Faraday Future (FF) will insource the manufacturing of seats for its FF 91 2.0 model. This move is part of the US-based electric vehicle company's broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency and optimize its global supplier network, including the establishment of a supplier base for the Faraday X brand. The FF 91 2.0 is noted for its advanced and comfortable rear seats, specifically its "Zero Gravity" seats that provide exceptional support and comfort, catering to both relaxation and...

Stellantis has filed a lawsuit against Brose North America, the US subsidiary of Germany-based supplier Brose, accusing the supplier of holding the automaker’s operations “hostage” and costing it more than $3 million in damages after shutting down Windsor Assembly Plant in Canada, Automotive News reported Oct. 29. The lawsuit was filed in Oakland County, Michigan, where both companies have their North American headquarters. Brose is at least the fifth supplier sued by Stellantis over su...

Huaxiang Electronic has reached an agreement to acquire International Automotive Components Group’s (IAC) operations in mainland China for 600 million Chinese yuan ($82.6 million), Yicai Global reported June 26. The acquisition will significantly expand Hauxiang's presence in its domestic market. The deal involves IAC’s six subsidiaries in mainland China, including buying full stakes in Automotive Components Technology, IAC Automotive Components, IAC Shanghai Management as well as IAC Aut...

Cupra, the Spanish automaker, has announced the incorporation of Bcomp's innovative natural fiber composite solutions in the new CUP Bucket seats for the Cupra Born VZ electric vehicle. The car's interior design has been conceived through a collaboration with Bcomp and Sabelt, known for their high-performance automotive seats. According to BComp, the all-natural fiber seatbacks, which replace the previously used carbon and glass fibers, significantly reduce emissions. Specifically, the use of...

Alcantara has announced that Alfa Romeo has chosen its premium “Made-in-Italy” material for the interior of its new SUV, the Junior 2024, according to a press release dated April 30. The SUV’s sporty look is enhanced by the combination of black Alcantara for the center of the seats with a round-shaped open work on a red backing and stitching. The interior of the new Junior features high quality upholstery with a sporty feel with a distinctively Italian quality. The Junior was introduced...

Smart Eye, a leading developer of driver monitoring systems (DMS) for the automotive industry, has received a significant order from a major South Korean car manufacturer. The order includes both DMS and cabin monitoring systems, and the estimated revenue for the order is 175 million Swedish kronor (about $16.8 million) based on product life-cycle projections, according to a press release on Feb. 29. This marks the first time Smart Eye will deliver its technology to a major vehicle manufactur...

Kongsberg Automotive (KA) announced that its headrest business has secured a contract extension as well as a new contract worth over €19 million in estimated lifetime revenue, according to a company press release dated Dec. 27. The four-year contracts were awarded by a tier 1 customer. KA will supply headrest mechanisms globally across two vehicle platforms, which includes an all-electric vehicle. The headrest mechanisms are developed and produced at KA's Mullsjo facility in Sweden. It...

Toyoda Gosei has announced that its safety product, the pop-up hood actuator, has been adopted by Chinese automaker Hongqi, according to a press release on Dec. 25. The pop-up hood actuator will be used in its EH7 model. The pop-up hood actuator quickly raises the hood in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, creating a space between the hood and the rigid parts beneath it, thereby reducing the impact on the pedestrian’s head. The supplier had recently reviewed the structure o...

Toyota Boshoku has developed seats and interiors for the new Century models by Toyota, it said in a press release dated September 21. The front passenger and second-row seats can slide forward to create space for an ottoman extension and fully reclined back position, up to 77 degrees. The seats feature massage, heat and ventilation functions, as well as decoration and styling inspired by traditional Japanese "Suganui" embroidery technique. The interior includes LED color illumination on the p...

Hesai Technology has announced a new design win with FAW Group for their next-generation electric vehicle model under Hongqi brand. It marks the first design win for Hesai's ultrathin, long-range lidar ET25, and the first-series production program with an in-cabin lidar solution to be announced globally. The program is expected to begin mass production and delivery by the first half of 2025. During the project collaboration, FAW Group has played a key role in integrating and optimizing t...

Grammer AG will supply the rear-bench center console for Human Horizons' HiPhi X electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), it said in a press release dated September 7. The rear center console features a display holder, smartphone trays, cupholders and two fold-out tables hidden under a butterfly armrest. “As one of the Chinese showcase projects for the European market, the HiPhi X is on a par with current high-end models from established premium manufacturers when it comes to superior qua...

Cipia announced that it has been awarded 10 additional design wins for automaker Chery, one of the top auto exporters in China. The deal will see Cipia’s Driver Sense driver monitoring system (DMS) installed in 10 car models, in addition to the eight Chery models previously awarded to Cipia, according to a press release on September 12. This new award more than doubles the number of Chery models to incorporate Cipia’s DMS, reaching 18 models. The new vehicles will be sold g...

