Antolin develops next-gen touch control panel for new Tata Harrier and Safari

On October 17 this year, Tata Motors launched the new avatars of its premium SUVs, the facelifted Harrier and Safari. Among the highlights of the two new SUVs are an immersive driving experience heightened by a top-notch, feature-laden interior. It can now be revealed that the premium materials and finishes within the two vehicles are highlighted by an elegant Touch Control Panel, positioned beneath the air vents, and developed by Antolin, the global supplier of car interior solutions.

As with many global suppliers, India with its fast-growing auto sales is a key focus market for the Antolin Group which is consolidating its position as a leading provider of automotive interior technology solutions. Tata Motors is among the many OEMs Antolin caters to in India. 

"Tata stands out as a successful player in the competitive and demanding Indian market, and we take pride in being a reliable supporter in their growth plans in the SUV segment. At Antolin, we've demonstrated agility in aligning with Tata's rapid vehicle development plans, providing innovative solutions to enhance the interior deco-lighting style. With the recent launch of the new Safari/Harrier in the market, we've been pleased to observe a remarkably positive response from both the media and the public," said Alfonso Martinez-Matosas, India Managing Director at Antolin.

Grupo Antolin India's Touch Control Panel in the new Tata Harrier and Safari is designed to maximize the end-user interface and customisation possibilities

TOUCH CONTROL PANEL: A PERSONAL COMMAND CENTRE

The Touch Control Panel serves as an extended surface to operate the FATC-HVAC system and various other functions within the vehicles. This panel comprises several Human-Machine Interface (HMI) features, including capacitive touch functions for the FATC-HVAC, a sleek piano black deco trim spanning the entire instrument panel, direct ambient light (RGB), and advanced electronics.

Enhancing both the quality of the vehicle and user accessibility, the Touch Control Panel on the instrument panel serves as a personal command centre. Designed to maximize the end-user interface and customisation possibilities, it allows the driver to concentrate on the essence of driving.

The Touch Control Panel, positioned at the heart of the instrument panel, orchestrates various functions through a hybrid system involving sliders, capacitive switches, and toggles. It regulates dual-zone temperature, warning systems, tailgate opening, anti-fog lights, 360deg surround-view camera, front and rear defrost, and more.

A key collaborator in this project, Walter Pack, contributed to the distinctive decorative surface using IMF technology. When non-backlit, the icons remain discreet, presenting a monochromatic and streamlined aesthetic.

TOUCH CONTROL PANEL: A GLOBAL TEAM EFFORT

This new product is the result of the concerted efforts of a global team spanning India, Germany, Spain, China, France, the UK, and North America.

“This innovative approach aims to highlight the revamped interior design, and the result is a unique product that stands out. The collaborative effort involved our engineering team in Pune, supported by Technical Offices in Germany, France, Spain, and China. Together with our partners at Tata Motors, we faced the challenge of integrating capacitive touch detection, in-cabin temperature sensing, ‘hidden-until-lit’ features, and RGB ambient lighting into a single, impressive 1-metre-long decorative surface, said Demetrio Galindez, Global HMI Product Development Responsible at Antolin.

He added, “This distinctive HMI product is an example of Antolin's commitment to Intelligent Integration Inside. It reflects the dedication and collaboration of our team and partners alike, showcasing the culmination of effort in every detail.”

In addition to the Touch Control Panel, Antolin has developed various components for the new Tata Harrier and Safari, including multi-mood lighting with drive modes sync in instrument panel. The company also supplies a headliner substrate featuring ambient lighting around the perimeter of the voice-assisted panoramic sunroof.

Furthermore, the vehicles are equipped with an overhead lighting console that incorporates connected safety features, such as emergency (E-Call) and breakdown call (B-Call) assistance.

Antolin's commitment to innovation is evident, as it has already been nominated for two follow-up touch panels for upcoming Tata vehicles. These will feature the same Touch Panel technology with unique decorative elements and sizes, reinforcing our dedication to pushing boundaries in automotive design.

ANTOLIN GROUP'S STRONG PRESENCE IN INDIA

Benefitting from its numerous competencies in overheads (headliners), doors and trims, cockpits, lighting, electronic systems and lighting products, Antolin has consolidated its status as a full service supplier and enables it to cater to its customer in the complete product cycle in all the countries where it operates. 

The Antolin Group has a strong global footprint – 25 countries, 130 production plants and Just- in-Time centres, and 27 technical-commercial offices. In India, Antolin has operations in six locations – Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurgaon, Pune, Sanand and Vijayawada.

The new Pune facility was inaugurated by Antolin chairman Ernesto Antolin, CEO Ramon Sotomayor and Grupo Antolin India staffers on November 10, 2022

On November 10, 2022, Grupo Antolin inaugurated its state-of-the-art Global Design and Business Services office in Pune, planned to support all the major car manufacturers worldwide in the area of automotive interiors including product design, product simulations, product lifecycle management, project support, IT support, logistics support and environment compliances.

Grupo Antolin, which has been in India for the past 20 years, operates six plants: one each in Maharashtra (Pune), Tamil Nadu (Chennai), Karnataka (Bengaluru), Haryana (Gurgaon), Gujarat (Sanand) and Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh). It supplies car interior components to all major customers such us Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Volkswagen India, Hyundai Motor India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Maruti Suzuki, Honda Cars India, Stellantis Group, Renault Nissan, and MG Motor India.  

The company is a market leader in overheads systems and commands approximately 75% of the market share in India, where it has over 1,500 employees. Grupo Antolin also supports door panel, ambient lighting, hard and soft trims and various other interior components required by the car manufacturers.

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