In this Article
BMW
BMW will show the BMW Vision New Class, a concept car that brings together all of the company’s future innovations in the areas of electrification, digitalization and circularity. The BMW i7 Protection, the world’s first certified all-electric special protection sedan, will also be unveiled.
BYD will present the European premiere of the SEAL U, an SUV offshoot of the Seal e-sedan. BYD will also showcase its luxury sub-brand Denza, a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz.
Chinese automaker MG will display MG4 Electric XPower, the MG Marvel R Electric Performance and the MG Cyberster.
New MINI Family Members
MINI is consistently pursuing its path towards an all-electric model range and will be presenting two members of the new MINI family at the IAA (International Motor Show) in Munich (5 – 10 September 2023).
As a 3-door model in its fifth generation, the all-electric MINI Cooper underscores the brand’s tradition with its hallmark MINI design and stands for urban driving fun. The new MINI Countryman has grown in external dimensions and offers its passengers even more space, comfort, and safety – even beyond paved roads thanks to all-wheel drive. The new MINI Cooper and the new MINI Countryman are both fully electric, guaranteeing locally emission-free driving and emphasising the exceptional position the MINI has in its respective segment by combining distinctive design, advanced drivetrain technology and an immersive digital experience.
Electrified go-kart feeling and an immersive user experience take the MINI DNA to a new level. The new MINI models are characterised by a modern and purist design that focuses on the essentials. The core of the brand is also embodied in the fifth model generation of the MINI Cooper 3-door – all-electric and consistently geared towards urban driving fun. The new all-electric MINI Countryman has grown and emphasises its suitability for setting out on adventures beyond the city limits. In addition, the MINI Aceman will premiere in April 2024 as a crossover in the premium small car segment.
“The continued high demand for our locally emission-free vehicles confirms our path to a fully electric future. It demonstrates the openness of our global MINI community to electric mobility, and I am confident that the new generation of MINI models will inspire even more people. Thanks to our electrified go-kart feeling, an immersive user experience and a responsible attitude, the new MINI family is tailor made for urban target groups all around the world,” explains Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI brand.
Consistently advancing the all-electric model portfolio.
Since the relaunch of the brand at the turn of the millennium, the MINI has not only developed into a premium vehicle, but it has also reinvented itself time and again without neglecting its own origins and tradition. This constant development and the ability to regularly set new trends have established a large fan base for MINI worldwide. On its way to becoming an all-electric brand, MINI is now presenting two of its most important models.
The new vehicles enable locally emission-free mobility and allow MINI drivers to adapt them to their different lifestyles and requirements. The hallmark MINI creative use of space offers maximum flexibility as well as enabling a high degree of variability in terms of interior design. The user experience takes a noticeable technological leap with the MINI Operating System 9, which has been optimised for touch and voice control. The round OLED display, the MINI Interaction Unit, is both an instrument cluster as well as the centre of experiences and comfort. Textile surfaces revolutionise the aesthetic appeal of the interior by reducing it to the essentials and adding a new level of well-being and warmth.
The new MINI models interpret design features with impressive clarity.
The new MINI family takes driving fun, the user experience, and the responsible attitude of the brand into a new era, a comprehensive transformation that is reflected in the new design language “Charismatic Simplicity”. This combines the traditional MINI values with progressive innovations in a particularly authentic way, reducing the vehicle design to the essentials.
The new models of the MINI family share a purist design that takes equal account of the urban character of MINI and the innovative spirit of the MINI community.
Short overhangs, a short bonnet, a long wheelbase, and big wheels – the proportions of the new model generation are typical MINI. The visual three-part division into the vehicle body, the surrounding window area and the contrasting roof also ensures the new MINI models are instantly recognisable. The surfaces of the all-electric MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman look particularly exciting thanks to the integrative treatment of details. Flush door handles, the absence of fender flares and side scuttles underline the clear and modern overall impression. The clearly defined shoulder area gives the new MINI models a decidedly athletic vehicle body.
The vehicle’s character, which is as agile as it is compact, is reinforced by new daytime running light elements for the LED headlights and the Matrix LED taillights with three different settings on all new vehicle models. These individual light signatures each support different aspects of the car body design and interact with the environment by means of a special welcome and farewell light animation.