Smart Eye has been selected by a Japanese automaker to supply its driver monitoring system (DMS) software to 12 car models, it said in a press release on September 6. The estimated revenue of the order is 500 million Swedish kronor (about $45 million) based on estimated product life-cycle projections. The new models will go into production in mid-2025. “Thanks to this latest deal we are firmly leading the Japanese [original equipment manufacturer] market. The road to get here has been ...

Interior-parts maker Kasai Kogyo Co. Ltd. has successfully developed thin initial thickness and highly foam injection molding, which are used in door trims for Toyota’s new Alphard and Vellfire models in Japan. In a press release dated August 31, Kasai said that the technology reduces the amount of plastic material used despite achieving optimal product performance. It leads to lightweighting of the vehicle and also to a reduction in CO2 emissions. Significance: The technology has been adop...

Carcoustics has announced that it will supply acoustical optimization for the engine-bay area and gear box of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC sport utility vehicle (SUV), it said in a press release dated July 24. The parts are manufactured at the company’s plants in Wrocław, Poland, and Haldensleben, Germany, and delivered to Mercedes-Benz plants in Sindelfingen and Bremen in Germany. Significance: The German supplier manufactures various car components including parts for the powertrain, exteri...

Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) will supply a high-end audio setup in models from the 5 Series and up, BMWBlog reported July 8. It also includes an upgraded 40-speaker, 1,965-watt system for the 7 Series G70. B&W’s 18 speaker system will be featured in the 5 Series and 17 in the i5. The Surround Sound System supplies 655 watts of power. It also features seven 25-mm aluminum tweeters and seven 100-mm midrange speakers. Four midrange speakers use Continuum tech to reduce distortions. Si...

Toyota Boshoku has supplied interior seats for Toyota’s newest models, Alphard and Vellfire, according to a press release dated June 21. According to the press release, the fundamental design of the seats was overhauled, with measures to prevent vibrations and noise from being transmitted to the occupants. The automaker has also increased the space between the front and second-row seats, and between the second row and third-row seats by 5 mm and 10 mm respectively. Significance: Focusing on...

NSG Group has announced that a vanity mirror with antifouling coating technology will be used in the Executive Lounge grades for Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, a company press release dated June 22 read. The vanity mirror is usually installed behind the sun visors in the front seats and in the rear seats of the Executive Lounge grades for Alphard and Vellfire. It is also integrated into the table on the second-row seat, instead of the conventional ceiling-mounting type. Significance: NSG used i...

Cipia has announced that a leading global original equipment manufacturer has started production on three car models that will integrate Cipia’s Driver Sense driver monitoring system (DMS). The three vehicles are being produced for the global market, including the US, according to a press release dated June 6. “The start of production of these models marks another remarkable milestone in our technological journey,” said Yehuda Holtzman, CEO of Cipia. “It is another example of our...

Grammer AG (Grammer) announced that it has worked with BMW Group to develop the center armrest for the i7 model, according to a company press release dated May 11. The armrest featured integrated heating with 3D-molded real glass applications. Materials such as perforated leather or cashmere were used for the surfaces. “One focus of our collaboration with the BMW Group was to use the center armrest as a central element to underscore the very special luxurious atmosphere ...

Volvo Car Corp. (Volvo) has announced that its EX90 all-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) will come equipped with Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity sound system, a company press release dated May 10 read. Occupants of the seven seater will be able to enjoy 3D surround sound from the 25 speakers throughout the cabin. “For the new Volvo EX90, Bowers & Wilkins was a natural and obvious choice as the partner for our premium audio system. Its highly acclaimed approach to sound exude...

HARMAN International Industries, Inc. (HARMAN) has announced a collaboration with Abarth, under which the sound company will equip the Abarth 500e model with a JBL premium sound system, a company press release on May 4 read. The JBL audio system is standard on the new Abarth 500e Turismo version. “JBL and Abarth share a love of great design, impeccable quality and great music played loud, and we are thrilled with our collaboration on the new Abarth 500e. Stylish, bold and lou...

According to a press release on April 27, Tobii announced that it has been selected by the world’s largest automotive Tier-1 supplier based in Germany to deliver its software for driver monitoring systems (DMS). The company said that this is its first design win. This design win is with a commercial vehicle manufacturer with multiple brands headquartered in Europe for 25 heavy vehicle models. Tobii is expected to receive license revenues starting in 2025. Significance: Over the next...

Teijin Automotive Technologies will supply exterior elements including right and left doors, right and left rear-quarter panels, and tailgate inner, outer and lower shells for Lotus Emira, it said in a press release dated April 26. The doors, rear quarter and tailgate exterior panels are made with proprietary Tough Class A (TCA) Ultra Lite materials, which are up to 43% lighter than traditional composite material and weighs about the same as aluminum. “The body panels of the Lotus E...

Qualcomm has announced that the All-new Espace will be powered by its Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, adding ultrafast and reliable connectivity to its already impressive list of features, according to Qualcomm EU’s twitter post on April 11. Renault unveiled its All-new Espace, the new people-carrier seating five or seven, which will join the lineup leading the brand’s charge in the C and D segments. Its outer dimensions are smaller and it is 215 kg lighter than its predecessor, an...

