At CES, Yanfeng, a leading global automotive supplier, introduced a new generation of its Hover Seat, with Seat Sensing Posture ID technology that adds new levels of comfort.

The seat based on zero gravity research, by detecting the occupant’s body language, such as seating position, level of fatigue, and body type actively releases fatigue for passengers throughout the ride and to improve the driving experience.

Adaptive Welcome Mode for Different Body Types
When a passenger gets into the car, the pressure pad sensors accurately recognize information about the body type and automatically adjust the headrest, lumbar support and side wings to make the seat closely fit to the body.

Seating Position Recognition and Fitting
The sensor determines the seating posture of the occupant based on the pressure distribution to the seat.  Equipped with a matrix of multi-faceted support blocks, the seat automatically adjusts the blocks to give comfortable support to the body where needed.

Fatigue Detection and Automatic Massage
The seat detects the occupant changing their posture over time, then determines the degree and location of fatigue, and automatically triggers the partition massage function.

In addition, when driving or riding for an extended period and needing to stop and rest, the seat features weightless relaxation in 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 can be fully reclined, creating a feeling of weightlessness that allows passengers to unwind.  

“Yanfeng has taken the Hover Seat to new levels of comfort with the Seat Sensing Posture ID technology,” said Patrick Nebout, CTO of Yanfeng Technology. “The seat will actively provide tailored comfort adjustments for users with different body types and sitting postures and will actively alleviate passenger fatigue and enhance the travel experience.”

The next generation of the Hover Seat can also integrate features from the first generation. This includes optional functions including seat heating and ventilation, or an electric four-way adjustable headrest, integrated sound system, and others. 

As with the original version, the functionality of the seat can be tailored to automaker needs, such as the choice of rotation, horizontal movement, manual or electric long rails.

Yanfeng is setting new standards in design and production with the modular steering wheel concept ClickRim, which is making its debut at the 2024 CES. Whether fabric, leather, artificial leather, or any other wrapped or molded materials – these surface materials of the steering wheel can be individually tailored to meet specific requirements thanks to the changeable segments. This steering wheel is more than just a design feature however, as all components used are also recyclable.

The production of a steering wheel is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive. It takes approximately 60 minutes on average to manufacture one steering wheel. The wrapping process accounts for most of this production time because traditional steering wheels are wrapped using a complex, manual process. This involves applying a foam coating to the metal skeleton of the steering wheel, followed by bonding a heating mat and finally the wrapping of the surface material. Each and every step, no matter how small, requires precise manual processing.

From manual production to a fully automated process

The ClickRim modular steering wheel concept involves the development of individual segments or half shells that are clipped onto the steering wheel rim and connected to each other. Anything is possible – whether there are two, three or four shells, alternating between wood and leather, fabric or natural fibers. The highlight: all the lighting and hands-off detection functions, as well as the heating mat, are pre-assembled and integrated directly into the shells.

Yanfeng has made this possible through a new manufacturing process that combines two production steps. The company has developed a process in which the shells are wrapped fully automatically with spacer fabrics and leather. The injection-molded part is already wrapped with the spacer fabric and fitted with the heating mat. The automaker's logo or the vehicle model branding can also be integrated directly into the shell during the wrapping process. The decorative or connecting seams on the steering wheel cover are no longer required – but could be added if required.

The overall complexity of the steering wheel product scope is also significantly reduced.

“Our new automated wrapping process allows us to save around two-thirds of the conventional production time for each steering wheel while maintaining efficient costs,” said Patrick Nebout, Chief Technology Officer at Yanfeng Technology.

The company's innovation team worked cross-functionally across Germany, North America and China on the development of the concept for this new, modular steering wheel.

“Through the cross-business unit collaboration between our interior, electronics and passive safety product departments, we are able to rethink and reorganize processes,” added Nebout.

ClickRim is part of Yanfeng's Circular Steering Wheel

Recycling and maintenance of steering wheels has previously been somewhat complex. Thanks to the modular design of the new steering wheel, the individual components can be disassembled easily and returned to the material cycle. The metal armature, the spacer fabrics as well as the surface materials used can all be recycled.

“With each new development, we are faced with the challenge of taking a holistic view of a product's life cycle – from the product design to the manufacture and use of the product at the end of its life, right through to the return of individual materials into the cycle,” Nebout said.

The use of spacer fabrics instead of conventional foam in the wrapping process for steering wheels will enable Yanfeng to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.0 kg per steering wheel.

The new steering wheel has passed all standard prototype tests, including head impact and body block tests. ClickRim is aimed at the premium and mid-range segment. This close-to-series concept development is ready to be used in the next generation of vehicles in model year 2025.

