Yanfeng Automotive Interiors opens new production plant in the Czech Republic.
 
As the market leader in global automotive interiors, we have very strong business growth now and in the future. We decided to further invest in our European locations and our manufacturing network in the Czech Republic.
We are pleased to celebrate the grand opening of our new plant in Planá nad Lužnicí today,” said Johannes Roters, Chief Executive Officer for YFAI.

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors opens new production plant in the Czech Republic.
 
As the market leader in global automotive interiors, we have very strong business growth now and in the future. We decided to further invest in our European locations and our manufacturing network in the Czech Republic.
We are pleased to celebrate the grand opening of our new plant in Planá nad Lužnicí today,” said Johannes Roters, Chief Executive Officer for YFAI.
The new production plant in South Bohemia is established in Planá nad Lužnicí – near to Tabor. With its high-tech manufacturing equipment and operational expertise, the plant will produce instrument panels and door panels for passenger cars. “With Planá nad Lužnicí we have set up additional capacity to our existing production network with state-of-the-art technology in Eastern Central Europe. We will now gradually start to ramp up production and will be able to robustly start operations and mass production by early 2018,” said Jochen Heier, Vice President & General Manager Europe & South Africa for YFAI.
During today’s opening celebration and ribbon-cutting event, YFAI’s global management was joined by Czech political and public stakeholders and automotive industry representatives.
The Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic, and guest of honor,
H.E. Mrs MA Keqing, stated in her speech, “Successful business relations depend on a variety of economic and political factors. We appreciate the stable relations between the Czech Republic and the People’s Republic of China, which allows companies to expand and grow, combining the best of both countries.”
Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is an attractive and important employer in the region
With production ramping up in the next months, YFAI will become one of the largest employers in the Tabor region. The company already has 170 employees on board at its new plant and will gradually increase the number of employees to 300 by the beginning of 2018.
In the CEE region, the new plant in Planá nad Lužnicí follows the extension of the company’s Technical Center in Trenčín, Slovakia, and the opening of the Automotive Business Center in Bratislava (SK) a few weeks ago. In addition to these three locations, the company has a plant in Žatec, for the manufacture of door panels, floor consoles and other automotive interior components in the Czech Republic, as well as production sites in Pápa (HU) and Námestovo (SK). With these existing sites and the new plant which is being constructed in Planá nad Lužnicí (CZ), the company can meet all customer requirements in the CEE region and support the company’s growth plans in Europe.

Yesterday, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI) presented its annual European Supplier Awards to 15 suppliers for their outstanding achievements at the Classic Remise in Düsseldorf.

"Our suppliers play an important role in our success. We are pleased to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our suppliers with this award," said James Bos, vice president Global Procurement at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. Factors for the award include quality, costs, logistics, development, technology and service. Depending on the total points earned, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors presented the suppliers with either a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Supplier Performance Award. This year, eight companies who provide plastics, resins, chemicals, foams, indirect packaging, trim and metal components received the Supplier Performance Award.

The Platinum Performance Award was presented to IZO-BLOK S.A., an expert in the processing of foamed plastics. They provide Yanfeng Automotive Interiors with foamed polypropylene (EPP). The Silver Performance Award went to SABIC Innovative Plastics GmbH, a manufacturer of chemical products, plastics and metals. The Bronze Award was presented to BASF Polyurethanes GmbH, Eurofoam Deutchland GmbH, A. Raymond GmbH & Co. KG, TR Fastenings Ltd., Coatex NV and J.H. Ziegler GmbH.

Ten suppliers received Leadership Award

Key criteria for the Leadership Award were factors critical to the company's success, such as sustainability, innovation, quality, customer satisfaction, global growth and continuous improvement in performance.

This year, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors honored ten suppliers with the Leadership Award. MacAuto Industrial Co., Ltd. from Taiwan and A. Raymond GmbH & Co. KG from Germany were presented with the Quality award.

The recipients of the Leadership Award for continuous improvement in performance were Xinpoint Corporation from China, TRICOR Packaging & Logistics AG and Polyvlies - Franz Beyer GmbH, both from Germany.

In addition to the Platinum Supplier Performance Award, the Polish company IZO-BLOK S.A. also received the Leadership Award in the Customer Satisfaction category. IZO-BLOK S.A. was honored with this award for its proactive support for project start-ups and the optimal structure of its supply chain. Further awards in the Customer Satisfaction category went to Everwill Industries Ltd. from China, ITW Automotive Release & Trim from Germany and Coatex NV from Belgium, who each received a Bronze Supplier Performance Award.

