C Talk | Antolin: Rooted in China's Innovation Ecosystem, Driving Global Transformation for Automotive Interiors

"China's growth momentum is not only strong but high in quality—and this combination is uniquely irreplicable in today's global automotive industry."

That's how Ms. Cristina Blanco, Chief Executive Officer of Antolin, described the special value of the Chinese automotive market during an exclusive interview with Gasgoo at the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025.

With over 75 years of heritage as a prominent Spain-headquartered family-owned enterprise, Antolin is leveraging its full-spectrum product portfolio and forward-looking innovation strategy to integrate deeply with China's cutting-edge automotive ecosystem—and to channel those capabilities back into its global operations.

As a global leader in automotive interiors, Antolin has built a comprehensive international footprint. Its product portfolio spans traditional interior systems like headliners and door panels, as well as cutting-edge innovations in smart cockpit systems, lighting electronics, and HMI (human-machine interface) solutions. Today, the company operates more than 111 manufacturing plants and Just in Time (JIT) production centers across 23 countries, supported by 25 technical centers worldwide—creating a highly agile and efficient R&D and production network.

At the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025, Antolin spotlighted several innovations designed for the future mobility. Chief among them was the debut of the SUNRISE, a next-generation smart cockpit system co-developed with VIA optronics. The solution sets a new benchmark in user experience and display integration. The demonstrator features state-of-the-art 3D-shaped surface displays, tactile interfaces, dynamic lighting, and vegan coverings, each playing a key role in elevating the overall experience.

Another highlight was the OnBoardUX, Antolin's smart door system. Powered by proprietary algorithms, the solution integrates smart glazing technologies and E-Ink technology into the door trim, enabling interactive displays and dynamic functions across the decorative surface. It results in a vehicle cabin that is not only more functional, but also more intelligent, immersive, and secure.

As a long-standing leader in headliner systems, Antolin also demonstrated how it is integrating advanced technologies into traditional interior scenarios—reimagining conventional design spaces as platforms for innovation.

At the core of these breakthroughs lies the company's innovation-driven DNA. Cristina underscored that Antolin's 75 years of steady growth have been powered by a commitment to embedding innovation into its culture. Today, the company has set up local R&D centers in all major markets and actively collaborated with technology suppliers across multiple industries, adopting an open innovation model to accelerate the application of next-gen technologies within its product ecosystem.

Cristina further noted that Antolin is especially focused on artificial intelligence and digital transformation—technologies that not only enhance product intelligence but also drive data-powered improvements in R&D workflows and production efficiency.

"This two-pronged model—localized R&D combined with ecosystem collaboration—is the key to maintaining our industry leadership," she said.

In addition to the aforesaid innovation efforts, Antolin is also optimizing its internal structure to support a tech-driven value chain. Cristina revealed that the company has created new positions dedicated to AI and digitalization within its strategy department. These roles are designed to inject technological insight into every stage of the business—transforming what used to be siloed commercial and operational value streams into a unified, technology-enabled engine for cross-functional value creation. This shift empowers Antolin to deliver greater added value to customers across R&D, manufacturing, and the supply chain.

Antolin's strategy of leveraging technology to drive value creation has been thoroughly tested and proven in the Chinese market. Since entering China in 2003, the company has made sustained local investments to deeply embed itself in the market. Today, its annual revenue in China has surpassed €500 million. With a local footprint spanning 27 manufacturing plants, R&D centers, and JIT centers, and a team of nearly 4,000 employees, Antolin has not only built a resilient supply chain but also fostered deep integration between product development and market demand.

This strong performance is closely tied to Antolin's profound understanding of Chinese market's strategic value. According to Cristina, China offers not only a complete and mature automotive ecosystem but also a pace of innovation and speed of technology deployment unmatched by most other markets.

Drawing on these insights, Antolin has upgraded its China strategy. Cristina recalled that the company's earlier "In China, for China" approach delivered significant results. However, as Antolin's presence in the market deepened, it became increasingly clear that China's value extends well beyond its massive consumer base. The vitality of its innovation ecosystem, she noted, has the potential to generate greater value for the global market. Based on this insight, Antolin has now transitioned to a more ambitious strategic vision: “In China, for the world.”

Under this framework, Antolin is actively turning the capabilities it has developed in China into competitive advantages that help Chinese OEMs expand internationally. Cristina emphasized that the company's localized R&D capabilities, honed through deep integration with the Chinese market, enable it to precisely understand the specific needs of China's local automakers. At the same time, Antolin's extensive global operational experience allows it to serve as a trusted partner for Chinese OEMs venturing into overseas markets—offering guidance, infrastructure, and implementation support.

Cristina also shared insights on regional market differences across the globe, Antolin's hands-on R&D practices in China, and her outlook on the long-term growth potential of the Chinese auto industry.

For the full conversation, watch the interview and access the complete transcript.