Suzuki and BASF explore the use of sustainable materials in the next-generation MOQBA2

• Designed for sustainability with technical advantages such as lightweight, recyclability and a glossy finish

Tokyo, Japan – October 29, 2025 – Suzuki and BASF jointly explore material solutions for Suzuki’s next-generation quadruped mobility MOQBA2 (Modular Quad-based architecture), a mobility vehicle which can ascend and descend steps with four legs. As part of the initiative, at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, various sustainable and high-performance material solutions, including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and engineering plastics such as polyamide (PA), will be proposed for intended use in various applications of the Suzuki MOQBA2.

“The collaboration with Suzuki on the MOQBA2 modular mobility is a testament to how partnerships can accelerate the transition to next-generation mobility. Material innovation is not just about performance - it’s about enabling new possibilities for design and user experience,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF. “By working closely with Suzuki’s design team, we’re exploring how advanced materials can make mobility safer and more comfortable for users, as well as help redefine what personal mobility means for future generations, considering trends such as urbanization and aging populations.”

The sustainable and/or high-performance material solutions enabling sustainability that could be used for various applications in the Suzuki MOQBA2 include:

• BASF’s thermoplastic polyurethane, which possesses excellent mechanical properties such as durability, hydrolysis resistance, and processibility with design freedom, for applications such as synthetic leather, seat cushions, handles, handle parts, wiring covers, accent color ring, and ankle cover. As a fully recyclable material, TPU enables efficient resource recovery in post-use recycling processes.
• BASF’s polyamide is ideal for parts where appearance matters such as panels and covers, while delivering excellent mechanical properties including electrical insulation, heat resistance, wear resistance, as well as chemical & UV resistance. When polyamides are used for exterior surfaces, superior scratch resistance and high gloss surface without coating can be achieved.

Four variations have been developed: Bike, Stand up, Chair, and Stretcher. At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, the Bike version is displayed at Suzuki’s booth, whereas the Stand up and Chair versions are displayed at the KidZania zone. 

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division 

BASF’s Performance Materials division leads the transformation of the plastics industry by merging sustainability with a competitive edge. Our broad material competencies and product portfolio, backed by deep industry knowledge and understanding, make us the ideal one-stop-shop. With dedicated material-focused teams and strong R&D power, we constantly deliver industry-leading technologies and expertise to our customers worldwide. Our global network ensures a competitive advantage through superior innovations, regional proximity, and tailor-made solutions that meet local market demands. We are committed to enhancing performance and efficiency across sectors such as automotive, consumer goods, industrial applications, and construction. With BASF, our partners embark on #OurPlasticsJourney towards a more circular and sustainable future. In 2024, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €6.8 billion. Join #OurPlasticsJourney on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/basf-performance-materials/ and in our newsletter https://plastics-rubber.basf.com/global/en/performance_polymers/plastics-journey-newsletter