Automotive Interiors EXPO 2023: LEONHARD KURZ presents innovative design concepts for vehicle interior fittings

Fürth/Germany November 21, 2023: The most important trends in cockpit design will be presented at the Automotive Interiors Expo. From December 5 to 7, 2023, automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and teams from design, research, and development will come together in Stuttgart.

Under the motto Empowering Beautiful Surfaces, LEONHARD KURZ will be demonstrating - at Stand 3012 in Hall 3 - how innovative decoration technologies can be used to give the vehicle interior its very own character and create unique driving experiences. Smart touch operation, surfaces with especially tactile feel, Shy Tech design, and effective backlighting appeal to all the senses.

A touch of luxury and cutting-edge technology

An absolute highlight of the trade fair appearance is the Crystal Steering Wheel design concept, which was created in cooperation with Swarovski Mobility. The futuristic steering wheel demonstrator is equipped with hand-finished crystals by Swarovski, which are more than just an eye-catcher. Thanks to the integrated sensors from the KURZ subsidiary PolyIC, the crystals can be used to control various vehicle functions. With this project, KURZ and Swarovski Mobility are showing that modern technology and luxurious design now go hand in hand. The backlit crystals contribute to a special ambience with their optical depth, and the fact that they can be operated via touch is only revealed at second glance. Another special feature is that the surface of the crystals is anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. The display can also be provided with an antiviral, antibacterial surface on request.

Complex geometries set targeted strong accents

At the Automotive Interiors Expo, KURZ is presenting a 3D thermoformed control panel for car doors that can be backlit and equipped with ultra-thin touch sensors from its subsidiary PolyIC. In addition to the smart technology, the panel also impresses with skilfully staged visual highlights; the component can be laser-engraved with special inscriptions. The 3D control panel has been designed with sustainability in mind: On the one hand, it can be recycled as a whole, and on the other hand, recycled materials can be used in production.

Smart display shows possibilities of in-mold electronics

Another highlight at the KURZ trade fair stand is the display panel options with integrated PolyTC^® sensors, which can be perfectly adapted to the respective environmental details. The advanced In-Mold Electronics (IME) technology combines the molding and decoration of a component and the integration of touch sensors in a single, highly efficient work step. This not only lowers production costs, but also reduces CO₂ consumption.

Focus on electric mobility and autonomous driving

E-mobility and self-driving vehicles are the future of the automotive world and are already having a major impact on the design and technology concepts of car manufacturers and suppliers. Solutions that support these two megatrends are increasingly in demand. KURZ has been dealing with the topic of future mobility for some time and is presenting two advanced concepts in Stuttgart. On the one hand, the expert for decorative and functional surfaces offers an HMI panel that is 5G-capable thanks to partial metallization and enables touch operation. On the other hand, KURZ is presenting an innovative door trim that also supports 5G and whose weight can be reduced by up to 15 percent thanks to production using thermoplastic injection foaming. Both components, including the decor, are recyclable and can be made from recycled materials.

Light and surface design merge into one unit

How can color-fast, dynamic, and individual lighting effects or day/night designs be implemented and harmoniously integrated into the surface design? KURZ will provide the answer to this question together with its partner MENTOR at the Automotive Interiors Expo. Four interactive light panels show the range of possible colors and patterns. Visitors can get an impression of how the lighting design can be adapted to a brand’s corporate identity (CI) with full color fidelity.

Visionary design and sustainable concepts

Implementing innovative concepts often also requires a new approach to the materials used. Under the umbrella term Visionary Design, KURZ presents the Spacewood Experiment and Naturals projects. While the former completely reinterprets the material wood and places it in a space setting, the second places the emphasis on nature-inspired designs and surfaces. Both projects include exhibits that consist of 100 percent post-consumer and post-industrial recyclates.

At a glance

Automotive Interiors Expo 2023 from December 5 to 7, 2023 in Stuttgart
LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG: Hall 3, Stand 3012
Our trade fair presentation focuses on Automotive Interior Design,
Visionary Design, Sustainability