BASF Provides Elastollan® TPU for Hyundai IONIQ Concept Car 'EARTH Concept' Air Hug Seat Module

The inflatable 'Air Hug' seat, featured in Hyundai's latest concept car, the 'EARTH Concept,' was unveiled at Auto China 2026.

The Elastollan® TPU used in the 'Air Hug' seat module is manufactured at the Zhanjiang Verbund site.

SHANGHAI, China – May 19, 2026 – BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany) has partnered with Hyundai Design China to develop the 'Air Hug' inflatable seat module using Elastollan® TPU for the 'EARTH Concept,' an IONIQ series SUV concept car. Unveiled at Auto China 2026, the concept car demonstrates Hyundai Design China's commitment to New Energy Vehicle (NEV) solutions for the Chinese market, supported by BASF's material expertise and local production at the Zhanjiang Verbund site.

Elastollan® TPU combines mechanical strength with stable extrusion properties, providing the 'Air Hug' seat module with puncture resistance, durability, weldability, and reliable airtightness capable of withstanding repeated inflation cycles.

This innovative material solution expands design freedom, enables structural color effects via photonic crystal technology, and supports the comfort, aesthetics, and functionality emphasized by the Hyundai EARTH Concept. Furthermore, since Elastollan® TPU is capable of both mechanical and chemical recycling, it contributes to the sustainability approach of the EARTH Concept.

Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center at Hyundai Motor Company, stated: "Inspired by the earth's vitality and biological balance, we adopted a soft-touch surface and a highly supportive form for comfort in the interior. Elastollan® TPU perfectly matches this vision, realizing both ergonomic performance and the beautiful design unique to 'Air Hug.' Our collaboration with BASF is driven by a shared 'can-do' spirit and is progressing very smoothly."

BASF’s Creation Center worked closely with Hyundai Design China to bring complex visions to reality, unlocking new possibilities for Elastollan® TPU in the 'EARTH Concept.'

Rohit Loop Ghosh, Vice President, TPU Business Management, Performance Materials Asia Pacific at BASF, commented: "With Elastollan® TPU, BASF is incorporating new functionalities and design concepts for future automotive interiors while meeting stringent performance requirements. Through co-creation at BASF's Creation Center, we combine our material expertise and application know-how to support our partners with innovative mobility solutions."