Japanese tier 1 supplier KYB is partnering with electric vehicle developer REE Automotive. KYB’s semi-active and active suspension systems will be incorporated into REE’s EV platform. The partnership with a global automotive supplier is a major boost for Israeli firm REE.

The partnership will expand REE’s manufacturing capabilities to a global scale.

It also provides REE with a new level of suspension technology for its REEcorner architecture. This integrates all drivetrain vehicle components — steering, braking, suspension, e-motor — into the wheel.

The REEcorner combines with the REEboard, a completely flat platform allowing improved freedom of design, performance and safety. It makes it easier to build modular applications for any vehicle type, from last mile delivery to heavy duty shipping.

The KYB-REE partnership marks the first time KYB has formally collaborated on EV platforms with a technology company. “KYB has vast experience in developing and manufacturing advanced suspension systems, and we are excited to partner with REE Automotive and share its revolutionary EV vision by engineering a suspension subsystem that supports the needs of tomorrow’s mobility ecosystem,” said Kazunori Masumoto, General Manager of Engineering Headquarters at KYB Automotive Component Business Division . 

REE’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Barel said, “REE is delighted to welcome KYB to our unique network of global strategic automotive partners, bringing world-class expertise in advanced suspension systems. KYB’s technology will play a crucial role in the rapid development of our next-generation EV architecture, which reinvents the electric vehicle with a completely flat, scalable and fully modular platform, ready to carry the future of e-mobility.”