New Survey by Asahi Kasei Shows Increasing Need Towards Functional Premium Surfaces for Automotive Interiors

The automotive industry continues to evolve. A new survey by Asahi Kasei Europe shows that changing mobility behavior and the growing autonomy of cars will profoundly impact the user’s driving experience. Automotive interior features are on their way to become the main differentiating element influencing buying decisions – and within the interior, the need towards premium, hygienic and sound-absorbing surfaces is on the rise.

In this article, Mike Klasco provides a unique overview of the neodymium supply chain, rare earth minerals trade, and its implications for the loudspeaker industry. Part 1 of the article explored the Chinese influence on the supply chain for rare earth ores and how that might have strategic implications if the trade wars between countries. This article was originally published in The Audio Voice newsletter of August 23 and 30, 2018. An extended version, also divided in two parts, was later published in Voice Coil magazine in November and December 2018.

In this article, Mike Klasco provides a unique overview of the neodymium supply chain, rare earth minerals trade, and its implications for the loudspeaker industry. Neodymium magnets are a sensitive issue for the future, given the trend for escalating trade skirmishes with China. This article was originally published in The Audio Voice newsletter of August 23 and 30, 2018. An extended version, also divided in two parts, was later published in Voice Coil magazine in November and December 2018.

One of the key technology demonstrations in automotive audio at CES 2020 was promoted by Continental and audio specialist Sennheiser. The two German companies presented a "speakerless" audio system for the vehicle interior, which Sennheiser claims is able to generate immersive audio by exciting surfaces inside the vehicle to produce sound. The Continental actuator solution - Ac2ated Sound - reduces weight and space by up to 90% in comparison to conventional systems.

Sennheiser developed an AMBEO immersive audio solution for in-car entertainment and communication in collaboration with Southern California-based luxury automaker, Karma Automotive. Engineered using highest-grade microphone and loudspeaker technology and 3D audio expertise, the AMBEO sound system provides impressively enveloping sound and clear audio for phone calls. The system can first be experienced as a technology showcase on a new 2020 Karma Revero GT during Monterey Car Week (August 15-18).

Analog Devices introduced an embedded system specifically for generating engine sound for electric (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). The ADSP-BF706 digital signal processor and Electric Vehicle Warning Sound System (EVWSS) firmware enables automobile manufacturers in North America and other regions to comply with future safety regulations mandating external engine sound for EVs and HEVs travelling at low speeds.