Yanfeng, a leading global automotive supplier, presents the Zero Gravity Seat, a new, production-ready seat technology. The company has combined its interiors, safety, electronics, and seating expertise in an all-new ergonomic seating design – the Zero Gravity Seat.

With the new seat, Yanfeng is showcasing how the company leverages its capabilities and engineering expertise based on end-user insights and automaker needs. The result is a wide range of applications for use in spacious passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, mini-buses and shared-mobility-solutions such as autonomous ridesharing vehicles.

“Through consumer clinics and product roadshows we received feedback that the new, ultimate feeling of comfortable, weightless relaxation is appealing,” said Chunfeng Xu, Vice President & General Manager of Yanfeng Seating in Europe. “What surprises any user is the overall performance of the seat, offering more convenience in any position, safety protection and state-of-the-art control over the electronic features of the seat and other in-car comfort and entertainment.” Optional, available functions such as a massage function, seat heating and ventilation or an electric four-way adjustable headrest enhance passenger comfort. A sound system can be integrated in the area of the shoulder part of the seat, offering a discretely integrated set of speakers for private, cocoon-like audio enjoyment. With a touch-sensitive control unit, which is embedded in the soft surface of the armrest, all functions can be used intuitively.

When it comes to kinematics, the new seat features weightless relaxation in the Zero Gravity mode, which allows passengers to recline the seat up to 126° (angle torso to thighs) at the touch of a button. The backrest of the new seat can be fully reclined, creating a feeling of Zero Gravity weightlessness that allows passengers to unwind.

The integrated seat belt provides even support, and with a restraint system to ensure safety in any position. Thanks to the company's own passive safety systems portfolio, this can also be sourced from a single source.

The Zero Gravity Seat offers added value for vehicle manufacturers

The functionality of the seat can be tailored to automaker needs, such as the choice of rotation, horizontal movement, manual or electric long rails. “All features and functions can be seamlessly integrated into the seat with our smart surface technologies, that can be customized to an automaker’s needs. This offers personalization as well as functionality on demand, and it is only visible when needed,” said Chunfeng Xu.

The weightless seating comfort is ideal for vans, Sport Utility Vehicles as well as Crossover Utility Vehicles and can be found on the road in Europe in 2024.

Watch the seat in action on Yanfeng's YouTube channel at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DT0oiLad9s

Yanfeng, a leading global automotive supplier, has completed construction on a new manufacturing site in Kragujevac, Serbia. The plant will launch production by summer 2022. The company plans to create about 500 new jobs over the next few years.

“With our new seating plant in Kragujevac, we are responding to market demand and expanding our product portfolio in Europe,” said Chunfeng Xu, General Manager of Yanfeng Seating in Europe. Yanfeng will manufacture seat components for various customers in a production area of approximately 20,000-square-meters. The plant will be set up to flexibly adapt to changing capacity requirements and enable the company to provide complete seats in Europe.

The new plant in the Šumadija district is Yanfeng’s second location in Serbia. Since 2019, Yanfeng has operated an interior component plant in Kragujevac. Furthermore, the manufacturing network includes two plants in Czech Republic, as well as other sites in Slovakia and Hungary. With the new plant in Serbia, Yanfeng will also reinforce its presence in the Eastern European growth markets, while maintaining a strong and dedicated presence in Western Europe.

Yanfeng, a leading global automotive supplier, presented the new Experience in Motion 2021 (XiM21) concept car for the first time in Europe today. During a virtual event, Yanfeng showcased its Smart Cabin capabilities for future vehicle interiors and how its holistic digital and physical solutions are seamlessly integrated to enhance in-car experience. The new concept offers advanced technologies and user-centric product solutions that are production-ready for next generation vehicles.

Influenced by global megatrends and based on Yanfeng’s complete product portfolio, the design of the XiM21 visualizes how the company transforms Smart Cabin concepts into reality. The concept car provides an extraordinary, customizable environment, connected services, and seamlessly integrated intuitive interaction technology that respond to passengers’ needs and desires based on personal preferences and specific use case scenarios.

Focusing on technology and in-depth consumer research, Yanfeng is redefining its Smart Cabin approach. “At Yanfeng, we have been exploring technical, societal, and industrial trends as well as future mobility trends for years. With our XiM20 that we presented last year, we demonstrated our first Smart Cabin concept – a very visionary mobility experience for future autonomous ride-sharing. Today, the debut of our XiM21 is an example of our continued efforts to provide customers with the most advanced production-ready technologies and product solutions that are tailored for unique user experiences,” said Tim Shih, Vice President Design and User Experience at Yanfeng Technology.