Magna International is planning to set up a new plant in Auburn Hills, Mich., which would be used to supply seats for General Motors electric vehicles (EVs), The Detroit News reported on March 30. Magna will reportedly invest over $100 million on the plant. Construction is expected to begin in July 2023 and be completed in November 2024. The plant is expected to create 500 new jobs. The proposed facility would supply seats for vehicles built in GM’s Orion plant. The facility is expe...

FRX Innovations announced that Chiao Fu Enterprise recently commercialized its Nofia-based polyurethane (PU) foam application with a Chinese automotive OEM, according to a company press release dated March 15.  “Chiaofu is an important FRX customer and partner in the Chinese polyurethane automotive foam sector. The Chinese automotive passenger-compartment specifications are among the toughest in the world. Foam used must meet flame-retardancy standards, as well as delive...

Cipia announced that it has been awarded a design win from an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in the US, the company said in a press release on 14 March. Cipia’s Driver Sense Driver Monitoring System (DMS) and Cabin Sense Occupancy Monitoring System (OMS) will be integrated into an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) model, which is expected to go into production in 2024. The SUV will be sold globally. “This design win with a second US auto manufacturer further cements Cipia’s ...

Cipia has announced that the company had secured a design win with an additional Chinese OEM together with tier-1 HiRain, according to a press release on 15 January 2023. Cipia's Driver Sense Driver Monitoring System (DMS) will be incorporated into a pickup truck model that will be sold in South America, Australia and New Zealand. Cipia's DMS will run on an OmniVision system-on-chip (SoC). The model is expected to start production in 2023. This is Cipia's first design victory with bot...

According to a press release on 22 December 2022, Seeing Machines announced that it has been appointed by an existing tier-1 customer to deliver its FOVIO Driver and Occupant Monitoring System (DMS/OMS) for an additional program with an existing large European-based global automotive group (OEM) customer.  Seeing Machines continues to expand as an automotive tech company in Driver and Occupant Monitoring Systems, having won a total of 15 automotive contracts spanning 10 various OEMs and ...

Toyoda Gosei has developed a new luxurious faux leather steering wheel, which will be first used in the Lexus RX, it said in a press release dated 21 December. The steering wheels were developed in partnership with Seiren. A special coating is applied to the surface to give a smoother and softer feel while also preventing surface deterioration from sweat or cosmetics. Significance: Toyoda Gosei has a lineup of luxury specifications for steering wheels, using real leather and real wood in addi...

Veoneer's Restraint Control Systems (RCS) business has been awarded a significant, long-term contract to deliver next-generation product to one of North America's largest OEMs, according to a press release on 16 December 2022. In 2026, Veoneer will begin delivering the restraint control system to four of the North American OEM's vehicle platforms, including its electric vehicles (EVs). Restraint Control Systems (RCS) from Veoneer activate the vehicle's passive safety systems, such as tight...

Smart Eye has received an order with a global tier-1 supplier, estimated at up to 53 design wins from a North American OEM in a deal worth around SEK800 million (USD78 million), according to a company press release dated 15 December. “This new order, which has been in the making for some time, means three things for us. Firstly, we solidify our position on the important European market, estimated to be 18 million vehicles in 2026. Secondly, it puts us in the lead in North America, expected ...

From the first rumblings out of China in December 2020 the semiconductor has gone on to dominate discussions around the automotive sector. The issues are still ongoing – just last week Jaguar Land Rover announced it was slowing production of certain models due to a continuing supply squeeze – and a few voices in the industry are being heard speculating that the crunch will last until 2026. To get a perspective on the current situation and future developments we talked with Jeremie Bouchaud, ...

Smart Eye has been selected to deliver its driver monitoring system (DMS) software for a luxury electric car by a European premium car manufacturer, according to a company press release on 23 November. The automaker has already integrated Smart Eye’s software in an earlier model. The new vehicle model should start production in the first half of 2024 with an estimated revenue of SEK10 million, based on product life cycle volume projections. “We are once again pleased to have an existin...

Lear has announced that the company will supply its premium and fully recyclable ReNewKnit sueded material for use in seating and door panel applications to a global automaker in 2024, it said in a press release on 26 October. Frank Orsini, Executive Vice President and President of Lear's Seating business, said, “At Lear, we are positioning our surface material offerings to what we believe is the future—a global circular economy where repurposed textiles can be infinitely recycled to beco...

Magna has announced that it entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Guangdong Huatie-Tongda Express Train Systems Inc. (Huatie) to supply seating systems to new energy vehicle (NEV) automakers in Qingdao, Shandong Province, mainland China, according to a press release published by Magna on 20 October. Global VP and Managing Director of Magna Seating Asia Guanmin Chen said, “Entering a joint venture with Huatie helps us further align with trends in China’s mobility marke...

