Marelli Automotive Lighting and Samvardhana Motherson Automotive Systems have signed an MOU to consider technology collaboration focused on smart illuminated exterior body parts.
Such components include front grilles and bumpers and others which could potentially be illuminated.
The suppliers expect lighting exterior hardware to become a growing trend with increased adoption of ADAS and AD.
SMRP will contribute expertise making large plastic automotive parts through its operating subsidiaries, while Marelli will bring automotive lighting and sensors integration knowledge.
Target customers will be OEMs worldwide with focus on smart illuminated front grilles and bumpers, rear ends, fenders and rocker panels.
Illuminated grilles and bumpers are expected to host a number of different sensors for ADAS and AD functions (such as LiDARs, radars and cameras) along with communication functionality which includes displaying or projecting messages, thus making them also a tool for sensing and V2X communication.
Illuminated parts have also a decorative function, as they can also integrate customised elements which are being increasingly used in branding across vehicles.
Both suppliers expect to further build also on an existing long-standing relationship, which was started in 2008 through a joint venture to manufacture automotive lighting and related products, with four plants in India.