All displays, smart surfaces, and components in the XiM21 have been designed for intuitive interaction. For the driver, the dual 12.3" curved display serves as a central control unit for the cabin environment, while an additional sliding 10.1” display in the instrument panel enables the front-seat passenger to comfortably engage and interact with the vehicle’s settings and infotainment system. It also allows the front-seat passenger to keep an eye on children in the back and control the content they watch.

Combination of digital and physical capabilities for customized in-car experiences
With integrated sensors and smart technologies, the XiM21 connects with end-users and responds directly to their wants and needs. By using pre-set preferences and adjusting to real-time inputs, the XiM21’s cabin is tailored to its passengers. Using a mobile app linked to the XiM21, the driver can create a personal profile, entering their height, weight, and a scanned image of their face. With this profile, the XiM21 will adjust automatically to its driver, generating an optimized seating and safety configuration. The app also enables easy adjustment of the interior’s temperature, preferred scent, or ambient lighting so users can pre-configure their vehicle before they board. The built-in child seat can also be controlled by the app, allowing parents to stow the child seat away to create more space in the second row with the touch of a button.

Thanks to the facial recognition system, the driver is recognized as soon as they step into the vehicle. After identifying the driver, the Smart Cabin adjusts all the pre-settings and welcomes him on board with lighting, a welcome animation, and a verbal greeting from the on-board system. Safety features like hands-off-detection in the steering wheel and fatigue detection for the driver are fully integrated in the Smart Cabin. This way, early warnings for either system can be communicated with lighting, vibrations in the steering wheel and seat, and automatic seat belt-tightening. Dynamic and indirect decorative lighting are complemented by best-in-class audio offerings, such as the 3D Sound System that brings high-quality audio to the entire cabin as well as private audio that allows passengers to listen to their own media without disturbing others.

“By combining physical features and digital intelligence, we can enhance the interactions between occupants, as well as between occupants and the vehicle itself. Our Smart Cabin concept XiM21 enables positive experiences on-board, whether for personal or business use, with family or with colleagues. From the overall concept down to individual technologies and features, the innovations integrated into XiM21 are selected and synchronized to support positive user experiences and truly demonstrate Yanfeng’s idea of Smarter Mobility Together,” said Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer at Yanfeng Technology.

Smart interior surfaces on demand ensure less distraction
Intuitive smart surfaces abound within the XiM21. Capacitive touch sensing combined with haptic vibration feedback offer a safe and intuitive user experience in the doors, instrument panel, overhead console, and seats.
These smart surfaces serve as high-quality decorative surfaces when inactive to reduce visual distraction and create a seamless cabin environment. When needed, they activate with just a simple touch.

One domain controller orchestrates all features and functions
All of XiM21’s interactive technologies and features, from cameras and sensors to touch displays and smart surfaces to climate control and seat positions, are orchestrated by Yanfeng’s own Smart Cabin Controller. Based on collected input from integrated sensors combined with users’ set preferences, the XiM21 Smart Cabin automatically adjusts the interior ambiance through climate, scent, audio, and lighting. By combining these with a flexible interior, XiM21 offers new forms of interaction that bring surprise and delight and delivers true Experience in Motion.

Flexible interiors and personal well-being are key for future mobility
XiM21’s Smart Cabin also offers flexible and multi-functional space to address different use cases and passenger needs. Throughout the interior, solutions like the built-in child seat are designed to be adaptable. This powered child seat can transform into a footrest for the third-row passenger when not being occupied, and, also slides forward to facilitate ingress and egress to the third row.

Also supporting different uses, the sliding floor console aboard XiM21 can move quickly between the front and rear of the cabin when summoned by voice command or the touch of a button. With heated and cooled cupholders, a wireless charging station, and a powered deployable folding table, this “smart companion” floor console maximizes its value in the cabin with its flexible and functional solutions. In order to enhance passenger well-being as well as seating comfort, Yanfeng developed a Zero-Gravity Seat which offers enhanced relaxation in its fully reclined position. Supported by the Smart Cabin Controller, the first and third-row seats adjust automatically to maximize space for the reclining passenger.
With the integrated massage function activated and combined with calming scents, ambient lighting, and soothing sounds, passengers can truly unwind and escape their daily routine with the Zero Gravity Seat.

“Intuitive features, functions, and interfaces are essential to the end-user experience,” said Han Hendriks. “Thanks to our broad product portfolio, digital capabilities, and combined experiences across all of our business units, we are able to deliver comprehensive system solutions to our customers.”

In response to digital transformation and the evolving needs of users, Yanfeng will continue to actively pursue, develop, and integrate technology innovations that inspire and stimulate the imagination, redefine future mobility, and deliver an exciting Experience in Motion.

