This
intends to focus on components such as front grills and bumpers, along with
other car parts that can be illuminated. These components are expected to
become a growing trend in the future of mobility, with the increased adoption
of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving (AD) in the
coming years.
In
the frame of the agreement, SMRP BV will contribute its strong expertise in the
production of big plastic automotive parts through its operating subsidiaries,
while Marelli Automotive Lighting will bring its extensive know-how in the
field of automotive lighting and sensors integration to the collaboration
respectively.
Alongside
the lighting systems, smart illuminated grills and bumpers are expected to host
a number of different sensors aimed at ADAS and Autonomous Driving functions
(such as LiDARs, radars and cameras) together with communication
functionalities which include displaying or projecting messages; thus, making
them also a tool for sensing and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication.
In terms of styling, illuminated parts have
also a decorative function, as they can also integrate customised illuminated
elements, which are being increasingly used in branding across vehicles.
SMRP
BV is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of interior and exterior
automotive components worldwide. The company through its operating
subsidiaries, specialises in the development and manufacture of vision systems,
and highly integrated polymer modules such as cockpits, door panels, front, and
rear bumper modules etc. for the automotive industry.
Marelli
is one of the world’s leading global independent suppliers to the automotive
sector. Marelli Automotive Lighting is the division of Marelli that develops
solutions for external automotive lighting systems and sensors aimed at
ADAS/AD.
Both
partners also expect to further build on an existing long-standing
relationship, which was started in 2008 through a joint venture to manufacture
automotive lighting and related products, with four plants in India.
Commenting
on this partnership, Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman, Motherson Group said,
“Product innovation plays a very important role in meeting customer
requirements. With the growing customer need to differentiate vehicles through
styling elements, we have formed this relationship with our long-standing
trusted partner Marelli Automotive Lighting. We are sure that this
collaboration will help us develop exciting new products and thereby add value
for our customers.”
“Driving
innovation and shaping the future of mobility together with our customers
requires not only the ability to best respond to their current needs, but most
of all the ability to anticipate forthcoming evolutions and rising market
trends” stated Sylvain Dubois, CEO of Marelli’s Automotive Lighting division.
“We are glad to join hands again with
Motherson, as we already have a long-standing and successful partnership. We
are sure that this new collaboration will be a solid step towards achieving new
strategic developments in the evolution of the automotive market,” he added.