Shanghai, China-headquartered automotive supplier Yanfeng says it is combining its R&D activities in the areas of interiors, seating, electronics, safety, and exteriors in a newly set up unit known as Yanfeng Technology (YFT). The new unit will accelerate the realisation of its Smart Cabin vision for future automotive interiors, with a strong focus on the integration of digital technology into all interior components and systems, including a smart cabin controller to orchestrate all features and functions.
Previously, all of the Yanfeng research divisions competed individually for business.
Based on extensive market research, smart cabin features functional surfaces, health and wellness features, and connectivity seamlessly integrated in all interior systems including seating, as well as exterior parts and passive safety systems.
“The Yanfeng Technology team is already executing projects at 13 R & D centres globally, jointly with our customers and partners to make Smart Cabin a reality very soon,” said Han Hendriks, Chief Technology Officer for YFT.
“In Europe and in North America, Yanfeng customers benefit from an array of ready-to-sell innovations, the local team’s customer, market and technology expertise, as well as a state-of-the-art footprint, now combined with the enhanced global innovation expertise of Yanfeng Technology,” said Ni Jiawen, Yanfeng Executive Committee member/CEO for YFT.
Through its Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI) division, Yanfeng also leverages a leading network of partners and the global innovation platform Plug and Play Tech Center that enable Yanfeng to tap into a major innovation source while as an integrator ensuring quick industrialization and one face to the customer.
In Europe, Plug and Play´s HQ is located in Stuttgart. It manages Europeans biggest mobility innovation platform Startup Autobahn, within ARENA2036, a research campus dedicated to innovation projects for mobility.