The all-electric MINI Cooper: the reinvention of the original.
Going into its fifth model generation, the MINI Cooper 3-door still embodies the core of the brand. As an all-electric vehicle, the new MINI is available in the Cooper E variant and as the Cooper SE, featuring higher output and range. Within the new MINI family, “Cooper” refers to all MINI 3-door and 5-door models, and also the MINI Convertible. It is no longer used as an engine specification. The classic round headlights and the striking octagonal grille are the dominant features of the front section, making the model the characteristic face of MINI.
The distinctively structured bonnet contributes to the intriguing surface design. Black side sills visually move the all-electric MINI Cooper closer to the road. Four different trims – Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW – serve the purpose of differentiation, each giving the new MINI its own distinct character.
The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor in the MINI Cooper E generates a torque of 290 Nm and accelerates the vehicle from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. With an output of 160 kW/218 hp, the MINI Cooper SE sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm. The range determined in the WLTP test cycle is 305 kilometres for the MINI Cooper E and 402 kilometres for the MINI Cooper SE. *
The interior: minimalist, digital, immersive & warm.
In the interior, the design of the front section harks back to the elegantly minimalist design of the classic Mini with a slim and generous dashboard and a multifunction steering wheel for hallmark MINI go-kart feeling. The central OLED display, the MINI Interaction Unit, sets a new standard with its high resolution and contributes to the heightened presence of the circular instrument, which has a diameter of 240 millimetres.
The new MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated by saying the words “Hey MINI”. Being able to control numerous functions with voice control increases comfort, facilitating greater concentration on driving. The newly designed reduced toggle bar with five switches includes all driving functions and is ideally positioned for the driver below the circular instrument. The gearshift has been eliminated to create additional storage space between the front seats. In the wireless charging area in this storage space, mobile devices can be charged and conveniently accessed at any time.
The new interior experience is mainly created by the textile surfaces. A specially developed knitting process is used to create the easy-care, versatile structure of the two-colour textile. Optionally, up to seven MINI Experience Modes bring the dashboard to life. Special light projections extend the colours of the round instrument across the dashboard, expanding the overall experience of the user interface in the interior. The new cockpit customisation options add a personal feel-good factor to the interior of the new MINI Cooper.
All trims of the all-electric MINI Cooper feature seats in high-quality Vescin artificial leather, while all textiles and yarns for the seat, knitted surfaces, vehicle headliner and floor are made from recycled materials.
The new MINI Countryman: all-electric and adventurous.
Higher, longer, MINI – with an additional six centimetres in height and thirteen centimetres in length, the new MINI Countryman has grown noticeably compared to its predecessor, offering even more space and comfort. Wider wheel arches and a clear, modern design enhance the crossover aesthetic appeal of the rugged MINI adventurer. The elegant design of the C-pillar differs according to the vehicle trim and is based on one of the vehicle’s four roof colours. The upright shape of the new Matrix taillights frame the rear of the vehicle. Below the model lettering, the body tapers across the entire width and, together with the striking, all-round vehicle band in black, emphasises the enhanced presence of the new MINI Countryman.
The 150 kW/204 hp electric motor in the MINI Countryman E generates a torque of 250 Nm and accelerates the car from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. With 230 kW/313 hp, the electric motors of the all-wheel drive MINI Countryman SE ALL4 generate a combined torque of 494 Nm in total and accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The range determined according to the WLTP test cycle is 462 kilometres for the MINI Countryman E and 433 kilometres for the MINI Countryman SE ALL4. *
The interior: individual, multifunctional and full of high-level comfort.
In the interior, the versatile new MINI Countryman is the largest and most spacious MINI model available thanks to its high degree of adaptability. The clearly designed dashboard and the door panels are covered with woven textile surfaces. Their design is coordinated with eight different MINI Experience Modes: these maximise the options for individualising the interior by means of light projections, a customisable user interface and new engine sounds.
