Design, innovation, sustainability: KURZ set to show pioneering design concepts with a “wow” factor at the IAA Summit 2023

Fürth/Germany, August 16, 2023: The IAA Summit 2023 is the most important international B2B platform for the automotive industry. The event will take place from September 5 to 8 as part of IAA MOBILITY 2023 at the Munich exhibition center. Leading automobile manufacturers, suppliers, and technology companies come together here to present the next generation of vehicles and mobility concepts.

Electromobility, autonomous driving, networked vehicles, and sustainable mobility - in no other industry is the transformation as great as in the automotive sector. LEONHARD KURZ is helping to shape this change and making innovative, sustainable brand statements tangible at the trade fair. Under the theme ‘empowering beautiful surfaces,’ the thin-film specialist from Fürth will be showing innovative solutions for decorative and functional surfaces from the Exterior and Interior Design, as well as Visionary Design segments, in Hall A2 (Stand C32). A special focus is placed on the aspect of sustainability. At the IAA Summit, KURZ will demonstrate how innovative decoration technologies can reduce the carbon footprint.

Smart exhibits experienced interactively

An absolute eye-catcher at the KURZ stand is a rear-end cover concept, which consists of an innovative 2K material mix and is equipped (via in-mold electronics) with technical features such as smart touch functionality and Shy Tech design. The rear-end cover not only meets all the requirements that currently determine the market - especially regarding e-mobility - but also illustrates development opportunities. At the same time, the concept sets an example in terms of sustainability, as the large component (dimensions: W 85.29 cm x H 25.27 cm x D 7.7 cm) is manufactured in one production step to save CO₂. It can also be recycled as a whole. The concept supports all technologies required for autonomous driving and communicates with other road users using backlighting and 3D light effects. The exhibit, which was developed together with the KURZ subsidiaries BURG DESIGN, PolyIC, and SCHÖFER, is displayed in front of a large screen, and visitors can explore all the highlights such as day/night designs or touch operation live. Haptics, lighting, and optics combine to create an extraordinary mobility experience.

With a combination of physical exhibit and screen presentation, KURZ is showing not only the rear-end cover but also an innovative front cover that follows the trend towards closed surfaces. The design concept for e-mobility models demonstrates the design possibilities that arise from laser engraving. The front panel on display was made translucent using a laser, for example. Further decoration options and variants - including day/night designs as well as different colors and animations for actions such as indicating, braking, or recharge - will be demonstrated digitally. Backlighting effects are not only used for brand identification, but also for communication with other road users. The front cover can be equipped with an extremely resistant, self-healing DECOPUR^® surface. Combined with a crystalline high-gloss finish, this creates a spectacular 3D effect. A special highlight is that the one-of-a-kind creations are backed up on the blockchain via NFT in cooperation with KURZ DIGITAL. A limited number of NFT Design Artworks will be handed out to customers at the stand.

The PC-based front end, which can be recycled as a complete component, was implemented using the most advanced IMD technology and injection molding tools from the specialist for plastic-based modules, Samvardhana Motherson Peguform (SMP).

Ready for the new requirements of e-mobility

Smart touch operation, Shy Tech, and partial backlighting are features that can also be found in KURZ’s innovative wallbox charging station. The charging station for electric vehicles, developed in cooperation with BURG DESIGN and PolyIC, offers a wide variety of customer-specific designs by using various finishing processes. In addition to a functional exhibit customized with laser technology, the KURZ stand will also feature an augmented reality demonstration of the product concept. Visitors can select different designs and finishing techniques live at the stand and then receive a virtual representation of the individualized wallbox in the relevant environment. The e-dispenser can be made from post-consumer recycled material and is, in turn, also 100 percent recyclable.

With the transition to electromobility, the requirements for components such as tires and wheels are also changing. At the IAA Summit 2023, KURZ will be showing a revolutionary project example in cooperation with wheel manufacturer Ronal Group. The aerodynamic rim insert combines art and automotive design and can already be mass produced. Thanks to 3D hot stamping decoration, curved shapes can be perfectly decorated. The (plastic) inlay in combination with the wheel and design ensures lower air resistance. This in turn not only ensures a lower noise level, but also enables more efficient aerodynamics, which leads to a better range especially for e-vehicles.

Collaborative project with Swarovski Mobility

KURZ demonstrates what it can look like when luxurious design and cutting-edge technologies merge, with a futuristic steering wheel concept created in collaboration with Swarovski Mobility. On the side of the centrally positioned display, there are precious real crystals which, thanks to integrated sensors from PolyIC, enable various vehicle functions to be controlled. Despite the integrated sensor technology, the surface is completely transparent, anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. The high-grade crystals can also be used to create three-dimensional surfaces. They are backlit, can be color-coordinated with the interior of the vehicle, and create breathtaking visual highlights.

Surfaces and light as a unit

The days of unwanted light scattering and blurring in lighting design are finally over. In cooperation with Mentor, the specialist for integrated lighting solutions and HMI components, KURZ is presenting dynamic and true-color lighting design at its stand, which can be adapted to a brand’s Corporate Identity (CI) with full color fidelity. Four interactive light panels, which visitors can control using an iPad, show a variety of design options such as day/night moods, dynamic light, and countless colors and patterns.

Visionary Design: Inspiration and experimentation

Under the umbrella term ‘Visionary Design,’ KURZ will be showcasing extraordinary inspiration in terms of haptics, appearance, and functionality. True to its name, the Spacewood Experiment project merges wood and space and goes beyond anything previously associated with wood. Completely rethinking the natural material is definitely a bold venture. The exhibited designs appear to be from a different world. Their structure is largely reminiscent of wood, but they are made of 100 percent post-consumer and post-industrial recycled materials, and are themselves recyclable.

The ‘Naturals’ project, developed together with BURG DESIGN, takes a very similar line. The material boasts impressive designs inspired by nature. At the same time, it offers significantly greater flexibility in terms of design and functionality. Natural Designs are ideal for creating natural interior designs in vehicles. This can include amazing 3D shapes with backlighting and fascinating touch effects. This decor can also be equipped with KURZ BIOFENSE^® hygiene protection.

Interested parties can find more information about KURZ’s trade fair presentation and solutions on the IAA Summit website.

At a glance

IAA Summit 2023 in Munich from September 5 to 8, 2023
LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG: Hall A2, Stand C32
Our trade fair presentation focuses on Automotive Exterior Design, Automotive Interior Design, Visionary Design, Sustainability