LS Mtron failing to supply 5G antenna to automobile companies

LS Mtron was failing to win orders from automobile companies for its all-direction 5G antenna for autonomous vehicles developed in 2018, TheElec has learned.

The antenna supports 28GHz spectrum and receives and sends signals only in areas needed by the car, unlike beamforming used in conventional array antenna.

LS Mtron had approached Hyundai Motor and Rivian to supply the product.

However, automobile companies were preferring sub-6GHz 5G C-V2X technology over 28GHz as the latter has short range and can not bypass obstacles, which could lead to safety issues, a source said.

LS Mtron’s antenna business also had no noticeable sales and was dwarfed by the company’s main tractor business, they said.

LS Group could restructure the business due to the lackluster performance.

The business group was realigning its companies to create synergy between its businesses related to auto-components.

An LS Group spokesperson said though it was true that the group was readjusting its companies to strengthen its auto-component business, nothing has been finalized yet.