The MINI Operating System 9, which has been optimised for touch and voice control, together with the central OLED display with a diameter of 240 millimetres and many new, digital additional functions in the MINI Connected Package, noticeably raises the level of hallmark MINI driving fun in the cockpit of the new MINI Countryman. This also becomes apparent in the newly designed multifunction steering wheel with two-spoke design and optional textile strap instead of the classic lower spoke. Compared to the MINI Cooper, the air outlets in the cockpit are arranged vertically and, together with the upright dashboard, emphasise the character of the new MINI Countryman.
As in the exterior, the vertically mounted door handles in the interior are integrated flush with the surfaces. In combination with the tinted panoramic glass roof and the clear, reduced shapes of the front seats and rear seat, the ambience in the new MINI Countryman is particularly bright and spacious. The increased body size provides additional headroom and legroom, expanding the space options in the compact premium Crossover. The four available trims – Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW – offer different design and equipment levels and give the new MINI Countryman a distinctive character.
*All specified technical Data are preliminary.
Audi
IAA marks German premiere of the Audi activesphere concept electric concept car to preview what a five-meter electric crossover could look like in the future. Audi will also be using various examples to show how material cycles can be closed in the course of recycling management for reuse in series production. Here, trade visitors can learn about the new interior of the Audi Q6 e-tron, which will be on display as a camouflaged prototype.
Hyundai Mobis MTCU
Hyundai Mobis (KRX: 012330), a leading global automotive supplier and Autotalks, a world leader in V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication solutions are set to unveil their latest joint effort: Hyundai Mobis’ MTCU (Multi-functional Telematics Control Unit) connectivity modules.
MTCU Gen1, Hyundai Mobis’ most advanced connectivity module to date, supports Day-1 V2X services in all geographies. Powered by Autotalks’ V2X chipset, the MTCU Gen1 sets the standard for high-performance, globally compatible automotive V2X. Day-1 applications alert drivers in dangerous, non-line-of-sight situations, for example to avert a possible collision with a vehicle or bicycle at an intersection. Additional applications include alerts about road hazards.
As the demand for V2X continues to grow, primarily driven by the global NCAP roadmap, Hyundai Mobis selected Autotalks’ 3rd generation chipset to power its next-generation connectivity module solution, MTCU Gen2. The module, expected to be available in 2024, will enable car manufacturers to offer advanced safety applications based on V2X communication.
MTCU Gen2 enables a range of use-cases from basic Day-1 to advanced Day-2 V2X applications. This is achieved through its inherent support for the latest global V2X standards, dual-channel operation, and the integration of Functional Safety-grade implementation, enabling car actuation based on V2X data.
The MTCU Gen1 module will be showcased at the upcoming IAA Mobility exhibition, which will take place in Munich, Germany, between September 5th and September 10th, 2023. Hyundai Mobis will display its latest technical advancements and provide visitors with a glimpse into the future of connected-car user experiences at booth # B2 Hall D20.
Aeva Demos 4D LiDAR
Aeva (NYSE: AEVA), a leader in next-generation sensing and perception systems, announced it will demonstrate its high performance 4D LiDAR™ technology for the automotive industry at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, the world’s leading platform for the future of mobility, sustainability and technology.
Aeva’s Aeries™ II 4D LiDAR delivers next generation sensing and perception performance using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology to simultaneously detect the velocity of each point in addition to precise 3D position. Aeva’s FMCW technology is immune to interference from direct sunlight and other LiDAR sensors, and is inherently free from retroreflector blooming and ghosting. Using the additional dimension of velocity data, Aeva sensors provide unique advantages over conventional time of flight 3D LiDAR sensors including:
- Long Range Performance: Detect, classify and track dynamic objects such as vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians at long distances.
- Ultra Resolution™: A real-time camera-level image that provides up to 20 times the resolution of conventional 3D LiDAR sensors.
- Road Hazard Detection: Spot small objects on the roadway with greater confidence at up to twice the distance of conventional 3D LiDAR sensors.
- 4D Localization™: Estimate vehicle motion in real-time with six degrees of freedom for accurate positioning and navigation without the need for additional sensors, like IMU or GPS.