At this year’s CES, Yanfeng unveiled its CYMATICX sound flow cabin, expanding from physical product offerings to immersive audio experiences for vehicle interior spaces.  Based on the new self-developed OURANOS Sound Domain Controller platform, CYMATICX integrates a variety of innovative acoustic technologies such as HOLOSOUND immersive audio, somatosensory augmented sound, SONIX acoustic follower algorithms, and special flexible thin film transducers.

Over the past few years, there has been a boom in smart cabin technology, especially in cabin audio. Since 2019, Yanfeng has been exploring the field of cabin audio and successfully incubated the cabin audio product line from scratch.

"Cabin audio is a core product for Yanfeng's smart cabin strategy,” said Ni Jiawen, Chief Technology Officer of Yanfeng and General Manager of Yanfeng’s Tech Center. “We have been committed to creating a breakthrough cabin audio experience for many years. This time with CYMATICX, we have integrated the latest innovations together with our partners, opening up a new perspective on sound design and cabin audio management, and realizing the true reproduction of sound through a series of audio technologies and algorithms.”

The development of CYMATICX takes into account all aspects of sound generation, transmission, reception and perception, integrating acoustics, physics, psychology and other disciplines. CYMATICX features the groundbreaking SONIX dynamic sound algorithm, which adjusts the sound output in real time according to the position and dynamics of the sound object. By generating clearer and more accurate object audio and reconstructing the sound field energy, it provides passengers with a more realistic, immersive, and differentiable multi-point experience. It can also quickly determine the direction of warning sources while driving and supporting safe driving.

CYMATICX incorporates HOLOSOUND, one of only two immersive audio technologies that meets Hollywood standards, integrating a three-dimensional layout, point source, and spatial continuity of multi-channel immersive audio reproduction, it provides users with a comprehensive and authentic 3D audio experience. It is also equipped with sensory enhancement technology, which is an innovation of sound transmission that allows users to perceive sound not only through their ears but also through their bodies by interacting with other interior surfaces and seats, therefore getting a more immersive cabin experience.

The development of CYMATICX has received strong technical support from partners and industry leading audio companies ADI and OpenAudio, with whom Yanfeng announced strategic partnerships with recently.

The powertrains of electric vehicles have undergone a complete transformation - but the interior has not changed substantially. Interiors of EV's have largely resembled their gas-powered counterparts, until now.

At the 2024 CES, Yanfeng debuted its EVI (Electric Vehicle Interior) concept. This is a vision for future vehicle architecture, that eliminates the traditional instrument panel, and incorporates all key features and interior functions into a Smart Cabin seat, including an active headrest with integrated audio, safety systems, smart surfaces, and storage and charging integrated into the seat.

Through the development of EVI and the Smart Cabin Seat, Yanfeng's experts challenged themselves to simplify the vehicle interior while keeping the functionality that users expect. The Yanfeng solution builds them back in a unique way, in an all new module that incorporates both front seats, integrated floor console, steer-by-wire input system, HMI, displays, seatbelts and airbags, in addition to a HVAC microclimate system for thermal comfort.

Research shows three areas of EV owner interest:

Over the years, Yanfeng has conducted multiple studies on electric vehicle interiors. Yanfeng’s research has consistently shown three areas where EV owners (and those interested in EVs) want more. First, end users interested in EVs want access to more technology. They expect an electric vehicle to have more and different/unique technology than an ICE vehicle. Additionally, end users interested in EVs expect smooth and seamless experiences with technology. It needs to work as well, or better, than what they have today and should be used to provide feedback and information to the user that builds trust in the electric vehicle, especially important to first time EV users. Finally, many end users are open to, and looking for EVs to provide a fun and enjoyable experience, something different than in an ICE - technology is something that can help deliver this. Yanfeng’s User Experience Research team also cnducted research with end users using an early concept of the EVI demonstrator, bringing in research participants and allowing them to experience the reimagined vehicle interior firsthand. Findings from this research showed end users appreciated the dramatically different layout and interior spaciousness of the EVI concept.

Simplified assembly process:

Not only does EVI offer a new interior space for occupants, it also has the potential to simplify the vehicle assembly process for automotive manufacturers. With all key cockpit components integrated into the Smart Cabin Seat, installation into the vehicle is easier, faster, and less costly than conventional assembly. This is enabled by Yanfeng's cross-business capabilities, combining knowledge and experience across all its product categories: electronics, safety systems, seating, and interiors.

