Toyoda Gosei airbag chosen for IM Motors LS9 in China

Toyoda Gosei reports that its curtain airbag has been adopted for the IM Motors LS9, marking the supplier’s first use by a Chinese automaker. Read the details.

Toyoda Gosei has taken a notable step in the Chinese automotive market as its curtain airbag has been selected for the first time by a Chinese automaker and adopted for the IM Motors LS9. For the Japanese safety systems supplier, this marks more than a single contract, highlighting a broader expansion into the world’s most competitive auto market.

The product in question is a curtain airbag, designed to deploy instantaneously along the side windows during a collision to reduce head injuries. For the LS9, Toyoda Gosei developed a version that is 15% more compact than previous models, while still meeting the requirements of the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP).

Engineering played a central role in the project. The company relied on computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulations during development, allowing safety performance to be evaluated and refined at the design stage. This approach supports the fast development cycles demanded by Chinese automakers.

The adoption of Toyoda Gosei’s airbag comes amid intense competition in China, the world’s largest automobile market, where electrification and the rise of new manufacturers are reshaping the industry. In response, the company is strengthening its local development capabilities for safety systems.

By delivering compact, locally compliant solutions tailored to customer needs, Toyoda Gosei aims to secure a stronger position in China. The LS9 project with IM Motors may serve as an early indicator of deeper cooperation with Chinese manufacturers going forward.