Faurecia announced that the company has been testing new bio-based materials as a lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions alternative to animal or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) synthetic leather for use in trim solutions on seats and to cover surfaces of the vehicle interior such as the instrument panel, door panel, or center console, it said in a press release on 11 October. Nicolas Michot, Faurecia Seating Technology Director, said, “Our customers are extremely interested in new materials that su...

Smart Eye has announced in a press release on 19 October 2022 that it will provide six new models with its AI-based technologies. The major Korean automaker previously decided to use Smart Eye's software in 17 of its earlier vehicle models and is now expanding the technology to a number of its newer vehicles on a new platform. Smart Eye will deliver its driver monitoring system (DMS) software to six additional car models. The estimated revenue of the order is SEK100 million based on estimated...

Gentherm has announced via a press release on 18 October that it supplied its in-cabin ClimateSense technology for Cadillac’s all-new Celestiq. Phil Eyler, Gentherm’s president and CEO, said, “We are honored that the Cadillac Celestiq will feature the industry’s first deployment of our ClimateSense system that offers advanced cabin climate technologies, electronics, and software algorithms that help deliver luxurious, efficient, and personalized comfort for every occupant. The Climate...

Cipia has announced that it has secured three additional design wins with Chery, in a press release dated 18 October. The latest win takes the total number of design deals to six models with the carmaker. All models are set to start production in 2023. The vehicle models will be sold in Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. “We are delighted that Chery has demonstrated its confidence in Cipia’s DMS solutions and has committed to deepening our relationship with these new design awards. W...

Faurecia, a FORVIA company has announced that it signed a strategic partnership with China-based new energy vehicle (NEV) company LeapMotor to develop sustainable automotive seating supply chain, ChinaEVs reported on 9 October.    Significance: Automakers are offering new seats with sensors that can assess occupants' health and stress levels while they are in the vehicle as they look beyond ensuring safety and comfort for occupants. As a result, seats are becoming more intelligent, ...

BASF has announced via press release on 12 October that it partnered with Mercedes-Benz, Pyrum Innovations AG, WITTE Automotive and developed automotive components from mass-balanced plastics.   Dr. Martin Jung, President of Performance Materials, BASF, said, “Solutions like these help our customers meet their sustainability goals. This is our Go!Create approach: we invite all our customers and partners to join us in shaping the path towards a circular economy with plastics. With this ...

Citroën has unveiled its all-electric Oli concept vehicle featuring sustainable materials, according to a press release published by the automaker on 29 September. Pierre Sabas, head of Citroën Advanced Design and Concept Vehicles, said, “We set ambitious targets and it became an exercise in “design by process”—instead of imagining a shape and trying to find a way to do it, we started with the functionality we wanted, then we simplified everything and found clever, responsible mater...

Shanghai Dayin Technology has announced that it selected BlackBerry QNX acoustics technology to power the company’s "Yin" 2.0 app, set to be used within the intelligent cockpit for Great Wall Motors’ premium WEY Mocha, Latte, and Macchiato vehicle lines, BlackBerry said in a press release on 28 September. Dhiraj Handa, VP, Channel, Partners and Asia-Pacific, BlackBerry IoT, said, “We are pleased to join forces with Dayin Technology to develop the advanced vehicle acoustic solutions that...

Qualcomm Technologies has announced via press release on 23 September that its Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions will be integrated to upcoming Mercedes-Benz models. Nakul Duggal, senior vice president and GM, automotive, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., said, “We are proud to bring our Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions to Mercedes-Benz. Our technology partnership is transforming Mercedes-Benz vehicles as we deliver unparalleled compute, performance, artificial intelligence (AI) and safet...

Ultrafabrics has announced that it is supplying Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM) with animal free, high-performance sustainable fabrics for TPEM’s new Avinya concept interior surfaces, Automotive Interiors World reported on 21 September. Nicole Meier, director of branding, Ultrafabrics, said, “We’re delighted to be working with TPEM and being part of this amazing project. EV is the future of mobility, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved here with TPEM. The Avinya Con...

Electric vehicle (EV) maker Tuga Innovations has announced that it signed a non-binding letter of intent with air purification specialist Rensair to integrate air quality technology into Tuga product line, the EV maker said in a press release on 14 September. Frederik Hendriksen, cofounder of Rensair, said, “We are thrilled with the possible opportunity to work with Tuga Innovations to develop a new standard for air quality within urban mobility. Like in buildings, the air quality inside ve...

Alcantara has announced that it is supplying Peugeot with leather interiors for its new 408 fastback silhouette, it said in a press release on 15 September.   Significance: The interior of the new 408 is upholstered in plain black Mistral Alcantara. This particular black color was developed particularly for Peugeot, and the finishing touches include matching stitching that surround the core area of the seat with a typical geometric pattern, where Alcantara is effectively combined with ot...

