Background

Research

Two technology demonstration vehicles are being developed: One in North America and one in Europe. Each will incorporate regional preferences. The differences are tailored to the regions based on the results from the Craftsmanship Research that was performed in Europe and consumer research that was conducted in the United States.

Primary research was conducted in Chicago, IL, and St. Petersburg, FL, to Understand the Buyer .

• A mix of ethnographic, observational and interviewing tactics were used to conduct this research approach
• Generally, the team spent one day observing the environments in which buyers lived, a second day immersed in an activity or event and a third day with dealerships and custom car shops

In North America, artistic styles are being used to visualize the creative approach taken on the demonstration vehicle. Each artistic style will accomplish three things:

1. Utilize advanced Visteon and 3M technologies.
2. Connect with the style and needs of the consumer.
3. Evoke harmony and create a feeling of well being and happiness for the buyers.

In Europe, an exploration of emerging social values focusing on health, ecology and well-being creates a starting point for understanding user needs in vehicles of the future. Trend analysis in these fields contributes to the creation of concepts for a more relaxed and comfortable driver/passenger experience. Work has included:

• Trend research, including new automotive and non-automotive product signals that represent the above trend fields
• Presentations and discussions of the implications within regional and pan-regional Visteon and 3M project teams

Collaboration

Visteon and 3M have a long history of supplying innovative products and services to the automotive industry. 3M is recognized universally as an innovator, supplying more than 1,000 products to the automotive marketplace and tapping into a broad range of technology platforms, delivering solutions that solve customer needs. Visteon is known in the automotive industry for its first-to-market innovations in automotive climate, interior and electronics systems.

The collaboration is a culmination of discussions initiated several years ago by the two companies. The initial discussions between the two companies were intended to learn about one another's innovation processes.

The companies began to design two solution-based prototype vehicles, taking into consideration consumer research and mega-trends. The retrofitted vehicles demonstrate more than 20 innovative technologies. These technologies are solution based, addressing six social trends: comfort, connectivity, convenience, health, flexibility (individualism), and sensory.

Visteon and 3M are able to innovate intelligently because of their in-depth understanding of both the OEMs who manufacture vehicles and the end consumers who ultimately purchase vehicles.

Other Collaborators

	Cypress provides capacitive proximity sensing technology for the ICP and Map Pocket Smart Lighting. These sensors activate LEDs that illuminate the ICP switches and map pocket when a user’s hand is nearby.
	Garmin provides navigation and route finding algorithms.
	GST provides interior leathers that create unique surface finishes and textures.  This helps create two harmonious yet unique interior environments.
	iBiquity provides HD Radio® modules that enable free digital quality radio with multicasting features.
	Immersion provides haptic feedback and a programmable rotary encoders for the ICP.  Haptic feedback (a tactile vibration like a pulse) lends a more natural button feel and let the user know his or her command is being processed.
	INTEVIA provides intelligent fastening technology used in the glove box latch where a shape memory alloy (SMA) mechanism controlled by a proprietary fastener operating system remotely operates the latch. The introduction of networking capability at the fastener level enables an entirely new method of mechanical fastening and provides new benefits in enclosure latching for enhanced security and authorized access.
	NXP Semiconductors provide the Music+ multi-media personalization software via a unique set of audio analysis algorithms known as PARC (Personal Audio Radio Channels), which enables users to record and create personalized playlists from the radio or personal media. The user can select “Same Artist” or “Similar Music” and the playlist will populate automatically based on what is currently playing. NXP provides Near Field Communication (NFC) sensors and phones, enabling simplified pairing of Bluetooth devices to the vehicle (for hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity solutions). NXP also provides Rich Sound software, enabling auto volume leveling and autor equalization settings (for all vehicle multimedia sources).
	Parrot provides Bluetooth® wireless connectivity solutions for hands-free phone, voice recognition, and audio streaming solutions.
	Reell provides ReellTorq® friction hinge devices to hold the dual-access console lid in any position; allowing the user to open and flip the console lid to access interface ports for electronic devices like USB sticks and MP3 players.
	SuperImaging provides the multi-color laser projection windshield display system. This projector presents useful driver and vehicle information to the driver and passengers.
	TouchSensor provides near field sensors for the ICP and InSkin™ glove box switches. Solid-state near field sensors eliminate the need for mechanical buttons, which leads to improved craftsmanship by eliminating gaps and NVH concerns.