Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the global leader in automotive interiors, is a pioneer in the development of new materials for vehicle interiors. At the IAA, with the activeSkin concept, the company presents its vision of integrating intuitive controls into vehicle interiors, which blur the boundaries between the digital and analog worlds. This new development concept enables the display of data on soft surfaces. Functional and decorative surfaces in vehicle interiors will increasingly merge in the future.

YFAI has expertise in the integration of technologies into all kinds of surfaces, whether plastic, wood and natural fibers, leather, or metal decorative surfaces. With the new activeSkin concept development, the integration of functions is extended to include textile surfaces. The special feature of this new technology is that soft, textile-covered surfaces are now able to interact with vehicle passengers and display visual information. As a result, surfaces which previously only had a decorative function will become touch-sensitive control surfaces in the interiors of future vehicles.

“The future generation of surface is more intelligent than ever. We can simply move our hands over a fabric-covered surface in the car and an interactive surface or dynamic ambient decorative lighting appears. The surfaces interact with us,” said Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer for YFAI. “This is impressive technology.”

activeSkin from YFAI maximizes freedom of design

New levels of design freedom for interiors can be realized with activeSkin. The old design principle “form follows function“ will be completely redefined with this new concept development. In the future, car interiors will increasingly have the atmosphere of a Next Living Space, with surfaces which are not only decorative and have a pleasant feel, but are also fully interactive.

“We offer functionality on demand, which is only visible when it is needed. With this, we have the possibility of personalization functions into interior surfaces,” said Hendriks. The activeSkin technology enables a freedom on interaction design. The quality and elegance with which the imaging and data transfer is implemented is convincing. “With activeSkin, we can achieve a 3D effect with a surprising sense of depth,” explained Hendriks.

The trend towards shared mobility and autonomous driving are fueling the development process

This new technology is especially interesting for use with shared mobility business models. The digital content of personal apps, online profiles or personal devices will be synchronized immediately on entering the vehicle. Applications, images or lighting effects are available to the driver – ultimately everything which supports their lifestyle and personal needs and which can produce an individual interior experience. With activeSkin, YFAI makes the interior into the Next Living Space. Even in level 3 to level 4 autonomous vehicles, a wide range of options are available.

What was recently a vision for the future could become part of our mobile reality by 2022.

Please visit our IAA microsite or follow us online:
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#ExperienceInMotion #NextLivingSpace

Disruptive trends, including electric vehicles, autonomous driving, mobility services and new tech mobility OEMs are driving rapid change in the automotive industry. To address this, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the global leader in automotive interiors, is executing a comprehensive, forward-looking product and technology portfolio transformation, which includes partnerships with key innovative companies.

To further enhance YFAI’s position as a leader in automotive interiors, and to align with the rapid pace of the industry, the company is executing a comprehensive forward-looking product and technology portfolio transformation. This transformation focuses on YFAI’s core products, adjacent products, innovative products and technologies, and interior integration.

“We believe that forming strategic partnerships with innovative companies in and out of the industry helps us address rapidly changing trends and to serve as a single source for interior integration,” said Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer for YFAI. The company recently signed new agreements with several innovative companies in the area of wood and aluminum.

About Lenderink Technologies

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors collaborates with Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Lenderink Technologies, a well-respected provider of wood veneers and solutions. This agreement is for cooperation in the field of authentic automotive wood interior surfaces and technologies. With more than 40 years of experience, Lenderink Technologies is a diverse and sustainable provider of authentic wood veneers and the associated manufacturing solution technologies. With this new relationship, both parties are drawing on the market trend towards the increasing consumer demand for sustainable, luxurious, authentic wood surfaces. They will provide comprehensive and sustainable authentic wood solutions for automakers.

„Lenderink Technologies is an industry leader for wood surfaces. Consumers have a desire for more authentic materials in the interior,” said Johannes Roters, CEO for Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. „The combination of both companies’ expertise and global network for the integration of this technology into vehicle interiors, provides our customers with unprecedented value anywhere in the world.“

“We are pleased to collaborate with Yanfeng Automotive Interiors on their vision of the automotive interior of today and in the future”, said Tom Lenderink, CEO of Lenderink Technologies Inc.

About Gabrijel Aluminium

YFAI also signed a strategic partnership with Gabrijel Aluminium, a global manufacturer of technical aluminum components, based in Grosuplje, Slovenia. This partnership agreement is focused on cooperating in the field of automotive aluminum interior surfaces and technologies. With the new partnership, both companies are drawing on the market trend towards the increasing demand for authentic aluminum decorative and functional surfaces.

