FORVIA & CHERY to Establish Joint Venture to Develop 'Cockpit of the Future'

FORVIA, a French automotive technology supplier, has signed a joint venture (JV) agreement with CHERY, a leading Chinese automaker, to deepen cooperation in the field of smart and sustainable cockpit. They will establish a 'Cockpit of the Future' JV company in Wuhu, China.

The JV targets to design, develop, manufacture and supply the full cabin scope related systems and modules including seats, interiors and cockpit electronics with low CO2 emission materials and processes.

It will be consolidated by FORVIA with a sales ambition of €1 billion by 2029.

It will include an R&D centre dedicated to industrial design and cockpit integration capabilities, enabling both FORVIA and CHERY to offer sustainable and competitive consumer experience.

It plans to launch two production sites in H1 2024 to support CHERY growth.

Chery is one of China's most successful automakers, with production targets of around 3 million by 2024 and over 5 million by 2026. 

Yin Tongyue, Chairman of CHERY, says: “Electrification, intelligence, brand upward, globalization and sustainability development, these are the next strategic priorities for CHERY. FORVIA is a leading global automotive technology supplier, and the two parties have a broad space for cooperation in the field of intelligent cockpit and low CO₂ emission materials, as well as a wide range of complementarities and cooperation opportunities in the overseas market."

Patrick Koller, CEO of FORVIA, adds: “The automotive industry is currently experiencing a technological revolution and smart sustainable cockpit demand is increasing. To stay ahead in this competitive market, we are pleased to further deepen our collaboration with CHERY, a key technology-driven partner. We aim to turn the vehicle cabin into a truly intelligent space, meeting the scenario-based needs of consumers through sustainable and innovative solutions to create a safe, affordable, sustainable and customized mobility experience.”

FORVIA employs over 40,000 people across Asia.