The automotive industry’s shift to electrification demands lighter, stronger, and more energy-efficient car body structures. For Honda, AP&T^® SkyLines offers a platform to ensure that the newest press hardening technologies can be adapted and scaled for industrial use.

“What has really driven this project is mutual trust and a shared focus on innovation,” says Michael Hunger, Managing Director at AP&T Europe. “Honda has a strong vision for the future, and we support that with state-of-the-art technology that enables them to push the limits. This is more than delivering a machine, we are working side by side to develop the processes of tomorrow.”

Built in Sweden – adapted for Japan

Unlike a full-scale production line, the system is purpose-built for testing and validation. It allows for efficient trial runs while still replicating realistic forming conditions. The furnaces have also been specially tested to handle Japan’s high humidity and summer heat, ensuring consistent performance even under demanding climate conditions.

The press line – including a servo press – was developed and built in Sweden and then shipped to Japan. One of the biggest challenges has been adapting the design to Japan’s seismic conditions. Reinforced structures and detailed load calculations, developed together with Honda’s engineers, were required to ensure reliability and safety.

“We spent hours in technical discussions, running calculations and testing different scenarios,” Michael Hunger explains. “That’s where the partnership really came alive. We brought our technology, Honda brought their local expertise, and together we found the right solutions.”

Strengthening R&D for future mobility

Jun Yokoyama, Chief Engineer, Honda highlights the strategic importance of the collaboration:
“With AP&T we’ve found a partner who understands our technical requirements and shares our ambition to anticipate and meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry. This press line will be a vital tool in aligning our R&D efforts with the future needs of advanced press hardening,” he says.

The delivery also marks the beginning of a partnership between Honda, AP&T and Gedia. The three companies are committed to working together to develop new forming technologies that support lighter, safer and more energy-efficient vehicles.