Vehicle Tech Week Europe 2026 opened this morning at Messe Stuttgart, in Germany, bringing together the full vehicle technology ecosystem across Automotive Interiors Expo Europe, Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo Europe and Automotive Testing Expo Europe.
From test, development and validation to autonomous mobility, in-cabin innovation, materials, design and next-generation vehicle technologies, thousands of industry professionals are on-site to source new solutions, strengthen supplier partnerships and discover the ideas shaping the future of mobility.
Keep reading to see just a few highlights of what Day 1 at Automotive Interiors Expo has had to offer so far…
The exhibition
Pröll shows new light-scattering lacquer for interiors and exteriors
Pröll has been showing how its new Noriphan HTR N 093/800 light-scattering lacquer can be used for lighting applications in automotive interiors and exteriors. In exterior bezels with ambient lighting, luminescent shapes can be integrated into large panels. Interior panels with lighting applications benefit from unique homogenization of the light source in the screen-printing design.
“Films printed with the light-scattering lacquer have a whiteish, diffuse appearance with a high light-scattering effect and high transmission,” said Stefan Zäh, manager of marketing communication. “A first serial front lighting application for a German OEM is in production!”
See Proell’s light-scattering lacquer at Booth 3232.
Fukuvi shows light guiding bar and Harzlas coating technology for anti-reflective materials
Visitors to Fukuvi’s booth have been experiencing the company’s light guiding bar and Harzlas coating technology for anti-reflective cover materials. The light guiding bar allows designers to create PFAS-free bright ambient lighting with high flexibility. Inabata’s Harzlas can be used to create highly transparent, low-reflectance cover panels to protect navigation systems, instrument panels and other components while improving visibility.
“We want to learn about the current challenges in automotive interior design and how customers evaluate the optical performance and durability of new materials for future projects,” said business development and sales representative Yuto Saiki. “Our products are made to order and customizable to customers’ needs.”
Find out more at Booth 3608.
Molex displays FPCAs for next‑generation vehicle architectures
Molex Connectivity has been highlighting its fully integrated, production‑ready FPCAs for next‑generation vehicle architectures. Features include space optimization (ultra-compact designs); system simplification (replaces wiring harnesses and rigid PCBs); and integrated functionality (combined components). The company is talking to visitors about space constraints and packaging challenges, replacing/optimizing traditional harnesses and PCB architectures, and their customization needs and system-level integration complexity.
“At Automotive Interiors Expo 2026, we’re spotlighting compact FPCA solutions that cut complexity and power smarter system integration,” said Santiago Santolaya Cruz, business development manager for printed circuit solutions.
See the FCPAs at Booth 3518.
L.A.S Laser Art Style showcases aesthetic audio integration
Visitors to L.A.S’s booth have been enjoying the company’s range of new developments that combine technological innovation with advanced design research. An eye-catching headliner on display looks almost like a framed piece of art that enhances the overall cabin environment. Another highlight is the company’s speaker grilles, featuring geometric patterns with sharp, precise lines, and premium materials including leather and technical fabrics.
“We have already received very positive feedback,” said business account manager Sabrina Lattanzi. “The strong interest shown by designers, OEMs and customers visiting our booth confirms the value of our technological expertise and reinforces our position as a trusted partner and reference point in the automotive interiors industry.”
Find out more at Booth 3410.
Innovation Showcase and workshop
The Innovation Showcase offers visitors a close-up look at the ideas and technologies shaping automotive interiors. Sessions have been exploring advances in smart surfaces, sustainable and circular materials, coatings and finishes, acoustic solutions and simulation-driven development – alongside innovations in comfort, durability and in-cabin well-being.
Standout presentations this morning included, ‘Smart surfaces, low-gloss switches and displays for software-defined interiors’ from MacDermid Alpha, and CeNTI’s ‘Advanced and sustainable solutions for next-generation automotive interiors’.
This afternoon, don’t miss the networking workshop (3:45-5pm), titled ‘Innovation in the value chain – sustainability, innovation and resilience’. Powered by ICEX, this interactive session will bring together Spanish automotive interior innovators to rethink sustainable, agile and resilient supply chains. Hear from Iker Arroyo Moso, head of in-mold electronics, Eurecat; Joseba Garai, KAM sales engineer, Walter Pack; Pilar Muñoz Juncosa, commercial counselor at the Economic and Trade Commission, Embassy of Spain.
See the full Innovation Showcase schedule here.
Still to come tomorrow…
InteriVision Forum
Explore key developments in next-generation cabin interiors, including future cabin architecture, CMF and material systems, improvements in closed-loop circularity, immersive digital experiences and in-cabin technology. Hear from Porsche Consulting, Walki Group, Valeo, Diconium (a Volkswagen company), Changan Automobile, Geely, Stellantis, Taktilesdesign and Grewus.
Highlights are set to include panel discussions titled End-of-life vehicles – advancing circularity in interior systems’ (Porsche Consulting, Royal College of Art, BASF, Eurecat) and ‘CMF design in the era of the digital cabin – how can CMF design shape the soul of the digital cabin?’ (Geely, Stellantis, Changan Automobile, Diconium – a Volkswagen company), and Taktilesdesign talking about ‘The digital master sample: how to bring CMF design to production.
Read more about the themes of the InteriVision Forum here.
Awards
Meet in the Atrium from 4:30pm (ceremony at 5:15pm) for drinks and to celebrate industry achievements across 13 categories, including the new Vehicle Tech Week Trailblazer Awards (which will recognize talent from the automotive interiors world), the Automotive Testing Technology International Awards and the ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle International Awards.
Automotive Interiors Expo, part of Vehicle Tech Week Europe, runs until Thursday, 25 June. Click here to register for your free pass to Vehicle Tech Week Europe 2026