The supplier IEE S.A. from Luxembourg, an innovative developer of specialized sensor systems, was presented with the Leadership Award in the Innovation category. Together with the Yanfeng Automotive Interiors innovations team, the supplier developed the heated armrest for door panels.

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the world's largest supplier of automotive interiors, is focusing on greater differentiation in interior design. The company will showcase its design and engineering expertise in door panels with product debuts that enable optical accentuation of the vehicle interior. At the International Motor Show (IAA), YFAI will present prototypes of decorative fabric and leather door panels to showcase its innovative integration of light guides for ambient lighting into large-scale surfaces. The new light guides for ambient lighting are not only decorative, but also help to display vehicle status messages.

Unique designs and customized vehicle interiors are the latest trend. Elaborate product designs customized specifically for a particular target group are included in the list of features provided in vehicles from basic to premium vehicle classes. Thanks to innovative new technology, YFAI now offers door panels in any design specification, leaving nothing to be desired where customization options, aesthetics, functionality and ergonomics are concerned.

Custom illumination on fabrics and perforated leather

With distinct light effects in any color or shape, YFAI is able to illuminate unique fabric patterns directly or to backlight perforated leather surfaces in its new door panels in a manner that is visually appealing. The company combines its manufacturing expertise in the field of surface finishing with the latest findings in consumer research and design excellence. The results are versatile, sophisticated surfaces created using ambient lighting for the next generation of vehicles.

The new technology is made possible by directly incorporating light guides into a lightweight support fabric combined with LEDs. This enables large-scale illumination with maximum design freedom. The thin material fitted with light guides forms a surface that is then used as a backlighting solution. Compared to the alternative flat lighting options, the YFAI solution offers a weight reduction of up to 25 percent with this process. LEDs are an effective light technology, guaranteeing long service life and high color intensity. The illuminated door panel surfaces fulfill a functional purpose as well: the full-scale ambient lighting structures and visualizes vehicle status messages, such as red for the transition from self-controlled to autonomous driving mode and blue for relaxed autonomous driving.

New opportunities for distinctive interiors

"We strive to make the time spent in the vehicle as useful as possible. The new light guide technology offers our designers maximum design freedom to incorporate the technology into unique patterned fabrics or perforated leather surfaces in order to create a distinctive atmosphere and to also accentuate large surfaces," said Han Hendriks, vice president Advanced Product Development & Sales at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. "Our goal is to offer unique interior designs even in basic class vehicle categories using effective light guide ambient lighting. Good design should not be a question of vehicle size: we want to also facilitate premium comfort in the small and medium class vehicle segments."

The surface designs ensure the "wow" effect. Individually woven fabric patterns are instantly illuminated as distinctively as backlit perforated leather. There are essentially no limits to the creativity in interior design. The technology can be implemented universally, making it just as suitable for customizing instrument panels.

Please visit the Yanfeng Automotive Interiors media microsite for the IAA 2015 for additional images: http://iaa2015-media.yfai.com

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. The company is 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 customizable storage compartments and flexible tambour doors is making its debut in the ID16. The benefits to passengers are better organization, 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 organized 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 customizable 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 Molding 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 mold. The soft panels produced in this way can be combined with striking sculptured leather structures during the leather-molding process. Colored illumination effects highlight the high-quality surface finish. LED ambient lighting placed seamlessly along the entire instrument panel and doors helps to differentiate by color 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.

Please visit the Yanfeng Automotive Interiors media microsite for the IAA 2015 for additional images: http://iaa2015-media.yfai.com

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the world's largest supplier of automotive interiors, has the answer to today's automotive storage requirements: the StowSmart floor console featuring customizable storage compartments and flexible tambour doors. This provides enhanced organization, additional storage and ergonomic usability. Ease of use is combined with high-quality craftsmanship in a modern design. Therefore everyday items people bring in their vehicles - from smartphones to handbags - are easily accessible and well organized. In addition to StowSmart, YFAI also has numerous other options for additional storage of items.