Sustainability Solutions:

With key vehicle control and interface elements integrated into the Smart Cabin Seat, the need for a traditional Instrument Panel is eliminated. This enables reduced overall vehicle weight and CO2 emissions, as well as increased efficiency, and promotes extended EV range. The ease of installation of the Smart Cabin Seat bodes well for an End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) strategy as well, making it just as easy for disassembly to boost vehicle circularity efforts. Furthermore, the EVI exemplifies Yanfeng’s commitment to sustainability through careful consideration of chosen materials and manufacturing processes. This includes the use of sustainable, high performing cover stock materials that are combined with Yanfeng’s CHyM substrate panels which use renewable fibers to create a lightweight and circular solution.

Yanfeng, a leading global automotive supplier, will display its latest seating, interiors, electronics, and safety systems innovations at the 2024 CES in Las Vegas in January. This is the first time Yanfeng has exhibited at the show.

Highlights of the company’s exhibit in the West Hall include:

• EVI: The powertrains of electric vehicles have undergone a complete transformation – but the interior has not changed substantially. Interiors in gas and electric vehicles have remained mostly the same, until now. This interior concept offers quicker assembly time and a more centralized electrical architecture, enabled by combining Yanfeng’s capabilities in seating, interiors, electronics and safety systems.
• Hover Seat with Seat Sensing Posture ID technology: We have taken our Hover Seat to new levels of comfort by adding our Seat Sensing Posture ID technology. The seat based on zero gravity research, adaptively forms to the curvature of the occupant’s body and tailors the travel experience all while providing the consistent, even support found in the Hover Seat. The seat now features precise memory settings that allow users to save and recall their preferred seat configurations, massage functions and more, thereby catering to multiple occupants.
• ClickRim: A modular steering wheel concept with connectable segments that allows the automated wrapping of the steering wheel, integration of hands on detection and heating functionality and a broad choice of cover materials. It contains proprietary self-aligning shells and an electrical connection system. This product creates a steering wheel with a notable reduction in labor to finish the assembly. It also has sustainability features as well.
• CYMATICX sound flow cabin brings immersive acoustic experiences for vehicle interior spaces. Based on the new self-developed OURANOS Sound Domain Controller platform, integrating a variety of innovative acoustic technologies such as HOLOSOUND immersive audio, somatosensory augmented sound, SONIX acoustic follower algorithms, and special flexible thin film transducers.

Yanfeng will also provide an overview of its sustainable products and processes.

“We look forward to showcasing our latest innovations during the 2024 CES,” said Patrick Nebout, chief technology officer for Yanfeng Technology. “Demonstrating our cross-business unit capabilities will highlight the further enhancement of our product offerings.”

Yanfeng, a leading global automotive supplier, announces its breakthrough in safety solutions for future mobility scenarios in China. The new technology is a package of safety solutions integrated into the passenger seat, consisting of several innovative components which together provide safety measures intended to reduce injuries from collisions when occupants are seated in a large-angle reclined forward seating position.

Scenarios for Future Mobility Put New Demands on Cabin Safety

Seat applications for the Smart Cabin are very different from those in a traditional cabin and can include large-angle reclined forward seating positions such as zero gravity or fully reclined positions, as well as other irregular seat movements such as rotation, long distance sliding and others.

As current restraint systems are developed based on an upright seating position, injury statistics from traffic accidents show that traditional safety restraint systems do not provide effective protection for drivers and occupants who are not in an upright or similar seating position. Since 2020, Yanfeng has been working to identify safety solutions to meet future mobility needs to find an answer to this increasingly important industry challenge.

After three years of development, Yanfeng has made significant progress in collision protection in a large-angle reclined forward seating position, and has obtained more than 60 patents.

Safer Travel Experience

This new safety solution brings together the seat Pre-Crash Seat Rapid Return mechanism, Follow Up Seat, Hoodie Airbag, Buttock Airbag, and Seat Integrated Seat Belt - All Belt to Seat, to provide all-round protection for occupants in all forward seating positions from standard to large angle recline.

• Pre-crash Seat Rapid Return

When the vehicle advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) or self-driving system (SDS) determine that the vehicle will collide with another vehicle or object, this function will adjust the seat rapidly from a large angle position to a position that better protects the passenger.

• Follow Up Seat (FUS)

When ADAS or SDS fails to accurately predict an unavoidable collision or when the vehicle does not have the pre-crash function, the follow up seat is triggered to allow the seat to return to the appropriate backrest angle from a wide-angle seating or reclining position after a collision, improving restraint protection for the occupants by optimizing the seating position.

• All Belt to Seat (ABTS)

The ABTS is a seat belt integrated into the seat. With car-sensitive rewinders fixed to the seatback, it implements seat belt locking under different seat-back angles to provide better protection for the occupants.

