Autoliv and Tensor have introduced a foldable steering wheel designed for use in autonomous vehicles. The foldable steering wheel responds to the industry’s transition toward high-level automation, where traditional steering wheels may limit interior space and layout flexibility. The design aims to support changes in interior layouts for autonomous vehicles and enable flexibility for those inside the vehicle.

Integrated with Tensor Robocar’s autonomous driving system, the steering wheel retracts in Level 4 mode – where the vehicle can handle all driving tasks within defined conditions without human intervention, clearing the driver’s area entirely. This transformation not only improves comfort but also reimagines the cabin as a multifunctional space.

Continue reading Autoliv and Tensor reimagine autonomous vehicle interiors with the folding steering wheel at Automotive Interiors World.

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the Vision Iconic show car, a concept that bridges the past and future, delivering an “opulent yet timeless presence”.

“Vision Iconic embodies our vision for the future of mobility. With groundbreaking innovations such as neuromorphic computing, steer-by-wire, solar paint and Level 4 highly automated driving, along with state-of-the-art technology, we are setting new standards for the electric and digital age. This beautiful vehicle is a testament to our commitment to making the mobility of tomorrow a reality today,” said Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management and chief technology officer, development and procurement, at Mercedes‑Benz Group.

Continue reading Art deco meets AI in Mercedes-Benz’s Vision Iconic concept at Automotive Interiors World.

Nissan has launched its third-generation electric vehicle, the Leaf, which features an increased range, enhanced charging speed and a technology suite.

Nissan president and CEO Ivan Espinosa said, “The Nissan Leaf reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability. The original LEAF helped popularize electric vehicles, and this third generation invites consumers to embrace an EV lifestyle with a range of compelling features. It plays an important role in our Re:Nissan action plan, offering impressive performance, stylish design and advanced technology.”

Interior styling 

According to Nissan, the vehicle embodies the company’s timeless Japanese futurist design with a distinctive Japanese aesthetic conveyed in a simple yet powerfully modern way.

Continue reading Nissan launches next-generation Leaf at Automotive Interiors World.

After a highly anticipated two-year wait, Automotive Testing Expo India was held this week at the CTC Complex in Chennai. Over 200 industry-leading suppliers exhibited, showing cutting-edge advances in full-vehicle, component and systems development across two exhibition halls. Three days of conference sessions highlighted India’s capabilities in manufacturing, innovation, sustainability and technology, while fostering critical discussions on challenges and opportunities.

Automotive Testing Technology International, the official publication of Automotive Testing Expo, is a media partner of Automotive Interiors World.

SAEIndia Automotive Leadership Summit and decarbonization, energy, sustainability and skills development

The plenary session of the Automotive Leadership Summit – in association with SAEIndia – covered decarbonization, energy, sustainability and skills development.

Continue reading EXPO NEWS: Show highlights from Automotive Testing Expo India 2025 at Automotive Interiors World.

A highway navigation pilot offering Level 2+ automated driving functions is being developed by Lotus Robotics and Here. It will combine an advanced sensor perception stack with a high-precision map to enable enhanced driving and safety features, including hands-off driving in certain conditions.

The system, which is scheduled for homologation in Europe this year, will be integrated into upcoming Lotus vehicles and will be offered to other auto makers across Europe.

Lotus Robotics is engineering the L2+ solution, powered by the Here HD Live Map. The Lotus Highway Navigation Pilot is a full stack hardware and software solution for Level 2+ AD, including automated lane changes, highway transitions and passing maneuvers.

Continue reading Lotus and Here to co-develop L2+ automated driving Highway Navigation Pilot at Automotive Interiors World.

Tier IV, which provides open-source software for autonomous driving, has unveiled its latest prototype, a robotaxi designed to operate without a steering wheel or pedals. The prototype was first presented at an event organized by Kanagawa Prefecture, Sagamihara and Central Japan Railway on March 22.

Tier IV is sharing the design of the autonomous driving system – including vehicle specifications and software architecture – making it easier for companies in the automotive industry to enter the robotaxi market. Part of efforts to encourage a Japan-led standard for robotaxis, this prototype is poised to strengthen the nation’s position in the global robotaxi sector.

Continue reading Tier IV unveils interior-optimized robotaxi prototype for autonomous rides at Automotive Interiors World.

Tata Elxsi, a design and technology services company and Emerson, an automation company, have inaugurated the Tata Elxsi + NI Mobility Innovation Centre (TENMIC) in Bengaluru in India.

The facility integrates technologies and systems from Emerson’s test and measurement business with Tata Elxsi’s automotive engineering, data analytics and digitalization expertise. This collaboration provides solutions for SDVs, autonomous driving technologies and EV systems and batteries.

The launch event was attended by Manoj Raghavan, MD and CEO of Tata Elxsi; Ritu Favre, president of the test and measurement business group at Emerson; and Drita Roggenbuck, VP and GM of the transportation business unit at Emerson.

Continue reading Tata Elxsi and Emerson open facility to accelerate automotive development in India at Automotive Interiors World.

A new approach to urban autonomous mobility, known as Verne, has been unveiled by Rimac.

Verne is a self-driving rideshare service based around a new two-seater autonomous vehicle, which was launched at Rimac Campus near Zagreb, Croatia, by Mate Rimac and colleagues from the Rimac Group – Marko Pejković, CEO of Verne, and Adriano Mudri, chief design officer.

Mudri said, “It was tricky to find the right name for our new endeavour that fits the vision. But once it clicked, it clicked, and it was easy to decide. We named ourselves after the Jules Verne, the famous author, who is said to be ‘the man who invented the future’.”

The Verne ecosystem will comprise three main elements: a fully autonomous electric vehicle, a mobility service platform (MSP) and specialized infrastructure.

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The Nissan Hyper Tourer EV concept has been unveiled ahead of its appearance at the Japan Mobility Show later this month. The autonomous minivan is the third EV concept from the auto maker to feature at the show, which opens on October 25, 2023.

Designed with a focus on revolutionizing all-electric minivans, its V2X (vehicle-to-everything) functionality means the vehicle can be charged in most scenarios.

The interior of the Hyper Tourer contains compactly arranged components and high-energy density all-solid-state batteries, resulting in an ultra-low center of gravity. This, in conjunction with the advanced e-4ORCE all-wheel control system, produces “smooth and flat” acceleration and deceleration, the company says.

Continue reading Autonomous Hyper Tourer EV concept to be presented by Nissan at Japan Mobility Show at Automotive Interiors World.

At the recent Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, eco-conscious mobility company NWTN revealed the Rabdan MUSE (Marvelous, Unique, Sensual and Elegance), its passenger-centric green mobility solution for the future.

Manufactured in the United Arab Emirates, the EV is stated to be built from the latest and most advanced technologies. The concept, developed in 2019, is focused on passengers’ needs for personalized travel experiences, also known as passenger-centricity. Instead of delivering a driver-focused experience, the OEM aims to deliver a new vehicle segment known as Smart Passenger Vehicles (SPVs). The company’s new segment seeks to change consumers’ perceptions of how a vehicle could enhance their lives.

Continue reading NWTN’s Rabdan MUSE delivers entertainment and minimalist design at Automotive Interiors World.