Burscheid, Germany -- Automotive interiors and seating supplier Johnson Controls says it is increasingly using leather-wrapped surfaces for high-quality vehicle interiors.
For example the company is supplying the instrument panel and door panels, including a premium wrapped version as option, for the new Mercedes B-Class.
Johnson Controls acquired Seton's leather-wrapping business in 2010, to address this trend, a move which it said positions the company as a global leader in this field.
For the luxury version of the B-Class, Johnson Controls also designs and manufactures structural and safety components such as instrument panels featuring a luxury wrapped surface.
"We believe leather-wrapping represents a growth market in the automotive industry. We continue to see more vehicles with leather-wrapped interior components, as a standalone solution or in combination with other surface technologies," said Han Hendriks, vice-president of global product development, interiors at Johnson Controls Automotive Experience, in a company statement.
Johnson Controls says that the look and feel of interior components is "becoming more important across all vehicle segments," for seats, instrument panels, door panels, floor consoles and headliners.
Leather-wrapping is increasing in popularity with automakers and consumers as a preferred surface technology. It symbolises craftsmanship and requires precision, trained staff and strict quality controls in order to integrate the stitching of the various components seamlessly.
"