Aeries II is powered by Aeva’s unique LiDAR-on-chip technology that integrates all key sensor components including transmitters, receivers and optics into a compact module using silicon photonics. This design uses no fiber optics and is built using a highly automated process that allows Aeva to manufacture at scale with lower costs to meet the needs of automotive OEMs and other volume customers.
Aeva will demonstrate its Aeries II sensor and 4D LiDAR-on-chip technology in Hall B3 Stand F11 in the Messe München Exhibition Center in Munich. Demo drives with Aeries II 4D LiDAR are available by RSVP at Aeva’s stand for select attendees.
EVE Energy a IAA
EVE Energy, a leading global lithium-ion battery manufacturer in its fifth year of its first international power battery order, will make its IAA Mobility debut in September. At the IAA Mobility 2023 exhibition, EVE Energy will showcase its power cell solutions for passenger vehicles that build on cylindrical and prismatic technical routes. The Company will show the entire life chain of cylindrical products, from raw materials to cells, systems, and battery recycling, while presenting high- and low-voltage prismatic products.
Over the past decade, EVE Energy has achieved remarkable success in expanding its international power cell business, signing and delivering over millions worth of orders. Lexy Liu, the GM of International OEM Department at EVE Energy, recently marked the occasion by sharing insights into the company’s outstanding performance, emphasizing the spirit of continuous learning, teamwork, and a can-do attitude.
Lexy, who has played a pivotal role in the company’s international business development, attributes its success to a strong team spirit. “Teamwork is crucial in achieving our goals,” Lexy said. “We work together, learn from our customers and our colleagues, and leverage our personal and corporate experiences to drive continuous improvement.”
Lexy acknowledged that every project required meticulous planning and coordination among various teams within the company. The collaboration between sales and project teams was essential to provide comprehensive solutions and secure contracts. To further enhance its international business, EVE Energy established the International OEM Department in December 2021.
Looking ahead, EVE Energy is focused on growing its global reach and deepening relationships with current customers while exploring new opportunities in emerging markets. With its advanced technology and expertise, EVE Energy is committed to contributing to sustainable transportation and providing dependable energy storage solutions worldwide.
Lexy ‘s personal career and academic background played an instrumental role in her professional development and have contributed to the success of EVE Energy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Printing Technology from Xi’an University of Technology and completed a two-year exchange program with Stuttgart Media University. This experience instilled in her a solid foundation covering German language and culture, as well as exposure to multiple renowned automotive manufacturers headquartered in Stuttgart. Lexy further pursued her studies in Germany, specializing in printed electronic products, including keyboards, audio systems, and solar cells. Her involvement in battery, coating, and sales-related projects enabled her to gain valuable insights into the lithium-ion battery industry.
While Lexy was doing her master’s degree at TU Chemnitz, she also worked as an assistant researcher at Laser Zentrum Hannover. This experience brought her a desire for stability in her life. Once she achieved that stability, she felt a yearning for new challenges. That’s when she decided to join EVE Energy. With her sales expertise and fluency in German, she was confident that she could help the company expand its international business.
Transitioning from a research background to a sales role at EVE Energy, Lexy found great satisfaction in sharing her ideas and perspectives with customers. Her previous experience in product development and interaction with customers as a product manager prepared her well for this role. Lexy mentioned, “I frequently meet with customers and engage in discussions that transitioned from technical solutions to commercial proposals. Although the content may differ, the essence of closing deals remains the same. It involves understanding customer needs and delivering projects that meet their requirements.”
Looking back on the success of the International OEM Department at EVE Energy, Lexy expressed her sincere gratitude for the team’s unwavering commitment and the company’s impressive expansion. She emphasized the initial obstacles the team encountered while entering the global market, underscoring the crucial role of a cohesive team effort.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz will present a concept vehicle in the IAA Open Space, showint the brand’s vision for the future in the entry-level segment. Also on displwy compact models to performance sedans and from luxury SUVs to full-size sedans. This includes the world premiere of the new E-Class All-Terrain. Visitors will also see the all-electric VISION EQXX and the Vision One-Eleven super sports car. The facelifted EQA, EQB and EQV will also be on display.
