20 • July 31, 2017

STATE OF SUPPLIERS

INSIGHT

he decade ahead will experience technological upheaval like nothing before when it comes to the parts and features of new-generation vehicles.

Suppliers are scrambling to reinvent themselves and their product lines to play leading roles on 2020-era vehicle programs that will require new methods of propulsion, safety, construction and communications. This glimpse of the decade to come shows some of the emerging components — and a few of the suppliers angling to produce them.

— Jack Walsworth

Object detection systemFor a vehicle to drive itself, it must be able to see other vehicles, pedestrians and debris in the path.u Mobileyeu Autolivu Denso

T

cars

Active suspensionMore advanced ride comfort control requires a digital approach to reading the road’s surface.u ThyssenKruppu Pi Innovou Tenneco

LidarThe laser-based image sensing technology is critical for detecting small objects and seeing objects in 3-D.u Valeou Velodyneu ZF Friedrichshafen

Swiveling front seatsOnce vehicles can steer themselves, drivers and passengers are free to turn away from traditional face-forward seating.u Faureciau Adientu Lear

Retractable steering wheelBulky steering columns will fold into the cockpit bulkhead to free more space for a cabin lounge environment.u ZFu Nexteer

Cabin monitoringRefined interior sensors and cameras track changing passenger positions and alertness levels.u Delphiu Continental

Steer-by-wireElectronic steering simplifies autonomous driving, reduces component weight and allows drivers to select handling characteristics. u JTEKT u ThyssenKruppu Dura Automotive Systems

Augmented reality windshieldTraffic and map information, even beyond the driver’s line of sight, is displayed on the windshield.u Continentalu Visteonu Harmon

MappingSelf-driving vehicles require hugely detailed up-to-date maps showing the unexpected.u HEREu TomTomu Mobileye

Rearview cameraAlready showing up in limited applications, the live-action view eventually will feed into automated safety features.u Gentexu Magnau Ichikoh

360-degree opticsSince its debut a decade ago, 360-degree optics continue to become more precise. u Magnau Nvidia

Battery modulesIncreasing levels of electrification mean a bigger market for battery technology suppliers and manufacturers. u Panasonicu LG Chemu Automotive Energy Supply Corp.

Automated emergency brakingThis feature is to be standard equipment across the U.S. by 2020.u Robert Boschu Continentalu ZF

Human-machine interface systemsSafety concerns will mean new opportunities for interface systems that make hands-free control easier.u Densou Faureciau Delphi

Passive safety Airbags will be redesigned to deploy in various directions as passengers change position. u ZFu Valeou Autoliv

Artificial intelligence management The brains of the autonomous vehicle will be able to process images and traffic information faster than the human mind.u Nvidiau Intelu Bosch

In-wheel motorsSmall-vehicle platforms can dispense with heavy powertrain structures by putting electric motors in wheel assemblies.u Schaeffleru NTNu Protean Electric

Electric axlesAutomakers will want the flexibility to tune axles to work in different platform applications.u Danau GKN Drivelineu Schaeffler

Aluminum structureFabricated aluminum body structures will let automakers trim weight and outsource larger pieces of vehicles’ construction.u Constelliumu Arconicu Novelis

Carbon fiber partsFalling prices and increased supply will make larger carbon fiber parts more cost competitive.u Magnau SGL Carbonu Plasan Carbon Composites

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS ILLUSTRATION

THE RACE TO SUPPLYtomorrow’s