• Buttock Airbag (BAB)

The buttock airbag is activated in the front of the seat to effectively reduce the occupant's inertial rush forward in the early stage of any collision, to offset the lumbar spine force, reduce the effects of the collision energy on the passenger’s upper body and reduce the occupant lumbar spine pressure reducing injury.

• Hoodie Airbag (HAB)

With a unique design and a brand-new shape, this all-in airbag is fully integrated into the seat and deploys to protect the occupant's head, neck, and chest in different collision scenarios.

"Safety solutions for Smart Cabins are challenges that must be solved for the development of future mobility," said Ni Jiawen, Chief Technology Officer and General Manager of the Yanfeng Tech Center. “As an industry leader, Yanfeng continuously creates new cabin use scenarios, while simultaneously working to develop safety solutions. We believe that an intelligent, comfortable, and personalized cabin environment must be built on the basis of safety. The company has been exploring this field for many years, attempting to reduce the serious injuries caused by road accidents with new product technologies. This recent achievement is also due to our cross-business unit advantage, which allows us to integrate seating and safety technologies that provide users with safety solutions that better meet the needs of future mobility."

Validated through meticulous testing, the technologies are applicable for both current (L0-L3) and future autonomous driving (L3-L5) scenarios and are ready for commercialization. As the seat angle and position, as well as the posture of occupants in the cabin become more diverse, Yanfeng will continue to explore and develop additional safety solutions that improve passenger safety.

Yanfeng, one of the world's leading automotive suppliers, today published its 2022 sustainability report which documents the company’s activities in all Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) areas that form part of its sustainability strategy.

The report also reinforces Yanfeng’s support for the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact in the areas of Human Rights, Labor, Environment, and Anti-Corruption. In addition, the report summarizes the company’s social commitments and supply chain.

“At Yanfeng, sustainability plays an important role in everything that we do – from product development through production,” said Gunnar Büchter, Vice President of Global Sustainability at Yanfeng.

Yanfeng has a sustainable product portfolio. The company also focuses on renewable energy when manufacturing components at its plants. In Europe, all 12 plants have switched over to renewable energy during the last year. Globally, the company has a goal of covering 100% of total energy consumption by renewable energy sources by 2030.

Low-CO2 operation for a sustainable future
The company intends to reduce its CO2 footprint in the long-term and is pursuing the goal of achieving net zero emissions in scopes 1 and 2 by 2030 and in scope 3 by 2050. To achieve these goals, Yanfeng has taken the initial step of implementing software for tracking carbon emissions. This has been developed with support from a consulting company. The program, which is now being implemented across the company, measures and optimizes the CO2 impact Yanfeng's operations have on climate change.

This ensures that a consistent and standardized system is used both for internal monitoring and as the basis for external reporting.

Decarbonization of the supply chain and responsible procurement
Yanfeng is continually focused on achieving its sustainability goals to minimize environmental impact. Sustainability is foundational and all stakeholders are working together towards the common ESG goals of the company.

“Decarbonization is a priority for Yanfeng and one of the most important pillars of our ESG strategy. Our sustainability goals are based on the Science-based Targets Initiative. The decarbonization of our supply chain and responsible procurement are also important for us,” added Büchter, who is also responsible for procurement in Europe and North America.

To increase transparency along the supply chain and identify and eliminate risks at an early stage, the company has also been an active member of the of the VDA (Automotive Industry Association) Responsible Chain Initiative since 2022.

Yanfeng will continue to advance and further develop its ESG strategy.
Join us on this journey and learn more about it in our ESG report.

The purpose of the letter is to announce that the equity of Yanfeng Automotive Safety Systems Co., Ltd., formerly registered under Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd., has been fully transferred to Yanfeng International Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. as of May 16, 2023. The equity of Yanfeng International Seating Systems Co., Ltd., formerly registered under Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd., has been fully transferred to Yanfeng International Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. as of May 29, 2023.

Eastman announced the successful completion of the closed-loop recycling project for automotive mixed plastic waste. Through a collaborative effort, Eastman, the United States Automotive Materials Partnership LLC (USAMP), automotive recycler PADNOS and global automotive interior supplier Yanfeng, demonstrated first-of-its-kind plastic recycling from the by-product of shredding end-of-life vehicles.

When automobiles are at the end of their life, metals, tires, and glass account for 80%–90% of the materials that can be recycled through traditional mechanical recycling streams. The other 10%–20%, referred to as automotive shredder residue (ASR), consists of mixed plastic and other nonrecycled materials that currently end up in landfills or are recovered through waste-to-energy technologies.

