Marelli to launch new optimised and Cloud-connected platforms at CES 2024

Marelli is to launch its ‘Lean’ and ‘Advantage’ platforms at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, which is to be held between January 9-11, 2024.

Marelli’s ‘Lean’ platforms are underpinned by a simplified approach to hardware and software design resulting in fewer parts, reduced weight, and less cost than standard products, without sacrificing performance. Systems based on ‘Lean’ platforms are primarily pre-developed, leaving room for automakers to customise certain features upon award. This module-based platform approach targets entry-level vehicles, brands, and trim levels, and is designed to appeal to budget-oriented consumers and fleet buyers. The first two systems being launched are LeanLight and LeanDisplay, which will be showcased in the Design for Affordability area of Marelli’s suite.

Marelli will exhibit LeanLight headlamp and rear lamp concepts, featuring up to 20% fewer components, a 20% reduction in weight, and a 6kg reduction in CO2 emissions, compared to traditional lamps. The introduction of a new injection moulding process contributes to the lighter weight and reduced energy consumption, while a newly developed surface treatment solution eliminates the need for a chemical coating, further contributing to the sustainability benefits.

Marelli’s LeanDisplay offers advanced local dimming performances at a much lower price point, in addition to an improved sustainability footprint – 40% weight reduction, energy savings, and CO2 reduction - compared to standard displays. This has been achieved by adopting a design for manufacturing approach resulting in 60% fewer components, through optimising the backlight technology – combining LEDs and proprietary lenses – and by localising the supply chain.

Marelli’s Digital Twin demonstrator, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), can replicate a full vehicle cockpit in the cloud, to accelerate design, testing, simulation, and feature deployment over-the-air. The connected, virtualised cockpit is one of Marelli's first market-ready ‘Advantage’ platform solutions. The cockpit is built on a containerised microservices architecture, meaning individual features can be independently upgraded quickly and easily, without affecting existing functionality. This solution also enables hardware portable applications, a key feature of software-defined vehicles.

Marelli states that it will continue building out its platform strategy, allowing automakers to choose solutions that are primarily pre-developed while leaving room for customisation. Additional connected systems are being developed on the ‘Advantage’ platform, as well as stand-alone software tools for designers.