Bid to expand business portfolios in interior systems

Faurecia and Magneti Marelli have announced the signing of a co-operation agreement for the design, development and manufacturing of advanced human-machine interface (HMI) vehicle interior products. The agreement will increase the added-value of the interior business solutions that the two firms provide to automakers and end-customers.

Through this agreement, Faurecia and Magneti Marelli expect to further expand their business portfolios in interior systems, adding HMI solutions to a broad product range, including center stacks, fascias & overhead consoles, retractable touch screens and displays or the physical integration of nomadic devices such as smartphones and tablets.

The partnership draws on the combined expertise of Faurecia and Magneti Marelli. Faurecia brings its expertise as the world’s No.1 supplier in interior systems module architecture, whereas Magneti Marelli brings its extensive skills in the fields of displays, electronics, switches and tactile functions. Joining their skills and know-how will allow the partners to provide a wide range of solutions with innovative materials, mechatronics and natural interfaces.

“This is an important step in the evolution of our interior systems offer to meet the needs of automakers for increased connectivity and the intelligent use of interior architecture,” said Yann Delabrière, Chairman and CEO of Faurecia.

Said Eugenio Razelli, CEO of Magneti Marelli: “This agreement leads to a new era of human-machine interface integrated solutions where the user experience of receiving, managing and sharing information inside the car is moving to a unique, interactive and extended interface, where the merger between plastics and electronics is crucial”.

The partners are already actively pursuing the first business applications with European, North American and Asian automakers in the fields of high-quality retractable touchscreens and nomadic devices integration. Whether fixed or retractable, displays are ever more present inside vehicles, growing in size and becoming increasingly tactile.

This new co-operation between Faurecia and Magneti Marelli provides the ability to integrate, seamlessly and with premium quality, mobile devices in instrument panels, center consoles or docking stations. Going forward, it will open the door for HMI applications with superior plastronics, look and feel, fusion of control technologies, enhanced digitization and customization.