„As a provider of high-quality aesthetic and technical aluminum products, and with more than 50 years of experience, Gabrijel Aluminium is the best possible partner in this field,“ said Johannes Roters, CEO for Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. „Our combined expertise and global network will provide our customers unrivaled value and execution in any region.“

„We offer a wide range of high-quality aluminium products, including a selection of technical and decorative components as specified by our customers. With the integration expertise of Yanfeng Automotive Interiors and the experience and innovative approach from both companies, we support our customers with the best possible solution from idea to delivery of a quality product“, said Andrej Gabrijel, CEO of Gabrijel Aluminum.

Both companies look forward to providing new and compelling aluminum interior solutions for customers.

Please visit our IAA microsite or follow us online:
http://www.yfai.com/the-next-living-space

YFAI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YFautointeriors

#ExperienceInMotion #NextLivingSpace

About Lenderink Technologies Inc.:
Lenderink Technologies Inc. has been providing products and solutions for over 45 years. Their special focus is on Wood Veneers, Dry Film Adhesives and Clear Film Overlays.
Lenderink products and designs are found in Automotive, Architecture, Musical Instruments, Marine, Aircraft and Deco Wall and Furniture components. Practical design, processes and creative function are a benchmark of the Lenderink Entrepreneur Spirit that is always sensitive to the environment and its people.
For more information, please visit www.Lenderink.com.

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the global leader in automotive interior solutions, has unveiled its eXperience in Motion (XiM18) concept car at the IAA International Motor Show today. Presented for the first time in Europe, the XiM18 showcases the way people experience vehicle interiors, if they no longer have to drive. It is designed to enable the use of four different interior modes: Drive, Family, Meeting and Lounge, enabling the vehicle to be used in various ways, by multiple people. With this new concept the company supports the next generation of electric and autonomous driving cars.

In times of new forms of car ownership and shared mobility, a unique product look, feel and function through seamless integration of interior surfaces and personalized human-machine-interface is what occupants look for. XiM18 combines a multitude of new technologies for cockpits and instrument panels, as well as advancements in pillar trim, lighting and overhead module integration. In addition, smart solutions for an enhanced user experience with floor consoles and door panels are combined with YFAI’s unique excellence in materials and process innovations. The elegant design of the XiM18 features leather trim, in hues of light blue to medium gray, neatly covering a full piano black surface with copper highlights.

“In the future, once collapsible steering wheels will be considered the new normal since the driver will no longer have to steer the vehicle”, said Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer for YFAI. “The car will evolve into the next living space for driver and passengers alike. Our XiM18 exemplifies how we are redefining the way people can relax, work and play in their car today and decades from now.”

The next generation XiM18 concept car shows how the company leads the way in interior design, and provides our answer to the future requirements of electric vehicles and autonomous driving. This forward-looking concept integrates many market-ready product innovations, such as smart surfaces and a front and rear floor console that can be combined together, featuring the seamless integration of displays and control functions. XiM18 is proof that Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is at the forefront of redefining car to human interaction.

XiM18 re-defines interior space configurations

The XiM18 concept features four different interior modes, supporting different driving scenarios from standard driving mode to future-led family mode or functional meeting mode to relaxing lounge, inspired by autonomous driving scenarios. XiM18 exemplifies how future car interiors will put a stronger emphasis on flexible and intelligent floor console and door panel solutions. The key theme of future vehicle interiors in response to autonomous driving is the re-defined interior space and design with modified arrangement of the seating positions. XiM18 is a concept, where the entire interior surface individually interacts with each occupant.

Driving mode is the conventional interior configuration with all seats facing forward. It is enriched by many new comfort and safety functions such as invisible A-pillar, next generation HVAC Slim Air Vents with Gesture Control or smart climate control, slim overhead consoles, moving floor consoles, or convenient soft tambour door storage with finger print lock technology and heated door panel armrest solutions. Innovations such as YFAI’s Start/Stop Overhead Console with PRND controls contribute to enhanced occupant interaction.

Family mode brings people together to better engage and communicate, where the seatback of the front seats rotate inward and the rear floor console moves forward, allowing the rear seats to come together in the center. YFAI’s designers have also come up with many family-friendly features for the interior, including the origami table, instrument panel passenger storage with a tray, new ambient or functional lighting, and plenty of play-and-relax-features like the Interactive Overhead Display Panel. The Overhead Slim Air Vent adds more comfort to the family mode and other layouts.

