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2011 SHOW REVIEW

Following an acclaimed launch in 2010, Automotive Interiors Expo is now an unmissable event in the design calendar. The 2011 Expo built upon the inaugural event by offering an even more comprehensive range of exhibitors, and a stellar cast of experts offering their views in the Styling and Technology Studio.

Visitors from OEMs around the world interacted with exhibitors, which included Eagle Ottowa, Velcro, Bostik, YKK, Mario Levi, Morito, Alfatex and Idepa. One exhibitor who attracted a lot of interest was seating giant Recaro, which introduced a new range of composite materials claiming to offer new possibilities for its products and help reduce vehicle weight. Being demonstrated in a specially developed ‘half section’ vehicle, visitors were intrigued by the seating substructure with an extremely low H-point. The design is further optimized by the new Taumel 3000 backrest adjuster developed by Recaro affiliate Keiper, which is designed for low weight, minimal installation space, and extreme sturdiness. The slender backrest is also formed of composite materials. The company is unveiling several other designs, including new options for the popular Sportster CS range of seats.

Aside from being a great commercial opportunity, the event’s Styling and Technology Studio was also an opportunity to keep abreast of the latest thinking and developments in the automotive interiors industry, with key speakers including Amko Leenarts, Peugeot’s head of interior design, who discussed the link between human emotion and vehicle interiors, Oliver Daub, Hyundai’s manager of perceived quality, explained how to objectify subjective customer impressions, and Paul Priestman, director of renowned UK design house Priestmangoode, explained how to deliver luxury, even in small vehicle cabins.

Exhibitor Reaction

"We are a tannery that is a relative newcomer to the automotive industry, and have made good contacts at the Expo with people who speak the same [automotive] language. We have people on our booth all the time. On the second day, I was already sure it was worth coming."

Konstantin Kadushechkin, Ryazan Tannery

"We are very happy and we think this is a perfect platform for our business. As a decorative interior plastics supplier, we find the right customers here, the right connections. The organisation is also very good. We make high-quality contacts here and this is a good platform for us."

Leonard Schmidt, Kunststoff Helmbrechts AG

"It has been a very good show. There were five of us on the stand and all day it has been flat out. Brilliant."

Tim Sweatman, technical director, EcoTechnilin

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BIGGER, BETTER AND MORE TECHNOLOGY ON DISPLAY

Automotive Interiors Expo 2012 is set to introduce more exhibitors and more technology to the automotive interior design and manufacturing industry, and so creating an exhibition that is a focussed centre of excellence for the automotive interiors community.

Automotive Interiors Expo 2012 will once again bring together the world's leading manufacturers of vehicle interior components and systems.  From seat manufacturers like Recaro to leather suppliers like Eagle Ottawa, to interior lighting companies like Oshino Lamps, Automotive Interiors Expo 2012 will bring together car designers and manufacturers, styling houses and studios and this full spectrum of car interiors suppliers – all under one roof.

FREE TO ATTEND STYLING AND TECHNOLOGY STUDIO

Over three days, a series of presentations will discuss future styling trends and technical innovations.

 

Categories of equipment and technologies that will be on show:

• Seats
• Fastening solutions
• Carpets
• Floor mats
• Noise insulation materials
• Fire-retardant materials
• Leathers
• Fabrics
• In-car entertainment systems
• Speaker systems
• Satellite navigation systems/telematics
• Infotainment software providers
• MP3/4 compatibility
• Wood veneers
• Carbon-fibre veneers
• Lightweight materials
• Rear-view mirrors
• Vanity mirrors
• Sun visors and sun blinds
• Instruments
• Interior lighting
• Door panels
• Seatbelts/restraint systems
• Airbags
• Door sill mouldings
• Information displays
• Roof linings
• Cockpits and dashboards
• Parcel shelves
• Boot linings
• Loadspace systems
• Cup holders
• Hinges (gloves boxes, etc)
• Wiring looms
• Electronic fasteners
• Interior door releases
• Switches and toggles
• Springs and latches(for switchgear)
• HVAC systems
• Power outlets
• Screens and monitors
• Electric motors (motorized monitors and sun screens)
• Hydraulic struts
• Grab handles
• Blanking plates for covering fastenings