Automotive Interiors Expo Europe 2024 opened its doors today in Hall 10 at Messe Stuttgart, Germany. The event (November 12, 13 & 14) showcases the latest trends and developments in automotive interior design, manufacturing and production systems – all under one roof!
Here are a few Day 1 highlights…
McLaren reveals the 2026 W1’s unique brief and interior design innovations
Steve Crijns, senior design manager at McLaren Automotive, has returned to the Innovation Showcase this year to share the challenges of the McLaren W1, a celebration of the excellence of the iconic McLaren F1 and P1 and the manifestation of McLaren’s World Championship mindset. “The W1 is the best McLaren on the road as well as on the track,” Crijns stated. “Its unique aero concept had a significant effect on the interior design, requiring ergonomic requirements and solutions, innovation in interior materials, particularly soft trim, how they are manufactured and applied, as well as innovation in weight saving.”
Reutlingen University VR Zone shows how virtual reality is transforming interior design
The new VR Zone is enabling visitors to experience how the university’s Transportation Interior Design degree program uses virtual reality technology in its everyday work process. “The Automotive Interiors trade fair offers us an ideal basis to meet a broad spectrum of automotive contacts,” enthused Prof. Michael Goretzky, Studiendekan DESM, Transportation Interior Design. “We can demonstrate the application and results on-site and introduce our new XR laboratory which can test and further develop applications and processes alongside companies. This is an essential date in the calendar, especially for interiors!” Find out more at Booth 1200
New Product Zone showcases advances in ink technologies, printing, materials
Located right at the entrance, the New Product Zone is welcoming visitors with elegantly lit plinths showcasing the latest products from a select group of exhibitors. This exclusive area is spotlighting cutting-edge innovations that have been specifically designed for functionality, aesthetic appeal, compatibility and the overall passenger experience. Advancements in materials, manufacturing and design are on display from industry leaders, including Ash & Lacy Automotive, Dai Nippon Printing, VFP Ink Technologies, ORV Manufacturing, Helcor-Leder-Tec, Jumbo-Textil, Proell and Dilo Systems. Ash & Lacy CEO and chairman, Jonathan Evans, commented, “Ash & Lacy is delighted to be included in the innovation zone as this year’s show more than ever seems to highlight the changes and trends that are happening in automotive interior design. Looking at the exhibitors around us, it’s clear that sustainability, mass reduction and high-quality materials and finishes are of increasing importance. There are lots of exciting developments here that will allow designers to create beautiful, luxurious interiors.”
CeNTI presents new concepts for enhanced user experience, comfort and security
Miguel Peixoto, researcher at CeNTI (Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials) is sharing the center’s mission to provide expertise and technologies that support industrial infrastructure in developing and prototyping innovative materials and products.
“CeNTI participates in GreenAuto Agenda in WP2 – Intelligent, Functionalised and Digital Materials – New concepts for automotive interiors, where it develops new concepts and solutions that contribute to making the cabin a third living space, such as thermal comfort and energy efficiency,” explained Peixoto. “CeNTI chose the Innovation Showcase as an ideal platform to present its latest advancements and technologies, targeting professionals and specialists to foster potential synergies and collaborations.” Find out more at Booth 1422
Elematec introduces sustainable vegan leather made from eco-friendly cork
Elematec is presenting products not widely known as automotive materials – such as leather made from coconut shells. “Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak, meaning these trees aren’t cut and can recover,” revealed sales coordinator Hiroyuki Ishihara. “This makes our cork leather a highly eco-friendly alternative to animal leather – problematic due to its carbon footprint – or wood veneers from felled trees. By applying special coatings on cork sheets, Elematec has created an automotive-grade surface material, contributing to sustainable design options for future car interiors.” Find out more at Booth 1702
YHT launches new IMD film, blending design, texture and durability
YHT is introducing its new product, IMD film, sharing with visitors its rich experience assisting customers’ aesthetic visions to create a comfortable environment for passengers and enhance overall quality. “Our IMD film has 2H hardness post-injection, excellent tensile strength and customizable touch texture finishes to provide clients with more design options,” said Aillin Chen, marketing director at Yuan Heng Tai Water Transfer Printing (YHT). “We look forward to meeting designers, engineers and current IMD users, as well as showcasing how our products meet various design needs.” Find out more at Booth 1316
It’s not too late to attend the show! Get your FREE FastTrack pass here