Yanfeng, a leading global automotive supplier, and SemsoTec, an expert in displays and control units, have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding for collaboration in display and sensor technologies, components and products for automotive applications.

The partnership strives to create a unique in-vehicle user experience by accelerating seamless Human Machine Interface (HMI) integration into all surfaces of future vehicle interiors. It extends to development, production and commercialization of automotive components.

“SemsoTec and Yanfeng are a perfect fit. Together we can offer innovative and integrated solutions tailored to our customers’ needs in the automotive industry," said Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer at Yanfeng Technology.
“By combining our expertise, we can accelerate design and development activities, providing advantages for our customers along the entire value chain."

“With Yanfeng we can expand our activities in the automotive industry and focus on bringing next-generation HMI into vehicles for all customers and markets,” said Jochen Semmelbauer, CEO and founder of SemsoTec.

Yanfeng, one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers and a specialist in Smart Cabin concepts, is showcasing its smart surface expertise. The new Smart Surface Demonstrator consists of seven intuitive human-machine interface (HMI) solutions that are seamlessly integrated into different surfaces. Yanfeng is thus demonstrating the various ways in which the passenger experience can be redefined to suit OEMs’ specific requirements and ideas as well as how innovative operating concepts can be implemented in a customizable and sophisticated design.

“We are using the Smart Surface Demonstrator with its multiple control interfaces as a basis for discussion about the various implementation options for HMI solutions,” explained Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer at Yanfeng Technology. “The shapes, colors and, in particular, features presented are examples that illustrate new degrees of freedom of design and functional integration.” The intuitive HMI technologies used are especially focused on convenience and safety and are aligned with the company’s Smart Cabin approach, by which functional surfaces, health and wellness features as well as connectivity can be seamlessly integrated into interiors in the future.

Sensor-enabled intuitive operating functions
The Smart Surface Demonstrator features an ambient light solution under a fabric-covered decorative textile surface. Travelers can control the lighting intuitively thanks to a sensor behind the light source, regulating the light color and intensity by swiping the translucent surface. As with all mechatronic solutions on the module, the lighting area is only visible in an “on” state.

The company’s expertise in integrating technology into soft surfaces goes beyond decorative textiles, extending to artificial leather as well. In addition to seamlessly integrated dynamic surface illumination, which can be used as a blind spot warning light, for example, two backlit buttons are also embedded in the artificial leather decor. The touch icons respond to interactions with color changes. Both the dynamic illumination and the buttons appear when a hand comes close – thanks to the so-called secret-till-lit technology.

Features that appear when needed
The high-gloss decorative panel of the Smart Surface Demonstrator features an iconic switch framed by corona lighting, with light orchestration used to visualize the switch function. Next to it are three touch icons with secret-till-lit effect, which are designed as controls for the seat adjustment. In addition, reconfigurable display switches have also been seamlessly integrated into the decorative panel. Their switching functionality can be adapted to customer-specific operating concepts.

Yanfeng has invisibly integrated slider touch sensor technology into authentic wood trim. The wood decor is perforated and features a backlit function indicator, which only appears when the slider is touched. The switch function is also confirmed through haptic feedback.

Functionalities from customer-specific operating concepts can be integrated on almost all interior surfaces. “With the seamless integration of intuitive HMI technologies into hard and soft interior surfaces, we are offering functionality that is only visible on demand. This allows us to support an interior experience tailored specifically to the driver and passengers,” explained Han Hendriks. “Our Smart Surface Demonstrator solutions reflect not only Yanfeng’s technology integration expertise, but also the sheer versatility of the design and implementation options for future intelligent passenger compartments.”

The Smart Surface Demonstrator functionalities are currently at a concept design stage and may be used as early as the next generation of vehicles in model year 2021. More info about the Smart Surface Demonstrator including a video can be found at: https://www.yfai.com/en/social-media.

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAIrecognized the excellent performance of its European suppliers with the Supplier Award. A total of 14 companies received the awards in various categories at the European headquarters in Neuss yesterday.

Key rating criteria for the award were quality, cost, logistics, development, technology, and service. Depending on their total rating they have been recognized as Supplier of the Year, Distinguished Supplier, or Supplier Excellence.

“We are pleased to recognize our top suppliers and their teams, for their hard work and dedication. For us, they are important partners who play a key role in shaping our success globally,” said James Bos, Vice President Global Procurement for YFAI. Industrias Garita S. L. was named Supplier of the Year for its outstanding performance in YFAI’s metal stamping commodity group. The supplier from Spain received the best rating and was also recognized for their sense of urgency, flexibility and proactive approach.

