2007 Ward’s Auto Interiors Show Draws Top Automotive Talent for Conferences, Networking
Top designers, executives and purchasing staff from around the globe turned out for the Ward's Auto Interiors Show on June 4 and 5 in Detroit, North America's sole event focused on vehicle interiors.
Organized by the editors of Ward's AutoWorld and other popular Ward's titles, as well as the Penton Exhibitions Group, the event drew greater conference attendance than ever, with sessions on topics ranging from safety to infotainment to new material applications.
Keynote speeches were delivered by major personalities in the world of automotive interiors:
Ralph Gilles , VP of Jeep Truck and Component Design, Chrysler Group, a design rock star who has served as the force behind the Chrysler 300, Dodge Viper and others; and James Orchard, president of Faurecia of North America, a major interiors supplier.
Plus, Ward's editors hosted a special ceremony during which they unveiled the winners of the annual Ward's Interior of the Year awards. Big winners for 2007 included General Motors (8 awards), Ford (3 awards), DaimlerChrysler (3 awards) and Honda (2 awards).
Attendees also had the opportunity to review the latest products, materials and technologies for creating interiors with maximum appeal to today’s demanding consumers. The exhibit floor featured a full complement of innovative suppliers from all over the globe.
Ward's extensively covered the event and newsworthy discussions in each of the conference sessions, publishing a thorough special report on the event at its site WardsAuto.com. Below are links to this special Ward's coverage:
Ward’s Auto Interiors Show
Panel Debates Time to Call In Suppliers
Jun 14, 2007 10:37 AM , WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy
The optimum time for bringing suppliers into the product development process remains a subject of debate between suppliers and OEMs.
OEM Trust, Collaboration Key to Supplier Success 
Jun 8, 2007 10:12 AM , WardsAuto.com, By Mike Sutton
The continued globalization of the auto industry, including the troubled supplier sector, will necessitate vast operational changes for both suppliers and OEMs.
Auto Makers Strive to Personalize Interiors 
Jun 7, 2007 3:13 PM , WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
One of the greatest opportunities for auto makers and suppliers to customize vehicle interiors at a low cost is through the use of lights.
Power Study Says Customers Want Touch Screens 
Jun 7, 2007 1:12 PM , WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic
Complicated and difficult-to-use navigation systems are a direct source of customer dissatisfaction, says a recent J.D. Power Study.
Ward’s Names Interior Winners for 2007 
Jun 6, 2007 4:30 PM , WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg
Winners include Honda’s Fit and CR-V, along with GM’s Chevy Silverado, Cadillac SRX and Saturn Aura, and Ford’s Lincoln Navigator and Volvo S80.
Modest Growth Seen for Nav Systems 
Jun 6, 2007 4:13 PM , WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia
Of the 41.5 million vehicles expected to be sold in North America, Western Europe, Japan and Korea this year, about 5.5 million will have navigation systems, forecaster CSM says.
Integrating iPods, Interiors No Easy Task
Jun 6, 2007 2:22 PM , WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia
Making sure personal electronic devices integrate with vehicle electronics is “just not a core scenario for the device manufacturers,” a Microsoft executive says.
Vehicle Headliners Continuing to Evolve Jun 6, 2007 1:43 PM , WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope
The Audi A6 was the first vehicle to feature flat knits, which were highly formable and functional, allowing designers greater latitude.
M, JCI, Lear Hold Purchasing Panel 
Jun 1, 2007 1:03 PM , WardsAuto.com, By Ward's Staff
GM purchasing chief Bo Andersson and executives from suppliers Lear and JCI will discuss interior sourcing in a special panel session to be held June 7 at the Ward's Auto Interiors Show.