Yanfeng forms R&D superteam to create Smart Cabin

STUTTGART, Germany—Megasupplier Yanfeng will combine the research and development activities of its interiors, seating, electronics, safety and exteriors divisions into a new unit called YanfengTechnology.

The formation of YFT, which will have a strong European focus despite its global reach, is supposed to accelerate the company's realization of its futuristic vision for auto interiors. Many of the next-generation ideas that YFT has for its Smart Cabins were on display in the Experience in Motion 2020 (XiM20), an interior concept for a fully autonomous ride-sharing vehicle that was unveiled here on Wednesday.

Previously, all of the Yanfeng r&d divisions that came together to help create the XiM20 competed individually for business. That will no longer take place.

"They wouldn't continue to be successful on their own," said YFT CEO Ni Jiawen, who also is a member of the mother company's executive committee.

YFT says auto makers are looking for suppliers that can take on multiple roles to create future interiors. Ni said the company's r&d units often would work together, but putting them together ensures that collaboration is guaranteed.

"They used to support one another, but that is not enough because support doesn't mean taking responsibility," Ni said during a keynote address following the debut of the XiM20.

Han Hendriks, YFT's chief technology officer, said the new structure will allow the company to gain a better foothold in the industry.

"We need our own point of view regarding the future of interiors," Hendriks said. "Creating concepts like the XiM20 helps us prioritize where to invest."

When asked during the keynote why YFT picked Germany for its debut event Ni said: "Automakers such as BMW, Daimler and Audi are here, so we need to be here. The best car expertise and studio design capability is still in Europe."