The Distinguished Supplier award was presented to four companies: Total Research & Technology Feluy from Belgium; German suppliers Grammer Interior Components GmbH and Hoffmann und Voss GmbH, and Maier S. Corporation from Spain.

Nine suppliers were honored with the Supplier Excellence award in the categories of Service, Customer Satisfaction, Quality, Technology and Innovation. In the Service category, the Chinese company Cosco, P.E.T. Logistics N.V. from Germany, Industrias Alegre S.A. from Spain and the Belgian supplier ECA N.V. received awards.

Two German companies, Benecke-Kaliko AG and Vogel GmbH Kunststofftechnik, received Supplier Excellence awards in the Customer Satisfaction category. The award in the Quality category went to Halung GmbH & Co. KG, also in Germany.

In Technology and Innovation category TMG from Portugal and Actuator Solutions GmbH from Germany were the winners.

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the global leader in automotive interiors, celebrates the opening of its new plant in the Šumadija district. Together with high-ranking officials and industry representatives, the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kragujevac was unveiled today. As a new employer in the region, the company is looking to recruit up to 800 new employees over the next few years.

“With this new plant in Serbia, we are expanding our manufacturing capacity in Eastern Europe’s growth markets and responding to our customers’ increasing presence in the region,” said Tony Elenbaas, Vice President & General Manager, Europe & South Africa at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors.

The company manufactures automotive interior components in a production area of approximately 18,500 square meters and has already created approximately 180 new jobs in the region. The plant is designed for up to 800 employees. Employee numbers are to be gradually increased year after year.
This is the company’s first plant in Serbia.

The good infrastructure in place and the availability of skilled workers in the Kragujevac region were key to selecting this location. Other factors included its central location in Southeast and Central Europe and proximity to other YFAI plants in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

What must the ‘in-car-experience’ look like to fulfill future mobility requirements? Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer at Yanfeng Technology (YFT), answered this question in his keynote speech at the ATZ live conference “Vehicles of Tomorrow 2019” in Frankfurt this week.

At the House of Logistics and Mobility (HOLM) participants learned more about how Yanfeng is transforming and acting on the most important trends relating to technology, mobility, and society and the new degrees of design freedom in the interiors of intelligent, connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles. He also explained why the company is looking at the time people spend in their vehicles and how sharing, ownership, and other quality of life factors influence the use of that time.

At YFT Han Hendriks is not only responsible for future-oriented interior concepts that are innovative and intuitive but also for the company’s research and development activities relating to interiors, seating, electronics, safety, and exteriors. In the newly founded YFT division, he will focus specifically on the integration of digital technologies into all components and systems in the vehicle’s interior because a new era of driving experience requires an integrated approach for interior design and electronics. The company has demonstrated how this will specifically look as part of its SmartCabin Interior Vision 2030 with the XiM20 concept car, which was unveiled for the first time in Europe recently.

Whether electric mobility, autonomous driving, car sharing, or digitization – at the conference, numerous representatives of the automotive and supplier industries discussed the up-and-coming changes to the automotive industry. This concerned strategies for revolutionary technology as much as new concepts and business models. Self-driving cars were among the topics to receive the highest audience interest. The panel discussion then explained the social benefits and customer acceptance on the way to the shared society.

The event was organized jointly by fks GmbH and ATZlive. It was used to exchange information and explain all of the elements of mobility change. At the booths of the accompanying exhibition, service providers and suppliers presented the newest developments and numerous services to the expert audience.

You can find out more about the event at https://www.atzlive.de/en/events/vehicles-of-tomorrow/

Yanfeng was recently awarded an Automotive Brand Contest 2019 award for its XiM20 concept vehicle in the Future, Mobility, and Parts category.

Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer of Yanfeng Technology and Tony Elenbaas, Vice President and General Manager, Europe and South Africa for Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI) and Francois Stouvenot, Executive Vice President Commercial for YFAI, accepted the award. It was presented during the press days of the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. The Automotive Brand Contest is the only neutral, international design competition for automotive brands and has emerged as a worldwide important event in the sector. With the competition, the German Design Council honors outstanding product and communication design and draws attention to the fundamental importance of brand and brand design in the automotive industry.

“Less than a week after the XiM20 made its European debut, we are pleased to receive an Automotive Brand Contest 2019 award,” said Han Hendriks. “We are pleased to be one of only 11 companies selected in this category as an honoree.”

The XiM20 is a fully autonomous rideshare concept, offering new consumer experiences that are customizable to passenger’s preferences to better suit their journeys. XiM20 is a reflection of the most in-depth primary research the company has done to date.

