JCI has done its homework on autonomous driving

In July 2015, Johnson Controls (JCI) confirmed it would spin off its automotive business to become a multi-industrial supplier, and the following January announced that the business – comprised of seating and a global interiors joint venture (JV) – would be rebranded as Adient.

Automotive seating is a fiercely competitive market, with other global players such as Faurecia, Lear and Magna all bidding for the number one spot. All players see the advent of autonomous driving as a significant opportunity, and at an exclusive event in Berlin, Automotive World caught up with Andreas Maashoff to see what it means for JCI.

‎As Director of Industrial Design & Craftsmanship and Consumer & Market Research at the company’s automotive seating business, he is in pole position to observe how global market trends govern the development of new car seats.