Under this initiative, PADNOS supplied a plastic-rich fraction of ASR as a sustainable feedstock to Eastman’s carbon renewal technology (CRT). Eastman successfully demonstrated the addition and conversion of that ASR feedstock into a synthesis gas (syngas) which is subsequently used downstream in the production of its polyester and cellulosic thermoplastics. Resins from this production process were further formulated and then supplied to Yanfeng. The parts molded by Yanfeng for demonstration were successfully tested to meet a variety of OEM – Ford, GM, and Stellantis – requirements, thereby demonstrating proof of concept for a truly circular solution.

The study proved the feasibility of Eastman’s carbon renewal technology (CRT), one of Eastman’s two molecular recycling technologies, which breaks down the plastic-rich ASR into molecular building blocks. By recycling these complex plastics in CRT, Eastman can replace fossil-based feedstock and create polymers without compromising performance for use in new automotive applications. 

In addition to diverting waste from landfills, USAMP, a subsidiary of the United States Council for Automotive Research LLC (USCAR) also sees the potential for energy savings and reduced overall greenhouse gas emissions. 

Deloitte Consulting, LLP estimates more than 10 billion pounds of ASR is sent to landfills globally each year.  

“We are encouraged by the initial results of this study,” said Warwick Stirling, USCAR Executive Director. “Innovative processes that enable ASR to be used in automotive parts can help bring us closer to more fully recycling end-of-life vehicles and enabling the possibility of a truly circular economy.”

“This is a prime example of how collaboration across the value chain is essential to making material circularity mainstream,” said Steve Crawford, Eastman executive vice president, manufacturing and chief sustainability officer. “Modern cars are made with approximately 50% plastic by volume, on average; and this number is only expected to increase as automotive manufacturers continue to seek lighter electric vehicles. We’re demonstrating a future where automotive hard-to-recycle plastics and fibers are diverted from landfills and recycled to produce new automotive parts.”

Kari Bliss, principal of sustainability at PADNOS said, “The collaboration on this project is indicative of the work that is needed to create closed-loop and circular economy solutions. Our purpose statement is on full display with this project — to continue to find ways to innovate, lead and make a positive impact in this world. We are proud to be the mechanical recycler involved in this complex endeavor, which is the first of its kind in North America.” 

“Yanfeng is honored to be part of this project with USAMP, PADNOS, and Eastman. Circularity and keeping plastic waste out of landfills is a priority for our company and the industry,” said Jeff Stout, executive director of global innovation for Yanfeng. “We see a lot of potential with the resin developed with molecular reprocessing. We are pleased with the performance of the interior components we molded during the study and believe it would be a sustainable solution in production.”

About Eastman

Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. For more information, visit Eastman.com. 

About USCAR

USCAR is the collaborative automotive technology company for Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis. The goal of USCAR is to further strengthen the technology base of the domestic auto industry through cooperative research and development. For more information, visit USCAR.org.

About PADNOS

PADNOS is a fourth-generation, family-owned company with diverse processing capabilities to create real recycling solutions for ferrous and nonferrous metals, end-of-life vehicles, paper, plastics, and electronics. For more information, visit PADNOS.com.

Yanfeng’s Supplier Diversity Program was recognized at the 22^nd Great Lakes Women’s Business Conference on September 28th where the company was awarded at the Excellence in Supplier Diversity Awards Luncheon in Novi, Michigan. The Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (GLWBC) is a nonprofit that champions women and minority-owned businesses. The GLWBC provides access to capital, certification for women-owned businesses, corporate contracting opportunities, and small business educational support. The award came one week before the recent announcement that Yanfeng won "Corporation of the Year" in the manufacturing and automotive category at the 2022 Ambassadors Championing Excellence Awards by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC).

Spending $168.5 million with diverse suppliers in 2021, Yanfeng is continuing to expand its impact on minority business enterprises (MBEs) through booked business, mentorship, sponsorships, and supplier diversity professional networks. Leaders of the Supplier Diversity Program at Yanfeng – Vice President of Global Purchasing Jim Bos and Senior Supplier Diversity Manager Jacinto Blanco – both hold board positions with Michigan-based nonprofits and professional groups. In early 2022, Blanco was elected to the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board where he sits as the Corporate Vice Chair. Recently, he was nominated by the MMSDC for a 2022 Ambassadors Championing Excellence Advocate of the Year Award. Bos, an active board member of the MMSDC over the last six years, was also nominated for a 2022 Ambassadors Championing Excellence Award in the Executive of the Year category, his second recognition of the year after being nominated by DiversityPlus Magazine as a 2022 Top 25 Diversity Change Leader.

Since 2015, Yanfeng remains committed to supplier diversity and MBE development and continues to be recognized for best business practices.