Note: Images are available on our website under www.yfai.com/en/media-center

With its Experience in Motion 2020 (XiM20) concept car, Yanfeng, a leading global automotive supplier, unveils its Smart Cabin vision for the automotive interior of the future for the first time in Europe today. Not only delivering the physical environment for future mobility, Yanfeng’s Smart Cabin capabilities enable the coordination of features into a truly holistic Experience in Motion: information, displays, lighting, and interior ambience all react to passengers’ needs, and new forms of interaction bring surprise and delight in the mobility space. This interior concept for fully autonomous ridesharing vehicles reflects the results of in-depth end-user research combined with Yanfeng’s latest technologies and will be presented today to customers, partners and the media on the innovation platform of Startup Autobahn powered by Plug and Play in ARENA2036 in Stuttgart.

“Approaching this next iteration of the XiM demonstrator, we knew it was critical to evaluate users’ wants and needs within the vehicle and outside of the mobility context,” said Tim Shih, Vice President Design and User Experience, Yanfeng Technology. “The insights gleaned from our research defined what impacts consumers’ quality of life and what creates memorable, engaging experiences. With the XiM20, advanced technologies and product innovations complement intuitive design, providing flexibility and comfort for the autonomous rideshare passengers of tomorrow.” 

The XiM20 showcases technology integrations that stimulate the senses without overwhelming passengers with an array of options and features. By camouflaging the demonstrator’s screens and navigation systems within the surfaces of the vehicle using Smart Surface Technologies, passengers can choose whether or not to engage with the innovations around them.

“As an industry leader, we have the capabilities to provide holistic total interior solutions. As we approached this iteration of the XiM, we had to ask ourselves: If we choose to feature every product and technology available within this space, are we offering value? Our research said “no.” Instead, to design and develop interiors in this context, we needed to understand and craft experiences that are engaging and surprising, without being overly complex. For future mobility, this is where the opportunity lies,” said Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer at Yanfeng Technology.

The XiM20 interior is designed to enable the use of two distinct zones: the bright, airy front of the demonstrator and the more cocoon-like rear, offering lounge seating and privacy. Controls for the interior environment are accessible on the Smart Interior Surface (SIS) table located at the front of the demonstrator or can be accessed via a smartphone application.

The front area is an observation space, offering comfortable, functional seating with an uninterrupted 180 degree view through the curved windshield. This zone is reminiscent of a cafe or coffee house bar, pressed up against a glass window to allow passengers to feel connected to the world around them while enjoying their journey. Features of this zone include:

• Smart Interior Surface (SIS) Table – easily accessible on the natural wood table surface where the trip’s sequence is initiated and passengers can control the temperature, sound, UV cleaning, and navigation systems. When not in use, the table remains a beautiful, natural wood surface; 
• UV Surface Sanitizer – UV frequency light sweeps over the interior to disinfect frequently contacted surfaces between trips;
• Never-Forget Storage – storage spaces and bins recognize forgotten belongings, alerting passengers with a series of notifications directing them to the stored item;
• Noveto Smart Audio – an innovation resulting from the alliance of YF and Noveto Systems Ltd., this technology is designed to send sound sensors, transducers and software that can locate and track the passenger’s position and deliver high-quality sound without disturbing others. Also unlike traditional directional sound technology, Noveto’s Smart Audio technology works seamlessly within confined spaces which makes it an ideal solution for use within automobiles.
• Visible Natural Fiber – enhancing the interior experience with environmentally-friendly, lightweight construction to create an attractive finish made from sustainable materials.

In comparison, the rear zone offers secluded comfort where passengers can retreat from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. The space mimics the cozy atmosphere of a booth, with a soft fabric surrounding and technology integrations designed to complement passengers’ moods and preferences.

Features of this zone include:

• Active Space – a unique combination of in-cabin sensing developed with our partner IEE, and surface display technology to enable immersive interaction between passengers and their surrounding interior environment for entertainment, communication, and ambience;
• Bulletin Board – an eye-level integrated display panel provides ride information and notifications, navigation updates and alerts for passengers when they are approaching their destination so that they can prepare for arrival and gather their belongings;
• Slim Airvent – innovative vanes and air flow control allow vents to be a fraction of their conventional surface area while still providing sufficient air flow and heating/cooling effects;
• Active Cast Lighting – dynamic ambient lighting which mimics the play of light as it reflects and refracts in natural environments;
• Touch-Free Access – located on the exterior of the vehicle, this touchless palm scanner confirms a passenger is correct for the ordered trip by simply requiring guests to hover their hand over the unit to be identified and to gain entry.

Note: Images are available on our website under www.yfai.com/en/media-center