Magna has announced via press release on 19 September that it is supplying rear thermoplastic swing doors for Volkswagen’s all-electric ID.Buzz. Grahame Burrow, President, Magna Exteriors, said, “Lightweight components are increasingly important with the shift to electrification, and we see an ever-growing demand for new access solutions. Magna has been on the forefront of next generation thermoplastic liftgates and now we are taking that expertise to develop numerous integration possibil...

Hexpol TPE has announced that it partnered with premium electric vehicle (EV) maker Polestar as part of the Polestar 0 project, it said in a press release on 14 September. Thomas Nilsson, managing director Hexpol TPE AB, said, “This is a very inspiring project to be part of. It aligns with our work to enable a systems transformation in the polymer industry. To bring a true change, we need to collaborate on an unprecedented scale. We’ve already started the work and are excited to see where...

Macroblock has announced that it will supply mini led driver integrated circuits (ICs) for use in heads-up display (HUD) in Li Auto’s smart electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), Worldakkam reported on 3 September.   Significance: Instead of a conventional dashboard, a 13.3” miniLED-backlit LCD HUD combined with a safe-driving touch-bar screen displays all of the information the driver requires onto the front windshield, report added. The miniLED driver IC improves the brightness and ...

Cipia has announced that it has secured a design win from Chery for a sport utility vehicle (SUV), according to a press release on 18 August. Cipia will integrate its Driver Sense DMS running on Ambarella's CV28 SoC into the SUV model. The vehicle will be sold in Europe, South America, Australia, Middle East and Africa, with production expected to begin in the third quarter of 2023. “Driver Sense DMS is robust, computationally lean and enables OEMs and Tier 1s to meet the strict regula...

Swedish digital audio developer Dirac has announced via press release on 16 August that it has collaborated with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker NIO to power ET7’s audio system featuring sound optimization solution Dirac Opteo Professional. Danilo Teobaldi, NIO Engineers VP, said, “At NIO, we wanted to deliver the ultimate immersive sound experience in the ET7—so that passengers across all seats can listen to music as if they were in a concert hall. As we knew doing so required more...

Toyota Boshoku has announced that its seating and interior components have been equipped in the Toyota Crown Crossover, the Japanese supplier said in a press release on 21 July. According to the press release, Toyota Boshoku through these offerings for Toyota’s new Crown aims to be an end-to-end integrated interior solutions supplier enabling production for the entire interior work as a turnkey offering. Significance: The Crossover’s seat surface features luminous decoration that compl...

Continental has announced that it selected INOVYN’s polyvinyl chloride (PVC) BIOVYN for use in production of its technical and decorative surface material applications, the German supplier said in a press release on 4 August. Dr. Dirk Leiß, who leads Continental's Surface Solutions business area, said, “Major automotive manufacturers are now demanding more sustainable raw materials such as biobased polymers. With the fully bio-attributed PVC material, we meet these customers' demand, con...

Croatian components maker AD Plastik Group has announced long term deals with expected revenue of EUR31.2 million (USD32.93 million) with Stellantis Group for the European market over the estimated project duration of seven years, according to a press release published by AD Plastik on 28 July. Significance: AD Plastik specializes in the production of interior and exterior car components in Croatia. The company’s operational activities spread across more than 20 countries in five continents...

Scientists from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a sustainable polydiketoenamine (PDK) plastic to ensure efficient and responsible recycling, PlasticsToday reported on 20 July. Dr. Brett Helms, a staff scientist at Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry, said, "We generate staggering quantities of plastic and plastic-containing products each year, but only a tiny fraction of that plastic can be recovered and used to manufacture products of similar quality." According to report...

AD Plastik Group has announced new deals with Stellantis Group for the European market worth a total value of EUR85.9 million (USD90.51 million), according to a company press release on 23 June. The nine-year deal involves components production for several models. Significance: AD Plastik specializes in the production of interior and exterior car components in Croatia. The company’s operational activities spread across more than 20 countries in five continents. Its product portfolio include...

Swiss natural fibre company Bcomp announced via press release on June 20 that its natural fiber reinforced plastic (NFRP) components had been extensively used by German automaker BMW in the new M4 GT4 model. According to the press release, the GT4 is now the serial GT vehicle with the highest proportion of natural fiber components. The Swiss company’s ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ flax fiber solutions had been used throughout the interior on the dashboard and center console, as well as ...

Cipia, a supplier of artificial intelligence (AI) computer vision in-cabin automotive solutions has announced that it has won a design contract for an electric vehicle (EV) with carmaker Chery to supply driver monitoring system (DMS) solutions, according to press release by Cipia published on 20 June 2022. The EV model is intended for the European and Latin American markets, with a planned start of production (SOP) in early 2023. The new model will include the recently announced integration o...

UltraSense Systems has developed touch solution to operate door and canopy entry/ closure system for AKXY2 concept car, according to a press release published by UltraSense Systems on 25 May. The touch user interface enables occupants with seamless door and canopy access replacing traditional door handles.   Daniel Goehl, chief business officer of UltraSense Systems, said, "We are excited about the adoption and showcasing of our touch solution for the entry/closure system by Asahi Kasei ...