In Meeting mode the interior serves as an extension of the office, where the driver seat moves to the back of the vehicle, while the passenger seat rotates 180 degrees, allowing occupants to face each other while the rear seats stows away. Adaptive interiors with flexible floor consoles, personal electronics management and convenient working table solutions support the working environment inside the vehicle. Lounge mode is a transformational space helping transition from working to socializing. With the front seats moved to the rear-most position, this environment offers passengers the option to relax or work while the vehicle drives autonomously. As YFAI excels in materials and surface innovations, instrument panels and door panels will visibly benefit from technology advancements like the direct back-foaming of leather or the CHyM Eco-Lite technology which is not only integrated in the door panels but also for the first time applicable for instrument panel production. A key enabler for effective lounge mode layout applications are YFAI’s unique separated floor console – a front and rear floor console that can be combined, features the seamless integration of displays and control functions.

YFAI’s smart interior surfaces have been inspired by the increased technology and information needs in vehicle interiors. “Interior surfaces have always had a great look and feel,” added Hendriks. ”However, we will increasingly integrate functionality that creates a better life on board,” said Han Hendriks. “We‘re seamlessly integrating information and areas for controls, ambient and task lighting, heated surfaces and more. When these functions are not activated, our smart interior surfaces blend in with the stylish decor of our floor consoles, instrument and door panels. This is the wave of the future and our concepts will help prepare automakers to be ready for the future.”

Please visit us online: www.yfai.com/the-next-living-space

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#ExperienceInMotion   #NextLivingSpace

Since the formation of Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI) as the global leader in automotive interiors and the launch of its new brand entity in 2015, the company has worked extensively on its brand positioning, which is expressed by the new brand claim “EXPERIENCE IN MOTION.” The repositioning of YFAI‘s brand identity underscores the company’s ambition to drive, rather than react to, the significant shift in the automotive industry that is being shaped by global mega trends such as autonomous driving and new market players and technologies. The new brand positioning is the result of an extensive global research program with different internal and external stakeholder groups. It reflects the company’s vision to create a better life on board through superior automotive interior solutions and will more effectively communicate the company’s strategic direction.

A brand that creates the next living space
“I personally am very passionate about our brand positioning. We are the industry leader and the only global supplier to focus solely on automotive interiors,” said Johannes Roters, CEO of Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. “The interior of the future is a combination of traditional interior parts and new, innovative materials and technologies, such as smart functional surfaces and adaptive interiors. By pursuing our holistic approach and leveraging our role as the leading total interior integrator, we are uniquely capable of bringing new technologies into almost every surface. With this, we are redefining the way people live inside their vehicles. We are the brand in the automotive interior business that creates the next living space, where look, feel and function are seamlessly integrated, creating end-user experiences that are both functional and emotional.”

YFAI looks to meet customers’ current needs, while simultaneously shaping the future of mobility and e-mobility. The strategy to achieve the company’s vision of tomorrow’s mobility, “a better life on board,” is twofold: Producing industry-leading interior components and modules while simultaneously integrating new, innovative technologies and seeking strategic partnerships that build on our current and future products and competencies. This results in decorative and smart surface integration solutions that create a new style, sensation and performance across instrument panels, floor consoles, door panels and overhead consoles.

The XiM18 demonstrates how “experience in motion” is realized in a vehicle, and brings the company´s “experience in motion” brand positioning to life. At this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), the XiM18 demonstrator vehicle showcases the company’s extensive integration capabilities and the next living space concept.

YFAI has several key capabilities, which help bring this vision and the new brand identity to life. “We are customer focused, driven by excellence in execution, innovative in everything we do, as well as focused on the development of ideas into new products and processes,” said Johannes Roters. “And finally, we are truly a global company.”

YFAIs brand design at the IAA
The research undertaken to build the brand identity has also led to the development and harmonization of different design elements, including a key visual that conveys the new brand identity. The new brand positioning will be represented visually through a combination of the logo and the new claim EXPERIENCE IN MOTION, thereby using a clear design language to express what YFAI stands for: A company that is redefining how people relax, work and play in their vehicle interiors, both today and decades from now. A company that creates a better life on board for tomorrow and today, keeping user experiences in motion.

