China's Yangfeng Interiors Touts New Heated Armrest
Shanghai-based Yanfeng Automotive Interiors says it has developed a heated armrest for door panels that is significantly lighter and thinner than similar systems available on some high-end luxury models.
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Shanghai-based Yanfeng Automotive Interiors says it has developed a heated armrest for door panels that is significantly lighter and thinner than similar systems available on some high-end luxury models.
The Yangfeng system uses an electric panel-heating technology the company claims is highly energy efficient, which enables it to warm up faster than conventional HVAC units. The heated armrests use the same materials, foam carriers and production equipment as unheated units. The construction enables the part to be made on the same production line with nonheated armrests, and the design can easily be integrated into current vehicles, according to the supplier.
Formed last year, Yangfeng Interiors is a joint venture involving Johnson Controls, the component group of SAIC Motor Corp, and the Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems unit of Huayu Automotive Systems.
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