Automotive Interiors World speaks to Yanfeng CTO Patrick Nebout about the cutting-edge interior technologies enhancing the user experience ahead of his presentation at Automotive Interiors Expo North America 2024, taking place at the Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, Michigan, on October 22, 23 and 24.
Yanfeng is known for integrating cutting-edge technologies into automotive interiors. What emerging technologies are you most excited about that will redefine the in-cabin experience for passengers?
Yanfeng is at the forefront of revolutionizing the in-cabin experience through a suite of emerging technologies, like the ClickRim, a modular steering wheel that significantly reduces production time and CO2 emissions by allowing customizable segments to be clipped onto the steering wheel rim. ClickRim integrates advanced features such as lighting, hands-off detection and heating mats, enhancing both safety and sustainability.
Additionally, Yanfeng’s Smart Cabin technologies are set to transform the onboard experience by integrating smart surfaces, health and wellness features on seats, and connectivity. These technologies create a versatile and comfortable environment, tailored to the needs of modern passengers.
Sustainability is a key focus in automotive design today. How is Yanfeng leveraging technology to create eco-friendly materials and processes that align with the future of sustainable automotive interiors?
Yanfeng has achieved an A– CDP scoring for the third consecutive time: we are deeply committed to sustainability in automotive design and development. Yanfeng is leveraging advanced technologies to create eco-friendly materials and processes:
- Since 2022 we have published the Design for Sustainability (DFS) Work Instruction, and we evaluate our lifecycle assessment (LCA) for our products and the related innovations.
- We consider both physical and chemical recycling throughout the lifecycle of a vehicle via partnership with upstream suppliers and cooperation with OEMs. Besides, our in-house Materials Research Institute develops sustainable materials formulation.
- We develop ecoSkin, a product-process innovation that reduce CO2 emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We apply Compression Hybrid Molded (CHyM) material, made from 50% bast fibers and 50% polypropylene fibers, in over 14 million interior products globally, saving 3,300,000kg of plastics through the end of 2023.
With the rapid advancement of autonomous driving, how is Yanfeng preparing to reshape automotive interiors to meet the demands of fully autonomous vehicles? What role does smart technology play in this transformation?
In China, the customers are expecting zero-gravity seats. We already introduced the Hover Seat, an innovation enabling an enhanced relaxed position, and we are working on the Safe Unit, which will bring full comfort and enhanced safety in any driving condition for autonomous driving Level 3 and above.
We also focus on tailored human-machine interfaces (HMI) that enhance passenger comfort, efficient control and command by enabling intuitive interactions, similar to a smartphone interface.
The convergence of design and technology is essential for modern automotive interiors. How do you ensure seamless collaboration between these areas to create user-friendly, tech-enabled cabin environments?
Yanfeng is in a unique position, enabling design and development of complete cabin solutions via the cross-business unit collaboration between our interior, electronics, and passive safety product departments. In addition, our advanced engineering team is a global organization, which is cross-products and cross-regions to provide the best support to our customers.
We form interdisciplinary teams that include designers, engineers and product experts who work together from concept to production, integrating design and technology seamlessly. By focusing on human-centered design principles, we prioritize user needs and experiences, ensuring that the technology integrated into the cabin is intuitive and aesthetically pleasing without compromising safety and sustainability.
What are the biggest challenges Yanfeng sees in maintaining a balance between innovation, safety and regulatory compliance in the development of future automotive interiors?
Yanfeng is not making any compromise on safety, nor regulatory requirements concerning the introduction of innovation. Yanfeng continuously updates its designs and processes to keep up with technological advancements without compromising safety or sustainability. We also see consumers increasingly expect to have seamless experiences between their home, their consumer electronics products and the automotive interior. Our biggest challenges are to integrate these expected features in our products while respecting the need to meet stringent safety requirements and our commitment to eco-friendly solutions.
Yanfeng CTO Patrick Nebout will give a presentation titled ‘Innovate for intuitive automotive interiors user experience’ at 10:20am on Day 2 (October 23) at the InteriVision Summit at Automotive Interiors Expo North America 2024.
To find out more about Automotive Interiors Expo North America and to register to attend the expo and InteriVision Summit, please visit the website.
