BURSCHEID, Germany and
STOCKHOLM, September 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Adient (NYSE: ADNT) the world's leading automotive seating
supplier, and Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE: ALV and SSE: ALIVsdb), the
worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, are collaborating to
address vehicle seating challenges presented by designs for the
future car and the incorporation of autonomous driving.
The interior of automated driving vehicles will play an
important role, as drivers and passengers will spend more time on
non-driving activities. Once vehicles have the capability to be
computer-driven, passengers will demand far more flexibility from a
vehicle's interior space than ever before, resulting in alternative
seating positions to relax, work and socialize. At the same time,
completely new safety and comfort challenges arise with these
flexible car using opportunities. By looking beyond traditional
forward-facing seats, Adient and Autoliv feel strongly this
development agreement will create optimal integrated products and
solutions to address these challenges.
Even in automated vehicles, seatbelts, pretensioners and buckles
remain the primary means of restraint should an accident occur. The
cooperation between Adient and Autoliv will initially be focused on
optimal integration of Autoliv's safety components into the
non-traditional seating arrangements of the future car and on
enhancing existing seat-mounted airbag systems and new far-side
systems for Euro NCAP. Customer target offering for these solutions
will be the second half of 2018.
Future plans include the co-development of highly integrated
solutions for enhanced safety, comfort and convenience for future
mobility. Both companies are also interested in investigating the
potential value in expanding to non-automotive applications if
necessary to keep people safe however and wherever they travel or
commute.
"This is a tremendously exciting time for the automotive
industry, with mobility on the cusp of a fundamental disruption.
With our world-class technologies and capabilities, we are more
than ready to provide the next generation of advanced vehicle
seating systems," said R. Bruce
McDonald, Adient Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
"Working with Autoliv means combining the strengths of two leading
companies to improve safety, comfort and convenience in the
interior of future autonomous vehicles."
"Our purpose is to provide the latest technology and the highest
quality to save more lives," said Mikael
Bratt, President, Autoliv Passive Safety. "Utilizing our
global engineering resources to reinforce occupant safety remains
our top priority, and working with Adient provides the ultimate
package upgrade to give consumers confidence and added assurance
that their vehicle is equipped with advanced interior
protection."
As vehicular travel becomes increasingly electronics-based, more
social and highly collaborative, attention could be diverted from
key aspects of the driving experience, namely seating position and
the seat itself. The seat of the future is one that will be
re-imagined, given the added time people will spend on the road due
to developed efficiencies in seating construction, materials and
transportation technology.
Media Contacts:
Claudia Steinhoff
Adient Ltd. & Co. KG
Director, Europe and Africa
Communications
+49-2174-65-4481
Thomas Jönsson
Autoliv, Inc.
Vice President Corporate Communications
+46-8-587-206-27