Supplier of automotive interior components Grammer AG has announced via press release on 19 May that the company supplied center console for Volkswagen’s Multivan. The new Multivan features redesigned interior space, the shift-by-wire system has enabled Volkswagen to relocate the gear selector and handbrake from the center tunnel to the instrument panel. The space gained in this relocation allowed designers to install a rail system that runs from the first row of seats to the third one in t...

Toyota Boshoku has announced that its seating and interior components have been equipped in Toyota’s bZ4X battery electric vehicle (BEV), the Japanese supplier said in a press release on 13 May.    According to the press release, the BEV features sport-style seats, rear row seating with two-stage reclining mechanism for added passenger comfort, and convenient luggage space. Toyota Boshoku has used seat covering materials for surfaces that come into contact with occupants...

Japanese supplier AGC has announced that the company supplied its light-control panoramic roof with Low-E coating for upcoming Lexus’ all-electric RZ battery electric vehicle (BEV), according to a press release by AGC on 11 May. The new light control sunroof with high solar control and heat insulating performance allows the panoramic roof to provide both an open cabin environment and maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, while the exclusion of a sunshade contributes to a lighter structu...

Supplier of automotive interior components Grammer AG has announced via press release on 26 April that the company supplied ‘Float’ free-standing center console for BMW’s all-electric iX. According to press release, the Generation E center console was designed to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) throughout the module, that include parts such as lids or cupholder springs as well as to non-visible assemblies. Grammer also implemented a flow- and vibration-optimized design, use...

Alcantara is supplying its advanced leather material for the interior of the new BMW M8, according to a press release published by Alcantara on 30 March. The premium material will be used for seating, as well as upper door panels and instrument panel. The M8’s carbon fiber reinforced bucket seats are upholstered with Alcantara’s combination of Black and Sakhir Orange trim or Black and Midrand Beige. While the dashboard and upper panels are featured in Black Alcantara. The MY 2023 M8 Compe...

South Korea–based sustainable leather manufacturer, Atko announced that the company has supplied recycled leather to Hyundai Transys’s future mobility seat concept, according to a press release published by Atko on 24 February. The seat concept was showcased at the Lineapelle International Leather Fair held in Milan. Fulvia Bacchi, CEO, Lineapelle, said, “Our joint project with Hyundai Transys demonstrates how the leather business can coexist with the future mobility market, high-q...

Lear Corporation has been selected by General Motors (GM) to supply front and rear seating systems to the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado electric vehicle (EV) pickup, according to a press release by Lear Corporation on 9 March. Lear designed the foam, trim, structure, mechanism, plastics, and seat harness for the seats, at Lear’s new state-of-the-art facility in Detroit. Ray Scott, Lear president and CEO, said, “With the most complete capabilities of any seating supplier in the world, Lear...

Cipia has announced that its Driver Monitoring Solution (DMS) Driver Sense will be integrated into a new platform by an existing customer, a company press release dated 14 February read. The platform from a China-US OEM joint venture, is the 8th such integration for Cipia's DMS. Serial production is expected to begin in early 2023. “We're proud to expand our partnership to include the newest platform. The new platform is evidence of the adaptability of our DMS to integrate and operate acros...

Smart Eye has received a new Driver Monitoring System (DMS) design win from a European OEMs, it said in a press release on 7 February. The estimated revenue of the order is SEK50 million (USD5.5 million) based on estimated product life cycle projections. The potential of further design wins on this new platform is estimated at SEK500 million. “Yet another large carmaker is now secured for our automotive software offering, after a long and competitive procurement. We are confident that this ...

Magna has announced that it has been awarded a high-volume contract from a German automaker for a solution combining its camera, electronics and interior mirror technology from 2024, according to press release dated 7 February. “Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents globally and many markets are consequently making driver monitoring a standard safety technology. With our proven leadership and expertise in camera and mirror technology, it’s natural that ...

Cipia has partnered with a mainland Chinese automaker, under which its Driver Sense driver monitoring solution (DMS) will be integrated in two new models, a company press release dated 31 January read. The deployment will use an IR sensor placed above the steering wheel column, which will run on NVIDIA DRIVE Orin System on Chip (SoC) with commercial production for the models expected later in 2022. “With these new models, we continue to grow our strong presence in the Chinese automotive ...

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) forecasts that the auto component industry’s fiscal year (FY) 2020–21 revenue would decline 10–12% year on year (y/y) on account of COVID-19 led disruptions. The lobby body, however, is expected to release annual results on the industry’s performance during the last fiscal quarter later this year. “We have not yet prepared the actual numbers, but we expect that the auto parts industry has performed better than t...

Webasto is supplying sliding panorama sunroof for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the company said in a press release on 2 June 2021. The large glass surface provides a bright ambiance in the sedan’s interior. Shading can be provided as required via two separately controllable roller blinds. Operation of the modular roof system and blinds takes place conveniently and individually via gesture and voice control. The roof can be opened completely in just eight seconds. The elegant, 73-cm-long glas...

