A joint venture between automotive supplier Brose and Volkswagen, called Brose Sitech, began operations as an independent supplier of seat systems on January 1, 2022. Brose and Volkswagen each hold a 50% stake in the joint venture, headquartered in Polkowice, Poland.
Thomas Schmall, group board member for engineering at Volkswagen and member of the supervisory board of Brose Sitech, commented, “We had an intensive period of planning and preparation. I am delighted that Brose Sitech is now launching on the market as an independent full-range supplier of seat systems. The merger continues to be supported by Volkswagen and at the same time opens up many new perspectives. Brose Sitech is becoming a strong, sustainable company.”
The companies hope that the JV will cater to current megatrends of e-mobility and autonomous driving, where the vehicle is becoming a mobile living space, and the importance of interior and seats as a differentiating feature is increasing.
“Brose Sitech has the expertise and know-how to meet current and future demands for interior comfort, safety and flexibility. With innovative solutions for changing market requirements, the joint venture has everything it needs to convince customers and succeed in a highly competitive market,” explained Ulrich Schrickel, CEO of the Brose Group and chairman of the supervisory board of Brose Sitech. Brose will take over industrial leadership in the joint venture and completely consolidate its operations.
Brose Sitech intends to further expand its business with the Volkswagen Group and also supply other auto makers with seat systems. In addition to existing development and production sites in Eastern Europe, Germany and China, plans are underway to expand activities in Europe, America and Asia. In the long term, the joint venture’s portfolio is to be expanded to include innovative solutions for the entire vehicle interior.
