Auto Supplier Forvia Introduces Products Amid Trade War With China

Forbes

24-04-2025

A Forvia automotive interior
Forvia, a major French-based automotive supplier, is using this week's Shanghai auto show to introduce new products.
The event is a sign that, despite the auto trade battle between the United States and China, the auto industry remains international.
'Auto Shanghai is where the future of mobility becomes reality — a time machine fast-forwarding us into tomorrow,' Martin Fischer, chief executive officer of Forvia, said in a statement.
The company 'showcases a wide portfolio of cutting-edge, AI- and software-driven sustainable innovations. At the forefront of industry transformation, we are redefining mobility through safe, high-performance, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for customers and drivers worldwide.'
These are among the highlights of what Forvia is showing at Shanghai:
--Power electronics and battery management: The company's EnergyCore improves "electric vehicle efficiency by integrating key power and battery electronics into one unit,' according to Forvia. 'It offers a fully integrated system from a single source.'
--Exhaust system advancements: The supplier said it's working with automakers 'to meet stricter emissions and pollutant regulations, offering technologies for internal combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and H₂ ICE vehicles across multiple segments.'
Forvia said it's working in China to 'combine digital solutions to enhance cabin acoustic comfort, and address space and noise challenges.'--Hydrogen technology: Forvia said it's highlighting its MultiCavity hydrogen storage system at Shanghai.
The system has 'composite vessels connected to a single upstream on-tank valve,' according to the company. Forvia says the system 'offers up to 20% cost savings' and a "35% reduction in CO₂ emissions.'
Much of the attention of reducing greenhouse gases from cars and trucks has been on production of electric vehicles. EV output is most advanced in China, followed by western Europe and North America.
Forvia said in a statement that hydrogen will be an important part of the future.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles 'offer a critical, complementary solution—especially for energy-intensive, high-uptime applications like long-haul trucking, industrial transport, or emergency response,' Yves Dumoulin, Forvia's senior vice president of hydrogen solutions, said in the statement. 'These are segments where fast refueling and extended range are essential.'
He added: 'Our technologies are ready. Now, the challenge is collective: public and private stakeholders must align to accelerate infrastructure and adoption.'
--Interiors: At Shanghai, Forvia is showing interior displays and what it calls its Safe & Relax seat.
The Skyline interior display assembles 'six smaller displays instead of one large, curved screen,' according to the company. Forvia says that reduces cost and is designed for all vehicle segments.
The Safe 45 seat 'reclines up to 45 degrees with a reinforced frame, keeping seatbelt attachment fastened to the vehicle body,' Forvia said. 'The Safe 60 extends recline to 60 degrees with an All-Belt-to-Seat design for optimal protection.'
Forvia estimates 35% of its seating sales come from China.
The company's seating business 'is deeply rooted in the Chinese market, working with international and Chinese OEMs in all segments,' Stephane Noel, Forvia's executive vice president of seating, said in the company statement.