Mercedes‑Benz is returning to IAA Mobility from September 5 to 10 and is once again defining class with the world premiere of the new Concept CLA Class, the forerunner of a new model family at the gateway to Mercedes‑Benz. In the age of electric mobility and digitalisation, this concept car demonstrates the company’s vision to elevate the segment through aesthetic and extraordinary design, long-range efficiency, pioneering innovation, sustainable materials and an entirely new operating system, MB.OS.
“The Concept CLA Class is the forerunner for an entirely new portfolio of electric-first vehicles that will serve as the gateway into the world of Mercedes‑Benz. We will massively elevate our offering in this segment – developed from scratch on our new dedicated MMA platform. All of these models are designed to fulfil one mission: Redefining every aspect of what customers can expect in this format.”Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes‑Benz Group AG
The Concept CLA Class is the forerunner of the first model family designed on the all-new Mercedes‑Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. It marks the next step into the electric future of Mercedes‑Benz. Using a next-generation, ultra-efficient electric powertrain that is directly derived from the groundbreaking VISION EQXX programme, this hypermiler is the “one‑litre car” of the electric age, with a range of more than 750 kilometres (466 miles) (WLTP)1 and a consumption of
Since the invention of the automobile by Carl Benz 137 years ago, Mercedes‑Benz has consistently set the benchmark. From A‑Class to S‑Class and beyond, the company’s uncompromising vision continues to shape the development of the automobile like no other vehicle manufacturer. At this year’s IAA Mobility, Mercedes‑Benz is underpinning this pioneering spirit. In addition to the Concept CLA Class, other show cars and the latest range of electric and electrified vehicles are on display. The “Defining Class since 1886” theme will form the backbone of a global marketing campaign, which will be launched at IAA Mobility in Munich and then rolled out around the world. The omnichannel campaign consists of a 60‑second brand film, social assets and content on the main Mercedes‑Benz website, as well as billboards around Munich and other cities in Germany.
Visitors can experience the latest offerings across all Mercedes brands, including Mercedes‑AMG, G‑Class, Mercedes‑Maybach and Mercedes‑Benz Vans. In keeping with the brand’s theme of “Defining Class since 1886” and underlining the company’s vision of building the world’s most desirable cars, the line-up covers a wide spectrum – from compact models and performance saloons to luxury SUVs and multi-purpose vehicles. This includes the new EQA, EQB and EQV, which celebrate their show premiere in Munich, as well as the EQE, EQS, EQS SUV and the new E‑Class plug‑in hybrid. In addition, the new E‑Class All‑Terrain and the Mercedes‑AMG GT Concept E PERFORMANCE both have their world premiere. Plus, on display to the public for the first time is the forward-looking Vision One‑Eleven show car, which offers an insight into the company’s vision for the future of performance.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen will show the Passat, ID.7, premier the ID.7 GTX. The GTX models combine electromobility, sustainability and intelligent sportiness. Slightly camouflaged, the next Tiguan is also expected at the IAA MOBILITY.
At the world premiere, Volkswagen presents the first photos and facts of the completely newly developed Passat. The focus is on powerful aerodynamic design, new high-efficiency drives, high quality and a host of new technologies. In just a few days, the vehicle will be shown to the public for the first time at the IAA Mobility in Munich (5 to 9 September 2023). The new Passat will be launched as a versatile Variant in the first quarter of 2024. With more than 34 million units sold worldwide, the Passat is the top-selling Volkswagen of all time after the Golf and ahead of the Beetle.
Clean and powerful – the design is clearly Passat, clearly Volkswagen, yet new from every perspective. The customer-focused range of three new plug-in and mild hybrid drives and five turbocharged petrol and diesel engine variants is characterised by efficiency. The quiet and spacious Passat Variant offers a high level of travel comfort and will be optionally available with new adaptive chassis control (DCC Pro03) and new ergoActive seats03 (with pneumatic pressure point massage). The intuitive features of the digitalised cockpit landscape are a completely new development. The new Passat can also optionally park04 independently and cover long distances in assisted driving mode04.
