German supplier Preh on board the new Audi A3

Preh GmbH of Germany has been mandated to supply five components for the latest generation of the Audi A3: a new type of volume control, the control unit and the control unit for the comfort settings, the seat adjustment switches and the design surface of the gear selector.

The control element for the volume control is new. This can be found in the form of a circular slider on the centre console. Jochen Ehrenberg, CTO of the Preh Group, explains: “The vehicle interior is differentiated through smart operating concepts. For the new A3, together with Audi, we have developed an innovative control element for volume control that has not yet been found in any other vehicle. Our sensory control element is just as practical for the user as a conventional volume control and also offers additional functions in a compact installation space. "  

The volume control is located in the centre console. Touch sensors are integrated under its concave, circular surface. This was designed so that the controller can also be operated with gloves.

The volume is adjusted by sliding your finger in a circle. In addition, the controller can be pressed similar to a conventional button. This enables the integration of the mute function, the forward and backward functions (skipping) as well as the on / off button of the radio. In order to minimize the distraction from the traffic situation during the function selection, the operator receives noticeable feedback by means of passive haptic feedback.

According to the automotive standards, function and surface quality must be guaranteed even after tens of thousands of applications. Preh says it ensures this with a special coating that optimally combines robustness and gliding ability.