Frankfurt, Germany – 16 September 2015. Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the world’s largest supplier of automotive interiors, is offering a look into the future of vehicle interiors with the global debut of its Innovation Demonstrator 2016 (ID16) concept car at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.
Yanfeng Automotive Interiors are presenting new product technologies, production processes, and surface and smart solution integration, that enable new interior styling across instrument panels, floor consoles, door panels and overhead consoles. The ID16 concept offers a preview of the company’s vision of driving comfort in 2025. It features over 30 technologies and innovations – many of which are already market-ready – that will improve interior comfort and convenience in autonomous driving, packaged in an SUV platform.
The concept car showcases smart surface technologies, modular storage solutions and interior features that create a new and unique consumer experience for the first generation of autonomous vehicles. As soon as the vehicle is switched to auto-drive mode, the steering wheel retracts into the instrument panel to create more space, while the driver’s seat moves back to offer more legroom. The seat back upper rotates 18 degrees outward, allowing the driver and front-seat passenger more space to interact more comfortably with each other, as well as with rear-seat passengers. The floor console is the center of activity in this interior.
“The ID16 combines a wide range of solutions in our innovation portfolio with everything we are currently marketing for future vehicle generations,” said Han Hendriks, vice president, Advanced Product Development & Sales for Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. “True to our vision of a ‘Better Life on Board,’ we have developed interior solutions that account for the changing requirements of autonomous driving as well as self-driving.”
Floor console solutions to suit any driving situation
The StowSmart floor console featuring customisable storage compartments and flexible tambour doors is making its debut in the ID16. The benefits to passengers are better organisation, increased storage, and ergonomic usability. Ease of use is combined with high-quality craftsmanship in a modern design. The ID16 concept combines various coordinated floor console modules, which can be configured individually or together. A two-way coolbox, removable cupholder and sliding compartment for large bags, and an integrated catch bin around the floor console prevent even the smallest objects, such as coins, from slipping underneath the seats.
A particular highlight of the floor console in the ID16 is the built-in rotating table, which the driver can use in auto-drive mode for activities such as working, eating or reading. In self-drive mode, the table is only available for use by the front-seat passenger, and the swivel function toward the driver’s side is unavailable.
A number of comfort features complete the consumer-friendly interior of the ID16, among them the overhead console with vertically extendable sunglasses compartment, a spacious glove compartment and heated armrests in the door panel. Practical, easily accessible storage bins make it possible to store all kinds of objects in an organised and safe manner. As an example, thanks to ergonomic tambour doors, the front and rear door panels have hidden compartments.
Smart surfaces take vehicle interiors by storm
Additional features integrated into the instrument panel include a decorative message display on the passenger side, an antimicrobial surface, pressure-sensitive user interfaces instead of the otherwise common switches and buttons, and also ultra-slim HVAC outlets. The interior of the ID16 appeals to all the senses – thanks to customisable LED ambient lighting. In keeping with the objective of making premium class comfort available to the medium segment as well, YFAI has integrated a heated armrest in the ID16 door panel that can easily be incorporated in series production. The instrument panel is visually enhanced by the seamless integration of almost invisible, ultra-slim HVAC technology with controllable air vents and oscillating action. Equally unobtrusive is the design of future HMIs in the form of pressure-sensitive user interfaces.
Impressive door panels and instrument panels thanks to new production process
In addition to clear product innovations that directly benefit end consumers, the ID16 concept car features technologies and process enhancements that will win over experts in the automotive industry. One such innovation is CHyM glass fiber, the second generation of Compression Hybrid Moulding for door panels. YFAI is also presenting an innovative production process for the direct back-foaming of leather for instrument panels. This process allows leather-wrapped and conventionally covered instrument panels to be handled cost-effectively on just one production line using the same mould. The soft panels produced in this way can be combined with striking sculptured leather structures during the leather-moulding process. Coloured illumination effects highlight the high-quality surface finish. LED ambient lighting placed seamlessly along the entire instrument panel and doors helps to differentiate by colour between “self-drive” and “auto-drive” mode.
With the ID16, the company is meeting the demands of consumers in the digital, automated and mobile age for modern design and comfort.
About Yanfeng Automotive Interiors
Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is the world’s leading supplier of instrument panels and cockpit systems, door panels, floor consoles and overhead consoles. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company has more than 90 manufacturing and technical centers in 17 countries and employs over 28,000 people globally. Established in 2015, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is a joint venture between Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Huayu Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (HASCO), the component group of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (SAIC Motor), and Johnson Controls a global multi-industrial company. For more information, please visit www.YFAI.com.
Please visit the Yanfeng Automotive Interiors media microsite for the IAA 2015 for additional images: http://iaa2015-media.yfai.com
16 September 2015
