A RADICAL RETHINK OF AUTOMOTIVE INTERIORS

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline After Hours delves into the evolving world of automotive interiors, focusing on seat development and sustainable materials. Mike Maddelein from Adient highlights the industry's drive for cost reduction in EVs through complexity reduction and modularity, emphasizing that core seat functionality remains driven by safety and comfort, despite the human body's minimal change over decades. The discussion explores how EVs necessitate lightweighting and lower seat profiles to accommodate battery packaging, potentially increasing range. Sustainability is a key theme, with Adient working on "green steel" and incorporating plant-based materials like soy foam, though cost remains a barrier. The panel also touches on the shift away from leather towards vegan alternatives due to cost and sustainability, and the challenges in validating new materials. Finally, the conversation briefly touches on the future of integrated sound systems and the ongoing challenges in autonomous vehicle development and infotainment strategies, particularly GM's decision to forgo Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.