BREAKING IN A NEW BRAND - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 2106

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week features Bruce McDonald, CEO of Adient, the newly independent automotive seating and interior supplier spun off from Johnson Controls. The discussion highlights Adient's significant global market share, with revenues exceeding $30 billion across its seating and interior divisions. McDonald outlines the company's strategy to improve margins from 7% to potentially 10% by focusing on lean operations and innovation. Key future trends discussed include the impact of autonomous driving on interior design, emphasizing configurable spaces and the potential elimination of traditional cockpits. Adient is also exploring opportunities in aircraft seating and adapting to the demands of ride-sharing services with more durable and easily replaceable seat covers. The company is actively engaging with new EV startups, opening an office in San Jose to foster partnerships from the ground floor.