Hardly anyone gets into their car empty-handed. Whether it's a briefcase, handbag, tablet, purse, sunglasses or a coffee cup, drivers and front-seat passengers bring a variety of items with them, which must be easily accommodated and accessible. As a result of consumer research, as well as ergonomic and kinematic studies, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors has developed optimal solutions for floor consoles, designed to meet the needs of vehicle occupants more than ever before. The company's latest product innovations include StowSmart, a floor console that addresses individual driver preferences.

StowSmart - reconfigurable in no time at all

The new StowSmart floor console is both ergonomic and easy to use - with two flexible tambour doors that give occupants the ability to store their items on different levels. The StowSmart compartment offers an individual organizing system with different-sized compartments. Life's little things, for instance, can be stored in stacked compartments with sliding partitions.

"Our StowSmart floor console gives automakers greater potential for differentiation and offers consumers convenient functionality," said Michelle Page, director Global Product Development, Floor Consoles. "We conducted research and looked at trends of how consumers store items in their vehicles as we developed this product." While the designers initially focused on consumers' desire for greater convenience, the engineers also prioritized the need for lighter modules. The StowSmart floor console offers reduced component complexity and a weight savings of approximately 30 percent.

Practical features optimize storage space

The StowSmart floor console is a key feature in the Innovation Demonstrator 2016 (ID16) concept car at the IAA along with other unique storage options for occupants in both rows. The five modules in ID16 - StowSmart, CatchBin, Coolbox a removable beverage holder, and the sliding compartment for large bags - are all well placed and easily accessible. The use of these modules results in improved storage space and ergonomic adjustment; optimized packaging space; reduced weight; as well as easy to clean materials.

Please visit the Yanfeng Automotive Interiors media microsite for the IAA 2015 for additional images: http://iaa2015-media.yfai.com

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI) is set to be unveiled to a global audience at the 2015 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. The new company is a joint venture between Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co. and Johnson Controls, and is the world's leading supplier of automotive interiors. Both the company and its "Innovation Demonstrator 2016" (ID 16) concept car will make their world premiere at the IAA. With approximately 30 product innovations between predevelopment and series production, YFAI is creating a new experience for future vehicle generations in the concept car interior.

"We will make our debut as the world's leading interiors supplier at the IAA, and showcase our new product portfolio for the global market. This will be our first public appearance since the launch of the Yanfeng Automotive Interiors joint venture in July. We also will show our ID 16 concept car. It demonstrates our vision of driving in 2025, and showcases our global team's endless innovative capabilities and enthusiasm for the vehicle interior of the future," says Johannes Roters, chief executive officer, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors.

Practical interior innovations for greater driving comfort

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors combines numerous features in the ID 16 that make the future of driving come alive. The concept car features more than 30 product innovations and ready-to-market technologies that meet consumers' growing needs to utilize drive time comfortably and effectively as autonomous vehicles emerge in popularity. In the cockpit, YFAI demonstrates the potential for interior customization and differentiation. The interior of the ID 16 appeals to all the senses with the use of multi-colored LED ambient lighting. The high-quality appearance of the surfaces also extends to the instrument panel with well crafted leather-wrapping techniques. Here a new process has been applied for the first time, which enables direct back-foaming of leather- a first for the automotive industry.

The product developers at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors have applied more creativity to the door panel, by using a heated area to turn the surface of the armrest into a unique functional element, for example.

Well-designed storage concept optimizes storage space

Driven by the demand for smarter storage options in vehicle interiors, the ID 16 boasts a variable, central storage compartment in the floor console that can be individually configured. The development of this versatile storage space solution focuses on ergonomic operability, optimum use of the storage space available and reducing component complexity. This helps address OEMs' needs for lightweight solutions and reduces the weight of this console by 30 percent. The individual organization system ensures secure storage of important items that drivers may wish to have within easy reach en route, without taking up space in the passenger compartment.

"Our ID 16 concept satisfies modern-day consumer needs for design and comfort in the age of digital mobility. It also shows how we are focused on the future needs of autonomous driving. The ID 16 is our response to the growing demand in global automotive markets for sustainable, cost-effective premium solutions for the luxury segment - naturally with the goal of cascading our ideas across several vehicle segments," explains Han Hendriks, vice president Advanced Product Development & Sales, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. "At the same time, our innovations offer automakers new ways to differentiate their vehicle interiors and create a better overall driving experience for end consumers."

