Brose reveals innovative interior concept that adapts to changing driving situations

German supplier Brose has revealed an innovative interior concept that dynamically adapts to changing driving situations and offers a previously unheard-of level of flexibility. 

Brose’s futuristic exhibit at the IAA 2017 in Frankfurt shows how the complete interior can be dynamically adapted to changing usage situations for autonomous driving to enable drivers and passengers to work or relax, for example.

It draws on the mechatronics specialist’s decades of experience and expertise in front and rear seats: the front seats automatically move toward the door for comfortable vehicle access. They can be rotated 180 degrees, enabling four people to talk face-to-face during meetings. The reclined position with leg and armrests provides a new level of comfort and previously unheard-of legroom of up to one metre, while the contourable rear seats can be folded extremely flat and lowered completely.

For the first time, the company is also showcasing adjustment technology that goes above and beyond the seat for maximum interior flexibility: adjusters for the steering wheel, display and footrests as well as multifunctional consoles that adapt to different seating positions. Connecting and coordinating all of the functions demonstrate the supplier’s electronics expertise, making it the ideal development partner for all adjustment systems in the interior.

A vibration massage offers the next level in comfort, using a specially developed algorithm to massage the passenger to the rhythm of the music. Another effective application of the vibration function is as a warning signal. It can be used to immediately warn the driver of hazardous situations, for example if they fall asleep for a second.

“We have carved out a unique selling point in some fields with our decade-long mechatronics expertise, the intelligent interaction of mechanical, electric, electronic and sensor systems, and are therefore well positioned for new automotive applications. Brose is taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the transformation in the automotive industry,” said Jürgen Otto, CEO of the Brose Group. 

Connected door and seat functions for easier vehicle access Brose is also showcasing the intelligent interaction between its door and seat functions in a near-series concept car: the car recognises and welcomes the driver with projections on the ground. The door opens automatically and the side bolsters on the front seats are lowered. Power seatbelts and belt lock presenters make it easier to buckle up. Sensor technology actively adapts the headrest to the passenger.

Brose developed the power side door drive and added a number of new features: the system includes power locks and a radar sensor, which identifies obstacles and stops the door before a collision occurs. A capacitive sensor in the door provides anti-trap protection for increased safety.

System expertise for hybrids and electric cars
Brose has aligned its drives to advances in vehicle electrification and is showcasing its modular motor and electronics system in Frankfurt. Standardised components enable the automotive supplier to efficiently meet a variety of electrical systems architecture requirements ranging from 12 to 810 V.

According to the company, independent of the vehicle drive, carmakers benefit from short development times, robust products, a high level of flexibility and economies of scale in global production. Brose supplies about 200 million motors for various applications in the automotive industry worldwide.

New to the product portfolio is the 48 V hybrid booster, which supports the main engine in hybrid vehicles as needed. It can move the car in situations such as traffic jams or parking garages without having to use the internal combustion engine.

Brose will start series production of the electric air-conditioning compressor as early as 2020. The high power density of the system – consisting of a motor, compressor unit and power electronics – makes it optimal for the flexible use in electric vehicles with electrical systems from 48 to 810 V. The compressor can also be used as a heat pump if needed, ensuring heating and cooling of the vehicle interior – if desired even before the driver enters the vehicle. 

Targeting a turnover of 6.4 billion euros in 2017
The family-owned company has laid the financial basis for the planned business growth: “2016 was a good fiscal year for Brose. Turnover rose only slightly to 6.1 billion euros but earnings improved moderately compared to the previous year and we once again achieved the important target return required in order to secure our financial independence,” says Brose’s CEO. The automotive supplier expects turnover to increase to 6.4 billion euros for 2017. In the next five years, the business volume should exceed 8 billion euros. Acquisitions could even bring the figure to 10 billion euros.

Brose will invest 1.2 billion euros in new products, equipment and expanding international locations by 2019. China will play a major part besides North America in the further development of the company. It is already the world’s largest automotive market and will grow from around 28 million units today to nearly 40 million by 2025. “This is why we are developing our own concepts for Chinese carmakers. We want to achieve the same pioneering position with them as we have with other customers. China will be the leading market for e-mobility,” emphasized Jürgen Otto.