Furthermore, specific brand themes like acceleration, experience, and transformation were identified and described as design elements for communication purposes. Following this process the brand design was redefined and realigned with the new brand positioning. YFAI’s booth at the IAA illustrates how innovative and fresh campaigns build a new, consistent and inspiring brand presentation, based on this solid foundation. The brand concept of this year’s IAA #NextLivingSpace follows the theme “Stop driving, start living” and will provide unexpected impressions with design elements and references normally encountered in interior architecture contexts. This also includes a key visual to convey the Next Living Space theme, along with the campaign hashtag #NextLivingSpace. With its presence at IAA, the company demonstrates how to go beyond traditional forms of mobility and look at the future while keeping user experiences in motion.

#ExperienceInMotion #NextLivingSpace

The global leader in automotive interiors, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), will unveil its eXperience in Motion (XiM18) vehicle interior concept at the upcoming IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, from September 12 to 24, 2017. Featuring over 30 innovative product and process solutions for next-generation electric and autonomous cars, the concept demonstrates how people will experience vehicle interiors in the future.

The global leader in automotive interiors, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), will unveil its eXperience in Motion (XiM18) vehicle interior concept at the upcoming IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, from September 12 to 24, 2017. Featuring over 30 innovative product and process solutions for next-generation electric and autonomous cars, the concept demonstrates how people will experience vehicle interiors in the future.

Today, increasing connectivity as well as new forms of car ownership and mobility (such as e-cars, autonomous driving and car sharing) are rapidly changing perceptions of transportation. On top of these global megatrends, non-traditional automakers are entering the market and radically changing the face of mobility. In response, YFAI is presenting advances that create completely new options for in-vehicle engagement.

“XiM18 is our answer to the question, what will people do in their vehicles when they no longer have to drive?” said Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer at YFAI. “In the future, the car will become the next living space. The XiM18 exemplifies the way people will be able to relax, work and play in their cars today and for decades to come. In meeting the requirements for electric vehicles and autonomous driving going forward, our new generation concept is testimony to our leadership in interior design,” Hendriks said.

Featuring various driving modes, the concept shows how functionality will change in future car interiors, offering greater personal space and the flexibility to suit every lifestyle.

Alongside the forward-looking interior concept, YFAI’s display in Frankfurt will showcase numerous other product innovations – including lightweight structures, adaptive elements and smart surfaces – proving that the company is at the forefront of car2human interaction.

Adaptability is key to the YFAI vision for vehicles as tomorrow’s living spaces. It will be represented at IAA by consumer-focused instrument panels, personal electronics management, slim air vents and floor console solutions, including a concept made from real glass and based on a 3D center stack with integrated HMI technologies. Through reductions in weight, YFAI’s door and instrument panels as well the CHyM portfolio enhance efficiency in vehicles with standard or advanced alternative powertrains.

Innovations in decorative trim and lighting as well as surfaces and skins round out the company’s industry-leading interiors portfolio on show in Frankfurt.

The XiM18 will be officially unveiled at a press conference at the YFAI booth (Hall 5.1, B26) between 11:00 and 11:25 a.m. on September 13, 2017. 

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the global leader in automotive interiors, will unveil its eXperience in Motion (XiM18) vehicle interior concept, at the upcoming IAA International Motor Show from September 12-24, 2017 in Frankfurt, Germany. Featuring more than 30 innovative product and process solutions for the next generation of electric and autonomous driving cars, the concept demonstrates the way people will experience vehicle interiors in future. In different interior driving modes of the vehicle, the company is presenting the next living space where look, feel and function are seamlessly integrated.

The new concept „eXperience in Motion“(XiM18) from Yanfeng Automotive Interiors shows in various driving modes how interior functionality inside the vehicle will fundamentally change.

Increasing connectivity and new forms of car ownership and mobility such as e-cars, autonomous driving, or car sharing are now rapidly changing perceptions of transportation and mobility. Considering all these global megatrends in addition to non-traditional automakers who are radically changing the face of mobility, YFAI presents advancements which enable completely new ways of in-vehicle engagement.

“With our XiM18, we answer the question of what will people do in their vehicle, if they no longer have to drive?" said Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer for YFAI. “In the future, if the driver no longer has to drive, the car will become the next living space. The XiM18 exemplifies how we are redefining the way people can relax, work and play in their car today and decades from now. Our new generation concept shows how we lead interior design and our solution to future requirements for electric vehicles and autonomous driving.”

The concept shows in various driving modes how interior functionality inside the vehicle will fundamentally change and provides a new range of flexibility to fulfill lifestyle needs and provide more personal space and quality time to relax, work or simply watch a movie. It also demonstrates YFAI’s total interior integration capabilities.

