Yanfeng, the world's largest supplier of automotive interiors, is using the Frankfurt auto show to showcase some of its new interior components, including the console and products designed and engineered in Holland.
HOLLAND, MI - An innovative overhead console and other automotive interior concepts developed in Holland are being introduced by Yanfeng Automotive Interiors at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany this week.
Yanfeng, the world's largest supplier of automotive interiors, is using the Frankfurt auto show to showcase some of its new interior components, including the console and products designed and engineered in Holland, according to Yanfeng spokeswoman Jaclyn Bussert.
The Shanghai-based firm incorporated part of Johnson Controls Inc.'s automotive interior division in Holland last year when JCI divested much of its automotive division and hooked up with Yanfeng.
Designed and engineered in Holland, Yangfeng's new overhead console is only 15 millimeters thick (about six-tenths of an inch) and includes a sunroof control without interfering with a driver's headroom. The new overhead console is only 15 millimeters thick (about six-tenths of an inch) and includes a sunroof control without interfering with a driver's headroom. The console is being marketed for 2016 models.
"With this new overhead console, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors has reduced the weight and space required by 55 to 80 percent in comparison to conventional components. As a result, automakers can lower the rooflines while creating a feeling of greater spaciousness in the vehicle interior," Yanfeng said in a press release.
"The innovative accent lighting also supports the brand identity of the vehicle," said Hans Hendriks, vice president, Advanced Product Development and Sales at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors.
"Users can intuitively operate the sunroof from the overhead console with a swiping gesture," Hendriks said.
Drivers also can activate an emergency response button on the overhead console. With the press of a button, the basic lighting on the console changes to red and a clearly audible warning signal is sounded.
Established in 2015, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors has more than 90 manufacturing and technical centers in 17 countries and employs over 28,000 people globally.
"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," said Johannes Roters, chief executive officer, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors.
"This will be our first public appearance since the launch of the Yanfeng Automotive Interiors joint venture in July. 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,"
RELATED: JCI Interiors - one of Holland's largest employers - spinning off to joint venture with Chinese firm
Jim Harger covers business for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at jharger@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook or Google+.