SOUTHFIELD — Lear Corp. (NYSE: LEA), the Southfield-based developer of automotive seating and electronics technology, and Gentherm, the Northville-based developer of heating and cooling systems for the automotive, health care, and other markets, have announced a joint development partnership to drive the future of passenger thermal seating solutions.
With the proliferation of ridesharing, electrification and autonomous vehicle applications, there is an increased focus on design and engineering of the internal cabin with technologies that allow passengers to personalize their spaces for individual comfort and wellness. More efficient thermal systems are needed to optimize the heating and air conditioning system in the vehicle. The partnership is for advanced development of a highly integrated, modular heat and cool solution for Lear’s IntuM seating system that will provide world-class passenger comfort.
“The industry is changing extremely fast, and we’re pleased to partner with Gentherm to address consumer preferences today and in the future,” said John Absmeier, Lear’s chief technology officer. “The need for improved personal comfort is paramount, and our combined technology will give passengers the freedom to customize their own environment, while optimizing efficiency to improve energy consumption of the vehicle heating and cooling system.”
Added Gentherm president and CEO Phil Eyler: “Our strategic collaboration with Lear demonstrates a systematic approach to developing a thermal management seating solution that optimizes the integration of our respective technologies, resulting in a superior comfort experience. Our expertise in human thermophysiology perfectly complements Lear’s strength as a leader of automotive seating and electronic systems. I am delighted that our teams will join forces to drive innovation in vehicle interior comfort solutions.”
Lear serves every major automaker in the world, and Lear content can be found on more than 400 vehicle nameplates. Lear products are designed, engineered and manufactured by 165,000 employees in 39 countries. More at lear.com.
Gentherm manufactures heated automotive interior systems (including heated seats, steering wheels, armrests and other components), battery thermal management systems, cable systems and other electronic devices. Medical products include patient temperature management systems. The company is also developing a number of new technologies and products that will help enable improvements to existing products and to create new product applications for existing and new markets. Gentherm has over 13,000 employees in the United States, Germany, Canada, China, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Vietnam. More at www.gentherm.com.