The forward-looking interior concept, as well as numerous other product innovations, such as functional surfaces or a real glass center stack, prove that the company is at the forefront of defining car2human interaction.

From lightweight structures to smart and adaptive functions

Highlights which YFAI is showcasing at this year’s IAA include smart and functional surfaces. These include a floor console concept based on a 3D, real glass center stack and integrated HMI technologies, or smart skin surfaces with a soft fabric feel. In terms of adaptive interiors, YFAI is showcasing instrument panels with consumer focus, personal electronics management, slim air vents, and floor console solutions, designing the next living space for a better life on board.

Further points which prove YFAI’s technological capabilities include lightweight door and instrument panels, the CHyM portfolio, advanced injection molding and EcoCor solutions. With these technologies, the company offers solutions that reduce weight and boost efficiency for vehicles with standard or alternative powertrains. Innovations in decorative trim and lighting, surfaces and skins complete the company’s industry-leading interiors portfolio presented in Frankfurt.

The XiM18 will be officially unveiled in a press conference on September 13, 2017, 11:00-11:25 a.m., at the YFAI booth (hall 5.1, B26).

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI) has developed a new heated armrest for door panels. Comfort, personalization, energy efficiency and production flexibility drove the development of this new generation of heated armrests. Thinner and lighter weight than comparable products currently on the market, the heated armrest provides benefits in terms of energy efficiency. With this the company can offer automakers a cost-effective feature which can easily be integrated into existing door panel production lines.

Even with the heat on full speed, you can still feel uncomfortable in the car – especially on cold winter days. The cold air outside and inside the vehicle leave us shivering when getting into the car, even with a warm jacket. In order to enhance the comfort factor inside the car, YFAI has redefined heated armrest technology for door panels.

The heated armrest uses a panel heating technology system. Panel heating systems are not only extremely comfortable, but also highly energy efficient. The heat they produce reaches passengers more directly and quickly than the heat emitted by conventional vehicle HVAC systems. As a result, the driver can lower the heat coming from the HVAC system when using the heated armrest. 

The new heated armrest is ready for series production. The functional panel can easily be integrated into the existing door panel production process. This solution is cost-effective, as it uses the same equipment, foam carrier and materials as conventional, unheated armrests. Therefore, heated armrests can be produced on the same production line as conventional armrests in a single just-in-sequence process. 

Energy-efficient comfort, also for e-mobility applications
Significantly lighter in weight and thinner than the solutions currently on the market, the innovative heating foil requires less energy for improved efficiency. 

“Our vision with this product was to offer increased comfort during the winter months. The new heated armrest can be integrated into all door panels in the vehicle,” said Han Hendriks, vice president Advanced Product Development & Sales at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. “With this innovation, we also are responding to increased demand for new kinds of comfort solutions in the vehicle.”

The technology also can be integrated into floor console armrests in addition to door panels. The heated armrest is also an ideal heating source for use in electric cars, as the power is supplied electrically.

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, the world’s largest supplier of automotive interiors, is presenting a new direct back-foaming process for genuine or synthetic leather instrument panels at the 2015 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. The optimized, streamlined production process from Yanfeng Automotive Interiors ensures the high-quality leather wrapping of instrument panels. This means that in the future, leather-wrapped and conventionally covered instrument panel surfaces can be handled on just one production line using the same tool. This production process can also be applied to door panels. 

Leather-wrapped instrument panels can now be manufactured on one production line, where other surface materials such as conventional skins also can be back-foamed. By introducing this new production process for making leather-wrapped instrument panels – whether genuine or synthetic – Yanfeng Automotive Interiors can reduce the amount of tools used in the future by 50 percent. The company is therefore not only reducing tooling and process costs, but also facilitating and increasing the potential for customization in cockpit production.

Genuine leather, synthetic leather, thermoplastic polyolefins and slush skins have become standard surface materials in cockpit production. The different surface concepts have led to multiple-stage production processes. Each variety requires a specific tool, which results in high processing costs. This is where Yanfeng Automotive Interiors’ new production process for direct back-foaming of leather comes in as a standardized solution for producing conventional and leather-wrapped instrument panels. Both versions are identical in shape and exhibit the same component thickness in both basic synthetic and premium leather versions, making this possible. Regardless of whether synthetic or genuine leather is used to finish the instrument panel, the production process is the same.

Direct back-foaming of leather – an automotive industry first

The process of direct back-foaming involves back-foaming the sewn covering directly with polyurethane (PUR) foam. To prevent the PUR foam from passing through the small sewing holes, the sewn covering is coated with a thin film on the back. This procedure enables the sewn covering and the film to be inserted into the foam tool and back-foamed in one step. 