Two new plug-in hybrid drives. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Technical Development, says: “The latest evolutionary stage of the modular transverse matrix (MQB evo)forms the highly innovative technical basis of the ninth Passat generation. Thanks to the significant economies of scale of the MQB evo, Volkswagen has again democratised numerous high-tech developments and made them available for hundreds of thousands of drivers.” The two completely newly developed plug-in hybrid drives (eHybrid) with a system output of 150 kW (204 PS)01 and 200 kW (272 PS)01 are a perfect example of this. In combination with a new 19.7 kWh battery (net energy content), they make all-electric ranges of around 100 km02 possible. This distance turns the new Passat Variant into an electric vehicle for everyday life – this is additionally ensured by short charging times as the battery can now be charged at AC charge points with 11 kW instead of the previous 3.6 kW. The Passat Variant eHybrid can even be charged with up to 50 kW at DC fast charging stations. In addition, the combination of electric drive motor and new economical turbocharged petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2) provides overall ranges of around 1,000 km02.
New 48 V mild hybrid. Also new on board the Passat is a 48 V mild hybrid drive (eTSI with 110 kW / 150 PS)01 that transforms kinetic energy into electric energy and makes it possible to “coast” without using the combustion engine. Two 150 kW (204 PS)01 and 195 kW (265 PS)01 turbo petrol engines (2.0 TSI) as well as three turbo diesel engines (2.0 TDI) with 90 kW (122 PS), 110 kW (150 PS)01 and 142 kW (193 PS)01 complete the powertrain range. An automatic direct shift gearbox (DSG) is always standard. The versions with outputs of 195 kW and 142 kW come with the intelligently controlled 4MOTION all-wheel drive system as standard; all other models have front-wheel drive.
New landscape display. Volkswagen has completely redesigned the high-quality interior. Particularly striking is the clearly arranged, large landscape display– stylish, functional and progressive. The MIB4 serves as the technical platform here. The latest generation of the “modular infotainment matrix” allows intuitive operation that has been consistently tailored to the wishes of Volkswagen drivers.
Assisted parking. The new Passat Variant will launch with a further developed range of state-of-the-art assist systems. The spectrum of park assist systems is new. These include the optional Park Assist Plus, Park Assist Pro and the memory function for Park Assist Pro. With Park Assist Pro, the new Passat Variant can drive into and out of parking spaces by remote control using a smartphone. If the Passat has the memory function for Park Assist Pro04 on board, the system can record and store the last 50 metres of a journey on request. When the vehicle reaches the same position again – for example, the entrance to the carport at home – it offers to take over the parking manoeuvre. Independent driving out of a parking space is also possible.
World premiere of DCC Pro. The adaptive chassis control DCC Pro represents a new level of suspension technology. Its spread of maximum dynamics and highest comfort sets standards in the mid-sized class. This is made possible thanks to the two-valve technology used in a Volkswagen for the first time. The ergoActive Plus seats03 with a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure point massage function also offer a high level of travel comfort. Thanks to a 50 mm longer wheelbase with also 50 mm more legroom in the rear and a luggage compartment capacity of up to 1,920 litres, the Passat Variant is ideally suited as an all-rounder for business and leisure.
VW will premiere 100 percent electric, 100 percent GTI: the ID. GTI Concept brings sporty performance to the world of affordable electric mobility. It is an interpretation with classic GTI DNA: the concept follows the 1976 original GTI with state-of-the-art technologies and sharp design. “Injection” is now “Intelligence”: the “I” in the GTI designation now stands for intelligent thinking in the sports-car world. The ID. GTI Concept is based on the ID. 2all and will be built as a usable sports car for the electric age
The ID. GTI Concept is based on the ID. 2all concept that was presented in March—a future electric compact car that costs around 25,000 euros that has generated worldwide attention. Its front-wheel-drive layout, clear design and powerful proportions make it the perfect starting point for a new GTI.
Continental Sustainable Surfaces Surface
SPACE D is making its debut: the new design concept from Continental offers a glimpse into the future of vehicle interior design. Shaped by electric mobility and autonomous driving, this is an experience that can already be enjoyed today. The company has therefore bridged the gap between living room and automotive interior while placing the focus firmly on comfort and wellbeing. “Following on from the AMBIENC3 with its visionary concept for vehicle interiors and the ContiHome showcasing the future of living, the time had come to merge the two worlds into one,” says Ralf Imbery, Global Director Design, Marketing & Strategy. “The result is SPACE D – a form of mobile oasis.”
