Interior/Cabin

STMicroelectronics chip saves door space, cost Taking aim at upscale vehicles, which have many features squeezed into their doors, the chip eliminates the electromechanical relays now used for window control. Read full story

Software defined radio broadens reach to gain support The number of communication channels coming into vehicles is growing as digital radio expands and automakers show more interest in vehicle-to-vehicle communications. That’s sparking more interest in software defined radio (SDR), which uses a single chipset to handle all these inputs. Read full story

Cadillac XTS first U.S. car with R-1234yf A/C The Cadillac model comes out in late spring, with ATS to follow in mid-summer also with R-1234yf. Paperwork regulatory issues delay production from DuPont-Honeywell joint venture plant in China. SAE committee chairman asks EPA to expedite approvals for service equipment. Read full story

A look inside As Head of the Interior Division at Continental AG and Member of the Executive Board, Helmut Matschi oversees a range of technology areas for the supplier. Matschi shared his insights on some of the trends impacting vehicle interiors with AEI and other select media this past fall in Frankfurt. Read full story

Chips and displays work behind the scenes Joysticks provide more functionality, programmable displays provide more data, and switches work in conjunction with software to help off-highway operators do many tasks with minimal effort. Read full story

Displays add layers to provide more data The drive to provide vehicle owners with more information that’s easy to understand is prompting display providers to unveil products that offer more depth of field than conventional units. Taking vastly dissimilar approaches aimed at different applications, Johnson Controls and TRW Automotive recently demonstrated displays designed for instrument clusters and keypad entry. Read full story

Teardown sets Sync controller cost at $127.30 In an industry where saving a few cents on a control module provides huge benefits, there’s always interest in what a module costs. IHS iSuppli recently pulled apart electronic modules on a Ford Edge to determine the manufacturing costs in its first teardown of a full vehicle. Read full story

Scion IQ has a lot to say about packaging IQ has seating for 3-4 people. HVAC case has blower integrated into center section case with evaporator and heater core, and glove box is removed, two design features that permit forward curvature of dashboard on passenger's side. This permits asymmetrical front seating so right side passengers have larger-car legroom. Read full story

NAIAS 2012: Lexus concept hybrid coupe highlights unique interior technology The interior features two 12.3-in LCD screens, one serving as an instrument cluster and the other as a navigation/infotainment display. Read full story