The future belongs to electromobility and self-driving cars – but there are still a number of challenges to be overcome by then, according to the 2018 Global Automotive Trends Report promoted by a leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles Autoneum as Presenting Partner.

More than 80 globally leading automotive journalists were interviewed for the report that was published by the market research institute Prime Research on the occasion of the World Car Awards ceremony at the end of March.

Lightweight and high acoustic performance

With the breakthrough of new forms of mobility, automobile manufacturers and suppliers are jointly working on the development of innovative technologies for the passenger compartment, which will increasingly be used as a place of work or recreation in the future and, accordingly, will be subject to greater demand. Specific attention is paid to components that support a quiet and comfortable driving experience with a low environmental impact at the same time.

Carpet systems in particular play an increasingly important role as they shield the passenger cabin from external noise sources while their size has a decisive influence on the quality perception of a vehicle. With Clean-Tuft for tufted carpets, Autoneum offers a technology for compact and medium class vehicles.

“Carpets based on Clean-Tuft are not only appealing because of their lightweight and consistently high acoustic performance, but also meet increased requirements for comfortable vehicle interiors due to their outstanding cleanability and resistance. The decisive factors are light and water-repellent fibres that are especially suitable for use in durable carpets. Clean-Tuft is therefore particularly resistant to liquids and small particles such as wood splinters which can be removed more quickly and thoroughly from the surface,” the company explains.

Carpet Cleanability Analyzer

In order to model the carpet already during the predevelopment of new vehicle models according to the requirements on the passenger compartment, Autoneum has developed the Carpet Cleanability Analyzer measurement system.

With the underlying methodology, it is possible to analyse and compare the cleanability of different carpet surfaces, the manufacturer explains. Per measuring cycle, three carpet samples soiled with strongly adhering particles, such as grains of sand or wool fibres, are cleaned by a robot-guided suction arm with controlled pressure. The measurement system calculates the cleanability and dirt resistance of the respective carpet technology based on the residue on the carpet surface and the weight difference of the samples. The results obtained can be used both for benchmarking and for the development of a carpet generation that optimally meets future requirements.

Thanks to its efficient measuring methodology, the system produced in the Swiss research centre in Winterthur is particularly suited for quality assurance and repeatability of the measured data. Autoneum will deliver the first Carpet Cleanability Analyzer to a French vehicle manufacturer in the spring of 2018.

Global Automotive Trends Report

The 2018 Global Automotive Trends Report is based on a survey among 82 globally leading automotive 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 2018 Global Automotive Trends Report will be presented at the World Car Awards award ceremony on 27 March 2018 at the New York International Auto Show.

www.autoneum.com