For this study, 75 leading automotive journalists across the world were interviewed about current developments. According to automotive journalists, new mobility concepts, such as autonomous driving and electric mobility, will be the most important trends of the automobile industry. Digitalisation of the vehicle is also gaining significance in the form of infotainment systems and digital cockpits.

Changing mobility requirements

These key findings from this year’s Trends Report are a reflection of changing mobility requirements, Autoneum explains. The demands placed on vehicles by automobile manufacturers, consumers and regulatory authorities are rising and a continuous improvement in driving performance, safety and comfort coupled with a correspondingly low environmental burden are expected.

Owing to the increased use of the passenger compartment as a place of work and recreation, innovative acoustic components for optimum noise protection are particularly playing an increasingly important role in terms of perceived vehicle quality.

Di-Light carpet innovation

A market leader in acoustic and thermal management solutions for vehicles, Autoneum offers a large variety of multifunctional and lightweight components and technologies to meet the requirements of modern mobility. The most recent expansion of the company’s product portfolio comprises the Di-Light carpet innovation for compact and medium class vehicles.

Thanks to its greater abrasion resistance and resilience, Di-Light is a more durable nonwoven carpet and is said to offer an attractive appearance even in highly curved carpet areas due to its uniform surface finish. The nonwoven carpet absorbs noise entering the passenger compartment from the road or engine bay, thereby contributing to enhanced driving comfort, the company reports. In addition, Di-Light has a lighter weight than standard non-woven carpets while maintaining their benefits. Di-Light-based carpets, therefore, reduce fuel consumption and emissions at the same time.

The enhanced resistance/weight ratio and the homogeneous look and feel of the carpet are based on newly developed fibres. Depending on the product variant, they consist of up to 97% of recycled PET, which is reflected in the carpet’s excellent environmental performance, the manufacturer explains. Serial production of Di-Light is already underway in North America and Europe. Its market launch in Asia and South America is planned for 2018.

Global Automotive Trends Report

The 2017 Global Automotive Trends Report is based on a survey among 75 international specialist journalists on various developments and topics in the automobile industry. The Trends Report published by Prime Research is promoted by Autoneum as Presenting Partner of the World Car Awards.

The complete 2017 Global Automotive Trends Report will be presented at the World Car Awards award ceremony on 13 April 2017 at the New York International Auto Show.

www.autoneum.com