Sustainability is at the heart of SPACE D and can be experienced in various facets of the concept. Many of the applied surface solutions have been engineered in line with the three defined pillars of sustainability – carbon neutrality, circular economy and unique product performance – which in turn enable customers to make their end products more sustainable. Besides sustainability, the exhibit also focuses on design and functionality. SPACE D can be seen and experienced at Continental’s stand (B10) in Hall A2 at the IAA Mobility Summit in Munich on September 5 – 8.
“SPACE D is a fully accessible and emotionally engaging concept that allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the automotive interior of the future,” explains Imbery. “This experience encompasses all three dimensions, inviting them to sense sustainability, touch design and feel functionality at work. The visitor can therefore fully experience just how much vehicle interiors are set to change.”
Continental’s team of surface specialists have pared down their SPACE D exhibit to the essentials – namely the mobile interior itself. There is no body surrounding it, no powertrain, no wheels – just an open frame bordering the space as a symbolic guide for the glimpse into the future of the vehicle interior. The “D” in the name SPACE D stands for the high standard of design aspired to by the visionary open-plan concept.
The outside of the SPACE D frame is defined by trendy wooden slats that lend structure to the overall concept and emphasize its natural feel. The entire design of this open concept, its structures and the harmony of color in its individual elements set the tone throughout the space and allow it to be experienced as a whole. Upon closer inspection, the visitor’s attention will be drawn to the individual surfaces that make up SPACE D on the inside, the most eye-catching of which is the durable Benova Eco Protect material that adorns the lounge furnishings. This key element of the interior ambiance has just been entitled to wear the PETA-Approved Vegan label for certified vegan products. The material dispenses completely with critical substances, plasticizers and solvents, resulting in remarkably low emissions and odor levels as well as a low Product Carbon Footprint. It meets the requirements of all OEM-specific banned substance and declaration lists. Benova Eco Protect also offers a weight saving of around 20 percent over standard surface products. However, it is the surface material’s design that really makes it stand out, as underlined by its success in the prestigious German Innovation Awards and its recent nomination as a finalist in the internationally renowned Automotive News PACE Awards.
Sustainability takes top priority in SPACE D. For this reason, an appropriately developed variant of the classic Acella material, dubbed Acella – Sustainable Product Design, is used for the chair in the workstation at the front of SPACE D. It features bio-based and recycled components and also ensures a high level of customization thanks to individual embossing patterns and padding. This means the material is perfectly suitable for virtually all processing and upholstery techniques.
When it comes to functionality in SPACE D, the translucent material Xpreshn Hylite Concept uses light to truly blaze a trail. Also made from renewable raw materials, it opens up new avenues for styling and, above all, function. The surface’s translucency offers a wealth of possibilities, as illustrated by the HMI control panel in the lounge area of SPACE D, where it is used to control the lighting and surface heating. Xpreshn Hylite Concept has been used again for the luminous Continental logo on the head restraint in the lounge area.
Since the functional dimension of surfaces is gaining in importance in general, SPACE D employs a number of proven and patented technologies, such as heatable (for direct, fast and very precise heating), staynu (extremely resistant to dirt) and laif (breathable, comfortable, passive temperature control and acoustically effective). All demonstrate that a surface is a functional system rather than just a cover. The SPACE D concept therefore neatly blurs the lines between the home environment and the vehicle, incorporating both a lounge area and a control center with intuitive operating panels.
“This combined application of sustainability, an attractive design with references to nature and innovative surface technologies enables the materials used to take both comfort and the driving experience into a new dimension,” points out Imbery, before adding: “For us, thinking and acting responsibly means treating nature and our environment fairly and protecting them as best we can. This is why we place great emphasis on sustainability in everything we do. As we like to say: sustainability starts at the surface.”
SPACE D is therefore a shining example of modular and flexible vehicle interior design that satisfies changing requirements and is packaged in sustainable form throughout, without compromising on product performance in any way. The materials used illustrate how sustainability can be made visible and perceptible.
More information on SPACE D can be found here.