Grupo Antolin Provides Added Values to Auto Interior with Nextgen Integrated Solutions

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The Auto Shanghai 2021 took place on 19 April. As a key platform that leads the global auto technology and marketing trends, the Auto Shanghai offers the opportunity for auto parts suppliers to showcase their latest technologies and future development strategies. Antolin, a global auto interior solutions provider, brings about disruptive technologies in multiple strategic areas: Cockpits, Electronics, Lighting, and HMI.

Grupo Antolin President Asia Pacific &Director of the Electronic Systems BU

Gasgoo learned on the Auto Shanghai fairground that Grupo Antolin has launched its new smart cockpit system, featuring advanced technologies involving lighting, HMI, dynamic surface, and electronics. Elements such as dynamic lighting for different driving scenarios, unique backlit surfaces, display decoration modules, stitched lighting belts, smart decoration panels, dynamic surfaces made of natural materials, lighting projection, and driver monitoring system are all seamlessly integrated into a unique demonstration. It is worth noting that most of the solutions are market-ready, demonstrating Antolin's commitment to materialize its innovations.

In addition, Antolin is launching other innovative solutions at the Auto Shanghai, including Lighted Emblems, Dynamic Interior Lighting with rhythm, Backlit Trim, Functional Backlit Headliner, and overheads control modules incorporated with SMART BAR. These innovations further demonstrate Antolin's leading expertise in electronics, lighting, and HMI.

Nextgen integrated solutions consolidate leadership position in auto interior

As the third biggest auto interior supplier, Antolin solutions including overheads, doors, cockpits, and lighting lead in market shares. In recent years, thanks to the accelerated adoption of MILE (Multi-functional, Intelligent, Light-weighting, Electronic) technologies, auto interior is empowered with braver imaginations and thus offers more possibilities.

“The auto industry value chain is being reshaped. During the process, auto interior will benefit a lot,” said President Asia Pacific and Director of the Electronic Systems BU of Grupo Antolin. Jorge Juarez during an interview with Gasgoo. According to Jorge, with the advent of the era for smart connected automotive, more sensors, cameras, radars, and other equipment that monitor the environment and enable information exchange will be integrated into the vehicle. Many of the devices, particularly electronic control devices, will play a key role in auto functioning. Antolin is well positioned to integrate the devices into existing product lines and offer even bigger value added.

At the Auto Shanghai 2021, the Virtual Concept Cars demonstrated by Antolin showcases auto interior ideas and innovations. As envisaged by Antolin, smart interior is to enable advanced interactivity with the driver through the use of dynamic lighting, display equipped with cameras and sensers, VR, and smart touchscreens.

“We will focus our product development efforts on nextgen solutions that incorporate new technologies, lighting systems, decoration surfaces, and electronics devices, so as to consolidate Antolin's position as a leading global auto interior and innovation supplier,” said Jorge. 

It is understood that, to develop the nextgen integrated solutions, Antolin has carried out research into electronics, sensors, optics, and photonics, which led to new lighting, smart surfaces, infotainment, and other innovative solutions. The technologies have improved driver and passenger monitoring and key safety features. Meanwhile, Antolin has been developing disruptive bio-materials, eco-materials and structures in an effort to push for lightweight targets. In addition, when pursuing sustainable targets, Antolin focuses on sustainable processes and optimize resource use as the company push for reduced waste and emission. Overall, more advanced and sustainable interior backed by sound science represent the core of Antolin's nextgen solutions.

Innovative eco-system established and expanded as Antolin grows to be a first-tier electronics system supplier

It is worth noting that, to better integrate new technologies, lighting systems, decoration surfaces, and electronic devices, Antolin established the Electric System BU in 2020, on top of investment in R&D. The Electric System BU represents the fifth business sector of Antolin, following overheads, doors, lighting, and cockpits.

According to Jorge, the establishment of Electric System BU is aimed to enhance Antolin's global footing in the electronics system sector by building a bigger product line and enhancing value-added of traditional products. “We aim to provide our unique set of expertise covering auto lighting and electronics systems. Through our engineering expertise and product offerings, our complete electronic system solutions backed by scalability and flexibility will integrate and manage all relevant auto interior functioning, including dynamic lighting as well as doors and overheads electronic control units.”

Antolin Electric System BU is supporting other BUs in developing new integrated products. Antolin Electric System BU is also working on designated electronic products. According to Jorge, as part of group strategies, Antolin is looking to expanding its leadership in the auto market and becoming a tier-1 electronics systems provider.

To promote the development of Electric System BU, Antolin has been actively seeking strategic partnerships and creating new ecosystem. In particular, over the past couple of years, it has set up joint ventures or cooperation with multiple players.

In July 2020, Grupo Antolin and AED Engineering, a German electronic equipment provider, entered into a strategic partnership targeting the European market, with an eye to enhance electronic business. In March 2021, Antolin set up a new joint venture with Shanghai Naen Auto Technology, a leading automotive electronics player in China. The launch of the joint venture means Antolin is joining the PEPS and other auto body management competition. Antolin and Naen are expected to jointly develop highly integrated and advanced electronics targeting the Chinese market. Geely has designated the Antolin-Naen joint venture to provide nextgen DCU to its new SUV.

According to Jorge, entering into strategic partnerships provides a key path for Antolin to build stronger technological capacity. Therefore, Antolin is setting up an innovative and open working environment, collaborating with innovators and hi-tech start-ups, including innovative branches of existing customers. Antolin is expected to continue to expand its innovative technological ecosystem, with a focus on China.

Five areas ready to significantly improve performance in 2021

“Thanks to value added in electronics and lighting solutions, all BUs of Antolin are ready to work towards strong growth through developing complete auto interior systems,” said Jorge.

In the first half of 2020, Antolin was affected by the pandemic. Given the global pandemic response and market recovery, Antolin business was recovering in the second half of 2020. Moreover, the company set up an action plan and put productivity improvement measures in place, which helped significantly improve the business operations in the second half of 2020. The revenues from the Chinese market in 2020 were even higher than 2019, reflecting a growth better than the market average.

“Grupo Antolin has shown that we have strong, resilient, and flexible business structures. We are working to address the crisis. Over the past few months of big market disruptions, we have focused on our priority, i.e., to protect the health of all employees, and to ensure business continuity as well as our cash flow,” added Jorge.

Jorge is confident of the company's 2021 performance. According to Jorge, Antolin expects significant growth in 2021. All markets, especially the Chinese market, will see stronger profitability.

It is known that China has seen rapid growth in the smart auto industry, which leads to exponential growth in the auto parts industry. Statistics show that the automotive electronics market in China is to cap at more than 700 billion yuan in 2021, and to reach nearly 900 billion yuan by 2025.

“The Chinese market holds huge potentials. Therefore, Antolin has set up definitive strategies for our growth in China. We will provide strong electronic engineering capabilities to the Chinese OEMs. We will develop innovative electronic systems that meet the highest standards,” said Jorge.