In addition to innovations in instrument panels, cockpits, floor consoles and overhead consoles, the company also is presenting door panels at the IAA, which, thanks to illuminated patterns on fabric or perforated leather, offer new and unique interior design options.

The Innovation Demonstrator 2016 will be unveiled to a global audience at a press conference on the second press day. The press conference will be held on Wednesday, 16 September 2015 at 10 a.m. at the company's booth (B 26) in Hall 5.1.

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the global leader in automotive interior solutions, yesterday recognized the outstanding achievements of its European suppliers with the Supplier Award. A total of 15 interiors suppliers were presented with awards at the Classic Remise in Düsseldorf.

This year, companies providing plastics, resins, chemicals, foams, trim and metal components received the YFAI European Supplier Award in six different categories. Key criteria for the award were factors such as quality, cost, logistics, development, technology and service. Depending on total points earned, YFAI presented the suppliers with either a "Supplier of the Year," "Distinguished Supplier," or "Supplier Excellence" award in various categories.

"Our suppliers are key to our global success. The Supplier Award is given in honor of the outstanding quality and continuous reliability of our partners," said James Bos, Vice President Global Procurement for YFAI. A total of three global enterprises received the "Supplier of the Year" award: BASF from Germany, Algontec S.L. from Spain, and HOEKO - Automotive s.r.o. from the Czech Republic.

BASF is a leading supplier of basic components, systems and specialties made from polyurethane for the global market. In Europe, the company develops, produces and sells from the site Lemfoerde, Germany, numerous polyurethane systems used in several YFAI products. Hans Peter Beringer, Vice President Transportation Europe of the division Performance Materials at BASF, is pleased to win the award: "We have been collaborating with YFAI on developing innovation since 2015 - and with great success. Winning the Bronze Award last year makes being awarded 'Supplier of the Year' this year all the more special."

The Distinguished Supplier Award went to five global companies from the supply sector: Total Research & Technology Feluy from Belgium, German manufacturers Lübke & Vogt GmbH & Co. KG and Dr. Schneider Kunststoffwerke GmbH, the Polish company IZOBLOK S.A., and TR Fastenings Ltd. from the Netherlands. Seven suppliers received the Supplier Excellence Award in the categories of Service, Customer Satisfaction, Quality and Technological Innovation. In the Service category, the winners were CIE Plasfil from Portugal, Halung GmbH & Co. KG from Germany, DSSI International LLC from Slovakia, and the Belgian supplier Surtechno n.v. German manufacturer Mürdter Werkzeug- und Formenbau GmbH won the Supplier Excellence Award for Customer Satisfaction; SFS intec GmbH from Austria in the Quality category, and Beaulieu Fibres International from Belgium for Technological Innovation.

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the world's leading supplier of instrument panels, cockpit systems, door panels and floor consoles and KOSTAL, one of the world's leading automotive suppliers of mechatronic HMI-components today announced the formation of a new strategic partnership. The CEOs of both companies, Johannes Roters and Andreas Kostal, signed a memorandum of understanding with the intent of cooperating in the field of smart interior surfaces.

With the new strategic partnership, both parties are drawing on the market trend towards the integration of HMI operating controls into high-quality surfaces in vehicle interiors.

"As a global leading provider for the development and production of mechatronic modules, switch panels and switches for the automotive industry, and with more than 100 years of experience, KOSTAL is the best possible partner in this field," said Johannes Roters, CEO of Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. "The combination of technology and expertise both companies offer provides our customers with many advantages along the entire value chain."

"The car interior will undergo an exciting evolution within the next decade. With the cooperation of YFAI and KOSTAL both partners should be able to extend their offer for their customers and drive the technological change," added Andreas Kostal, Chairman & CEO of the KOSTAL Group.

Both companies expect high potential not only in developing innovative solutions for smart interior surfaces but also for synergies in the whole value chain.

About KOSTAL:

The KOSTAL Group is an independent family-owned company that was founded in 1912 with the headquarters in Luedenscheid (Germany). KOSTAL develops and produces technologically sophisticated mechatronic modules, switch panels and switches and electronic control units for all important automobile brands worldwide. The KOSTAL Group has about 16,000 employees at 41 global locations in 21 countries on four continents working in the business areas Automotive Electrical Systems, Industrial Electronics, Connectors, Test Technology (SOMA) and Solar Electric. For more information, please visit www.kostal.com.