expanded scope of the segment, and what it means for customers and partners worldwide.
Why Mobility, why now?
Ionbond’s decision to move from Automotive to Mobility reflects a clear shift in market reality. Traditional passenger-car applications are no longer the sole drivers of innovation in transportation.
“The transformation of the transportation industry goes far beyond classic automotive markets,” explains André Hieke. “Our coating solutions are increasingly used across a much broader ecosystem of mobility technologies.”
Today, Ionbond supports applications ranging from electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles to rail, maritime and aerospace. Electrification, hydrogen propulsion, autonomous driving and sustainable fuels are not only changing powertrains, but also redefining the functional and performance requirements placed on components and surfaces.
“Mobility captures this diversity far better than Automotive,” he adds. “It reflects industries and applications that share common demands for efficiency, durability, lightweight design and sustainability.”
While the name change makes this evolution more visible externally, it also aligns with Ionbond’s long-term strategic direction. “It is primarily a clearer market positioning,” says André. “At the same time, it is a visible expression of Ionbond’s strategic alignment with future mobility technologies.”
What the Mobility segment covers today
At Ionbond, the Mobility segment is defined as all technologies and applications related to the efficient, durable and sustainable movement of systems across road, rail, air, sea and industrial environments.
In practical terms, the Mobility segment includes the mobility sectors shown on the right.
“This broader definition allows us to reflect how mobility technologies are converging across industries,” André explains. “Many applications differ in form, but share similar technical challenges when it comes to energy efficiency, component lifetime and performance under demanding operating conditions.”
Ionbond acts as a surface engineering development partner for mobility manufacturers. We support component design, system efficiency and long-term reliability across a wide range of mobility technologies.
André Hieke
Global Segment Manager Mobility
What this means for customers and partners
For customers and partners, the transition from Automotive to Mobility represents continuity in Ionbond’s surface engineering expertise combined with a clearly expanded application focus.
OEM’s and tier 1 and 2 suppliers can engage Ionbond earlier in the development of new propulsion systems and advanced mobility platforms. At the same time, solutions developed for one mobility sector can increasingly be transferred to others.
“A coating developed for automotive use may also deliver value in hydrogen systems, aerospace or industrial mobility,” André notes. “This cross-industry transfer of know-how creates tangible benefits for our partners.”
Coating technologies enabling modern mobility
Advanced PVD and PACVD coating technologies play a central role in Ionbond’s Mobility segment. These solutions provide low friction, high wear resistance and measurable efficiency gains under increasingly demanding conditions.
“Modern mobility systems operate at higher loads, reduced lubrication or dry conditions, tighter tolerances and stricter efficiency requirements than traditional vehicles,” explains André. “This applies to electric, hydrogen-powered and hybrid systems alike.”
High-temperature CVD coatings also remain essential for components used in aerospace and other applications exposed to extreme thermal conditions.
While traditional automotive coatings focused on wear protection in lubricated internal combustion engine (ICE) environments, modern mobility applications require surfaces that enable electrification, hydrogen compatibility, defined electrical properties and reliable operation under dry or highly dynamic conditions.
“In this context, coatings are not just protective layers,” he emphasizes. “They are enabling technologies that make next-generation mobility systems technically feasible.”
A platform for future mobility technologies
Over the coming years, Ionbond’s Mobility segment will increasingly support electrified, hydrogen or sustainable re-fuel-based and autonomous mobility systems across multiple industries.
“Rather than a traditional automotive coatings business, Mobility will function as a technology-driven platform for next-generation transport solutions,” says André.
Ionbond differentiates itself by combining advanced coating technologies with cross-industry engineering expertise and a clear focus on future mobility trends.
The shift from Automotive to Mobility reflects Ionbond’s commitment to addressing the full spectrum of modern transportation technologies. It is an invitation for our partners to see us as a development and innovation partner shaping the future of mobility.
André Hieke
Global Segment Manager Mobility
Questions?
Discuss your challenges with André Hieke
André Hieke, Global Segment Manager Mobility, will be glad to support you.
We will get back to you as soon as possible
André Hieke
Global Segment Manager Mobility
André Hieke
Global Segment Manager Mobility
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