Webasto has developed convertible roof for the new BMW 4 Series, according to a company press release on 11 May. The roof with innovative panel bow roof design with four elements has lightweight construction and offers acoustic comfort to passengers. Webasto has used innovative materials and sophisticated kinematics. When closed, the folding roof spans the passenger compartment seamlessly in an elegant arc. “The highlight here is the combination of panel bow elements that abut each other witho...

AD Plastik Group has secured new orders from Volkswagen and Stellantis worth EUR9.8 million (USD11.88 million), Croatian manufacturer of plastic products said in a press release on 10 May 2021. The company bagged new orders from VW Group worth EUR7.5 million for the Russian market with an estimated project duration of eight years. For the European market, AD Plastik has received new deals from Stellantis Group worth EUR2.3 million, and an estimated project duration of seven years. Significanc...

Continental has supplied multiple essential technologies for Volkswagen’s ID.4 electric vehicle (EV), according to a 28 April press release. Continental has supplied software and central computer architecture, brakes, and thermal management, for example for cooling the batteries. Continental also said that for emission-free vehicles like the ID.4, it will already be achieving its carbon-neutrality target in the course of the year. Significance: All equipment variants of the ID.4 come with t...

Grupo Antolin is supplying door panels, headliners, ambient lighting for instrument panels, seat plastic parts, exterior wheel liners, and wheel arch cladding to the new ŠKODA Kushaq compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) in India, Spain-based automotive supplier informed on networking site LinkedIn. Grupo Antolin is supplying these components from its India facilities located in Chakan and Ranjangaon, both in Maharashtra.   Significance: Earlier this week ŠKODA unveiled its all-new Kush...

Faurecia is supplying SmartVent ventilation and thermal management solutions and other technologies from its Interiors, Seating and Clean Mobility Business Groups for the new DS4 sport utility vehicle (SUV), the French supplier said in a press release on 22 March 2021. Faurecia Interiors will also provide various internal components of the new DS4, including the instrument panel, which is made from the sustainable NAFILean ® biocomposite, and the door panels. In addition, the French company ...

Vehicle manufacturers in the United States may face seat foam shortage in the next few weeks due the severe winter storm that hit Texas last month and caused one of the worst electric grid outages recently, Automotive News reported on 7 March. The electric grid outages forced oil refineries in Texas to shut down operations, which impacted the supply of raw materials used in seat foam. Significance: Foam used in car seats is generally made with polyurethane, which is produced using propylene o...

Continental has secured an order to supply digital instrument clusters to Hyundai Motor India for its Venue and Verna models, according to a report by Autocar Professional on 21 December. To fulfil this order, Continental has expanded its production and development capabilities at its manufacturing plant in Bangalore, Karnataka. “We are upbeat about the growth potential of products, software, and services that enrich the user experience (UX) of vehicle drivers and passengers in India. ...

German supplier ZF Friedrichshafen will provide occupant safety systems and chassis modules for the new Zoox robo-taxi, according to a ZF press release on 17 December 2020. These solutions include airbags mounted in the roof and in the seats. The challenge is the innovative camp-fire seating position which means that two passengers will be forward-looking and two passengers backward-looking. The usual occupant safety systems are optimized for forward-looking occupants. The safety concept for thi...

Maserati is planning to use Alcantara in the all-new MC20 supercar’s interior, Alcantara S.p.A announced in a press release on 22 September. The premium material will be used for seating, as well as on its headliner, door pillars, side panels, steering wheel, and instrument panel. The new MC20 is expected to appear in North American dealerships in 2021 with a price starting at about USD195,000. Significance: The Alcantara material is produced by Alcantara S.p.A, which is owned by Toray. Acc...

Japanese supplier AGC has developed light control glass called WONDERLITETM Dx, for the panoramic sunroof of Toyota's new Harrier, which went on sale on 17 June 2020, according to a company press release. The new light control glass WONDERLITETM Dx is composed of a specialized film encapsulated between layers of interlayer in laminated automotive glass. The film contained within is packed with a special material too small to be perceived by the naked eye. Around 99% of ultraviolet rays are ...

Japanese interior parts supplier TS Tech has developed a lightweight seat for the new Honda FIT in Japan, according to a company press release on 1 April. The next generation seat frame uses ultra-high-tensile steel and weight reduction technologies such as thin-plate welding technology. TS Tech claims it to be 2.28% lighter, thus achieving the world's top level of lightness and contributes to improved fuel efficiency. Significance: The company claims that its new soft seat is less tiring, ev...

Toyota Boshoku has developed new seat mechanism components, the company said in a press release on 14 November. The Japan-based company is supplying these seat mechanism components in the second-row, four-way power seats for the Mazda CX-8 three-row crossover. The crossover went on sale in Japan last month. According to Toyota Boshoku, the new mechanism components support automatic reclining and sliding adjustments of second-row seats. The feature includes a power walking-in mechanism that au...