“We managed to optimize the combination of leather covering, pre-formed film and foam to achieve an all-round, premium-quality surface. We were also able to improve the quality of the leather covering and precision of the visible stitching to an unprecedented level,” said Dr. Oliver M. Becker, executive director, process innovation, Advanced Product Development & Sales, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. “The spotlight is on the flawless appearance and feel of the leather covering, which shows no signs of seam line disturbance or of the “orange peel effect” in the leather grain, which is a common flaw today.” 

This patent-pending production process is now ready for series production.

Three-dimensional reliefs thanks to leather molding

In addition to the back-foaming process for leather, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is also developing a new leather component production process. This process involves inserting precut, uncoated leather into a back-molding tool and injection mold behind it with thermoplastic. The high internal mold pressure enables the leather to be shaped three-dimensionally and embossed with a pattern. This creates highly defined surface structures and patterns. Once back-molded, the component is lacquered. The result is a hard leather covered surface with extraordinary reliefs.

“From a technical perspective, creativity has no bounds when it comes to combining colors and materials,” said Becker. “However, this creates price-driven obstacles in cockpit production. The main issue for suppliers is how much variety can be produced economically, which is a challenge we aim to resolve through continuous process innovation.” 

Even with the heat on full speed, you can still feel uncomfortable in the car – especially on cold winter days. The cold air outside and inside the vehicle leave us shivering when getting into the car, even with a warm jacket. In order to enhance the comfort factor inside the car, YFAI has redefined heated armrest technology for door panels. The heated armrest uses a panel heating technology system. Panel heating systems are not only extremely comfortable, but also highly energy efficient.

Even with the heat on full speed, you can still feel uncomfortable in the car – especially on cold winter days. The cold air outside and inside the vehicle leave us shivering when getting into the car, even with a warm jacket. In order to enhance the comfort factor inside the car, YFAI has redefined heated armrest technology for door panels. The heated armrest uses a panel heating technology system. Panel heating systems are not only extremely comfortable, but also highly energy efficient. The heat they produce reaches passengers more directly and quickly than the heat emitted by conventional vehicle HVAC systems. As a result, the driver can lower the heat coming from the HVAC system when using the heated armrest.  The new heated armrest is ready for series production. The functional panel can easily be integrated into the existing door panel production process. This solution is cost-effective, as it uses the same equipment, foam carrier and materials as conventional, unheated armrests. Therefore, heated armrests can be produced on the same production line as conventional armrests in a single just-in-sequence process.  Energy-efficient comfort, also for e-mobility applications Significantly lighter in weight and thinner than the solutions currently on the market, the innovative heating foil requires less energy for improved efficiency. “Our vision with this product was to offer increased comfort during the winter months. The new heated armrest can be integrated into all door panels in the vehicle,” said Han Hendriks, vice president Advanced Product Development & Sales at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. “With this innovation, we also are responding to increased demand for new kinds of comfort solutions in the vehicle.” The technology also can be integrated into floor console armrests in addition to door panels. The heated armrest is also an ideal heating source for use in electric cars, as the power is supplied electrically.  

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the world’s leading supplier of instrument panels and cockpit systems, door panels, floor consoles and overhead consoles, will establish a new manufacturing site in Planá nad Luznici, Czech Republic. Construction work on the new plant will start soon. Operational start is planned by early 2018. The company plans to create about 300 new jobs in the region.

“With our new location in South Bohemia, we are responding to market demand and our customers’ increasing presence in Eastern Europe,” said Jochen Heier, vice president and general manager, Europe & South Africa at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. 

On around 20,000-square-meter production area the company will manufacture interior components, including instrument panels and door panels, for future models of different customers. The plant will be set up to adapt flexibly to the capacity requirements of YFAI and its customers and enable the company to respond to continued growth in the automotive market. 

The new plant in the South Bohemian region is not YFAI’s first presence in the Czech Republic; the company already operates a plant in Zatec, as well as other sites in Slovakia and Hungary in Eastern Europe. With the new plant in Planá YFAI will reinforce its production network in the Eastern European growth markets, while maintaining a strong and dedicated presence in Western Europe. 

For the new site the company is looking for technical and managerial employees, but also offering a lot of open positions for various functions in production, engineering, logistics, quality, finance, HR and many others. Open positions for the new plant in Planá are posted at: http://www.yfai-careers-ce.eu/.