ClearMotion Company Profile

Background

Overview

ClearMotion is an innovative automotive technology company specializing in advanced suspension systems designed to enhance vehicle comfort, safety, and performance. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company has developed the ClearMotion1™ system, a fully active suspension technology that proactively adapts to road conditions in real-time.

Mission and Vision

ClearMotion's mission is to revolutionize the driving experience by providing a smoother, safer, and more comfortable ride for all passengers. The company's vision is to lead the automotive industry in active motion control technologies, setting new standards for vehicle dynamics and user experience.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on developing and deploying active suspension systems that utilize software-controlled actuators to replace traditional shock absorbers. This technology enables vehicles to predict and counteract road disturbances, offering a superior ride quality.

Industry Significance

ClearMotion has established itself as a leader in the active suspension system market, with a robust intellectual property portfolio and strategic partnerships with major automotive manufacturers. Its technologies are poised to significantly impact vehicle design and manufacturing, influencing how automakers approach ride comfort and safety.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Innovation Leadership: Continuously advancing suspension technology to maintain a competitive edge.

Market Expansion: Broadening the adoption of ClearMotion1™ across various vehicle segments and global markets.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate ClearMotion's technology into their vehicle platforms.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Active Suspension Systems: Designing and manufacturing systems that adapt to road conditions in real-time.

Vehicle Dynamics Control: Enhancing vehicle stability and handling through advanced motion control technologies.

Key Technologies Utilized

ClearMotion1™ System: A fully active suspension system that uses software-controlled actuators to predict and counteract road disturbances.

RoadMotion™ Software: A cloud-based platform that collects and analyzes road surface data to inform suspension adjustments.

Primary Markets Targeted

Electric Vehicles (EVs): Partnering with EV manufacturers to integrate advanced suspension systems into next-generation electric vehicles.

Luxury and Performance Vehicles: Collaborating with high-end automakers to enhance ride quality and handling in premium segments.

Financials and Funding

Total Funds Raised

As of February 2026, ClearMotion has secured approximately $370 million in funding across multiple rounds.

Recent Funding Rounds

Series D (January 2019): Raised $115 million, led by Franklin Templeton Investments, with participation from J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Microsoft, Bridgestone, and Qualcomm.

Series E (September 2022): Secured $39 million, led by NIO Capital, marking a significant step in expanding operations in China.

Series E (March 2023): Raised an additional $42.5 million, further strengthening financial resources for global expansion.

Notable Investors

Franklin Templeton Investments: Led the Series D funding round, contributing to the company's growth and development.

NIO Capital: Led the Series E funding rounds, facilitating ClearMotion's entry into the Chinese market.

Intended Utilization of Capital

Product Development: Enhancing and scaling the ClearMotion1™ system.

Manufacturing Expansion: Establishing production facilities to meet increasing demand.

Market Penetration: Expanding partnerships with global OEMs and entering new geographic markets.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

ClearMotion1™ System: The flagship product, currently in mass production and integration with various vehicle models.

Stages of Development

Mass Production: The ClearMotion1™ system is in full-scale production, with facilities operational in the United States and China.

Target Conditions

Urban and Highway Driving: Optimizing ride quality across diverse road surfaces and driving conditions.

Anticipated Milestones

2024: Initiation of deliveries to NIO for integration into their ET9 model.

2025: Expansion of production capacity to meet global demand.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

ClearMotion1™ System: A fully active suspension system that adapts to road conditions in real-time.

RoadMotion™ Software: A cloud-based platform that collects and analyzes road surface data to inform suspension adjustments.

Significant Scientific Methods

Machine Learning Algorithms: Utilized in RoadMotion™ to predict and adapt to road conditions.

High-Bandwidth Actuators: Employed in the ClearMotion1™ system to provide rapid response to road disturbances.

Leadership Team

Christian Steinmann – CEO

With over 25 years of experience in automotive systems and software, Christian has led ClearMotion through significant growth, including the integration of the ClearMotion1™ system into global vehicle platforms.

Joseph T. Belter – VP of Research Engineering

Joe oversees the development of next-generation active chassis hardware and software solutions, contributing to the continuous innovation of ClearMotion's technologies.

Lorna Mayer – VP of Finance & HR

Lorna manages financial operations and human resources, ensuring the company's growth is supported by strong organizational foundations.

Abhi Ranganeni – VP of Engineering Development

Abhi leads the engineering development of the ClearMotion1™ system, focusing on scaling and integrating the technology into various vehicle platforms.

Michael Grannell – VP Global Sales and Business Operations

Michael provides strategic leadership across sales, procurement, quality, manufacturing, and program management, driving ClearMotion's global expansion efforts.

Market and Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global active suspension system market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for enhanced vehicle comfort and performance. The market was valued at $505 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.129 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 12.2%.

Competitor Analysis

ZF Friedrichshafen AG: Offers Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and active roll stabilization systems, catering to a wide range of vehicle types.

Continental AG: Provides electronic air suspension and damping systems, integrating with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Tenneco Inc.: Specializes in ride control and suspension systems, serving various automotive segments.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Porsche AG: Announced a collaboration in April 2024 to integrate ClearMotion's suspension technology into select EVs and performance models.

NIO Inc.: Secured a $1 billion production order in December 2023 for ClearMotion1™ systems to be integrated into NIO's next-generation EVs.

Operational Insights

ClearMotion's strategic partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers position it to expand its market presence and integrate its technologies into a diverse range of vehicle platforms. The company's focus on innovation and quality differentiates it from competitors, enabling it to offer unique value propositions to OEMs and consumers.