BASF will be supplying Elastoflex® flexible polyurethane (PU) foam systems to Hyundai for the production of its car seats at the automaker’s plant in Ulsan, South Korea, BASF said in a press release on 23 October. The highly resilient PU foam is a low volatile organic compound (VOC) solution ideal for use in automotive applications such as seats and headrests. Compared to conventional foams, Elastoflex provides higher comfort, improved elasticity, and better load-bearing properties, said BASF...

Croatia-based supplier of plastic components AD Plastik has secured orders worth EUR26.1 million (USD29.5 million) from Groupe PSA (PSA) to supply various parts, according to a company press release in April this year. The order includes EUR1.7 million worth of deals for supply of speaker brackets for PSA’s Citroen Picasso and C-Elysee. The start of production for this order is planned for 2020 with a projected duration of eight years. The company also won deals worth EUR3 million for ...

Croatia-based supplier of plastic components AD Plastik has secured orders worth EUR20.7 million (USD23.4 million) from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to supply interior parts, according to a company press release in April this year. The company will supply interior components and air ducts for the Fiat 500e. The value of this project is EUR13.9 million and the estimated project duration is eight years, with serial production planned to start in 2020. In addition, the company will suppl...

Borealis has recently won an order to supply its newly developed Daplen EE058AI polypropylene (PP) compound for the new Škoda Scala compact car and the new Kamiq sports utility vehicle (SUV), the company announced at the VDI Plastics in Automotive Engineering (PIAE) congress at the Rosengarten Congress Centre in Mannheim, Germany, last week. At the show, Borealis presented various first commercial interior applications, including lower dashboard, glove box and center console mouldings used in t...

Grupo Antolin has announced plans to open a new plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico, the company said on 4 April. The new Mexican plant will supply door panels and instrument panels for electric vehicles (EV) that Ford plans to produce in Mexico for the global market. In addition to the new Cuautitlan plant, its Arteaga and Toluca plants will also address the automaker’s requirements, the company said. The new Cuautitlan plant is expected to create more than 100 jobs. Significance: The plant i...

Visteon has launched the first 3D fully digital instrument cluster on the all-new Peugeot 208, the company announced on 28 March. The 3D technology is currenly only available on high-end versions of the Peugeot 208 and will later be provided in several variants in the Groupe PSA brand line in several sizes over the coming years. “Visteon’s first-to-market solution brings 3D technology to an exciting vehicle segment with mass market appeal. With distracted driving conti...

Ficosa and Panasonic are supplying co-developed interior rear-view mirror with electronic toll collection (ETC) 2.0 for the new BMW X5 model in Japan¸ Ficosa announced in a press release on 25 March. The ETC 2.0 interior rear-view mirror includes an improved inbuilt unit for motorway toll automatic payment. The rear-view mirror will now feature as a standard in Japan for the new BMW X5, which was released last month. Panasonic is providing ETC wireless communication technology for the elec...

Swiss car design house Rinspeed will showcase its microSNAP electric autonomous concept, featuring several technologies from Gentex, at the CES 2019 scheduled next month, Gentex said in a press release 21 December. The US-based automotive supplier has supplied a biometric iris-scanning system for occupant recognition, an in-cabin monitoring system, and dimmable glass panels that darken on demand or in conjunction with sensor functions.   According to Gentex, its iris-scanning s...

INEOS Styrolution is supplying acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) materials for NIO’s new ES8 electrical vehicle (EV), according to a company press release yesterday (11 December). The company is supplying three of its grades from their family of ABS materials for applications such as door panel, mirror housing and B-pillar. For door panel, INEOS is providing Terluran GP-22 grade that offers good impact resistance, great mechanical strength and rigidity and a high quality surface finish and...

Toyota Boshoku is supplying seats and door trims for the new Lexus UX model that went on sale this month, according to a company press release yesterday (10 December). The Japanese supplier has developed sports seats exclusively for the sporty version "F SPORT”. The seat designed for this model offers excellent fit and hold performance using the company’s proprietary epidermis integral foaming method. Significance: Toyota Boshoku has supplied interior parts for other Lexus models as well....

Recaro Automotive Seating will supply seats for Renault’s new Mégane R.S. Trophy sports car, according to a company press release on 22 November. The Recaro seats, which are also optionally available for the Renault Mégane R.S, offer excellent body support. The company explained that its premium performance seats are characterized by pronounced body support of the shoulders and upper body – resulting in the occupant sitting “in”, rather than “on”, the seat. The seats also offe...

Gentherm is supplying a suite of passenger comfort thermal solutions for certain BMW models, the company announced in a press release on 23 October. The company is supplying solutions such as heated front and back seats, ventilated seats, heated armrests, heated steering wheel and heated and cooled cup holders. The solutions will be equipped in model year (MY) 2019 BMW X5, BMW X7, BMW 8 Series Coupé and 8 Series Convertible. “We are honored that BMW, one of our longstanding customers, has ...