Honda celebrates 30 years of CR-V with ‘Dream Pod’ camping concept

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Bespoke CR-V ‘Dream Pod’ concept celebrates Honda’s spirit of adventure with unique year-round camping capability Created to mark 30-years of the Honda CR-V – one of the world’s best-selling SUVs Inspired by Japanese capsule hotels, the ‘Dream Pod’ sleeps two people and features cooking facilities, a wash basin and additional home comforts Honda has partnered with renowned astrophotographer Benjamin Barakat to capture spectacular celestial images made possible by the ‘Dream Pod’ Based on the CR-V e:PHEV offering 79km1 (49 miles) EV range and SENSING 360 – Honda’s omnidirectional safety and driver-assist system Honda has revealed a one-of-a-kind year-round camping concept to celebrate 30-years of the CR-V, one of the world’s best-selling compact SUVs. Based on the manufacturer’s first plug-in hybrid model for Europe, the ‘Dream Pod’ has been created to deliver exciting off-grid adventures. Inspired by Japan’s capsule hotels and offering sleeping space for two people, the bespoke Honda CR-V ‘Dream Pod’ has been built using specialist camping equipment, genuine Honda accessories and some thoughtfully designed bespoke features, bringing home comfort to the great outdoors. Offering an all-electric range of 79km1 (49 miles), the plug-in hybrid ‘Dream Pod’ minimises its impact in the wild with silent power delivery and zero tailpipe emissions when in EV Mode. While its 159mm ground clearance and advanced traction control modes allow it to tackle varying terrains with confidence. Alongside its spacious and luxurious interior and Honda SENSING 360 safety technology, comfort and safety are assured in even the wildest locations. Honda CR-V ‘Dream Pod’ conceptAt the heart of the ‘Dream Pod’ transformation is the EGOE Nestboard 650, a compact in-car camping solution that fits perfectly in the CR-V’s 617-litre boot. When the rear seats are folded flat, the unit’s double mattress can be quickly and easily unfolded to create a snug sleeping compartment for two adults. Concealed in the base of the EGOE is a drawer that slides open to reveal a cooking stove, a collapsible sink and ample storage for utensils, cutlery and plates. The ‘Dream Pod’s’ interior features additional bespoke comforts, including ‘tech pods’ with LED reading lights and pull-out side tables, plus USB charging sockets. Additionally, tailored black-out covers for the rear windows, combined with a retractable blind behind the front seats, enhance privacy to ensure a relaxing environment and comfortable sleeping conditions. Several Honda Genuine Accessories add to the opportunities for outdoor adventure afforded by the ‘Dream Pod’. At the rear of the CR-V, it is possible to attach a Honda-certified Thule bicycle carrier mounted to a detachable tow bar, which can also be used to take advantage of the e:PHEV’s 1,500kg towing capability. Inside, tailored rubber floor mats help keep the cabin clean when returning from muddy exploration, while the illuminated door sill trims add a welcoming touch at night One of the first people to experience the ‘Dream Pod’s’ unique capabilities was acclaimed astrophotographer, Benjamin Barakat, who travelled into the Italian Alps to capture some incredible images of the night sky. After finding the perfect spot, he set up camp and his cameras, using time lapse techniques to create beautiful pictures of Orion’s Nebula within the Milky Way, as well as the Pleiades cluster – made up of over 1,000 stars. Despite being far from home, the ‘Dream Pod’s’ carefully curated comfort allowed Benjamin to confidently head off the beaten track in search of stunning celestial sights. You can see the exclusive film of his adventures with the CR-V here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ViBpU7STTA After capturing his awe-inspiring images, Benjamin commented: “Astrophotography is the process of going out, under the night sky and capturing it. It’s a huge difference compared to daylight, where you can see your subject clearly. You must be prepared to adapt to get the image, which is why the ‘Dream Pod’ was such a huge advantage. Knowing I would be comfortable and relaxed regardless of the location or time of day allowed me to perform at my best and deliver the most exciting pictures.’ Honda CR-V – 30 years of adventuresHonda kick-started a revolution when it launched its original CR-V, or Compact Runabout Vehicle, in 1995. Bringing a refreshingly bold approach to the mid-sized SUV market, it set a new trend for stylish and highly versatile four-wheel drive family models that combined car-like handling and comfort with SUV practicality. Now in its sixth generation, the CR-V was the third best selling2 SUV in the world during 2024, with more than 1 million units sold3 in Europe across its lifetime. Nik Pearson, Honda Motor Europe, said: “The spirit of adventure has always been at the heart of the CR-V, a car which has championed family-friendly fun and versatility since its ground-breaking introduction in 1995. By combining car-like handling and comfort with SUV versatility, this is a model that single-handedly created the modern crossover sector. The ‘Dream Pod’ is therefore the perfect celebration of the CR-V’s pioneering success and its status as one of the world’s most popular SUVs.” For an in-depth look at three decades of CR-V visit: https://hondanews.eu/eu/en/cars/media/presskits/531012. For more information on the Honda CR-V Dream Pod Concept, visit: https://www.honda.co.uk/cars/new/cr-v-hybrid-suv/dream-pod-concept ENDS 1 Based on Euro6eBis2 Based on the 52 markets covered by Jato Dynamics data3 Based on data from Jato covering 16 European Honda Branches For media enquiries, please contact the team here: Bradley Beningfield Honda UK Automobile PR & Event Specialist bradley.beningfield@honda-eu.com +44 (0)7587 822 919 Emma Sugden Honda UK Automobile PR & Events Section Manager emma.sugden@honda-eu.com +44 (0) 7769 366346 (Working days Mon – Weds) Jenny Eaves Honda UK Automobile PR & Events Section Manager Jenny.Eaves.ext@honda-eu.com +44 7741 754816 (Working days Weds – Fri) Laura Fountaine Honda UK Automobile PR, Events and Corporate Affairs Department Manager laura.fountaine@honda-eu.com +44 (0)7741 379169 About Honda Honda (UK) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda (Japan). One of the top 20 brands in the world, Honda manufacturers a broad product range encompassing cars, motorcycles, power products (including marine, energy, lawn and garden and ATV) and aviation and was the first Japanese automobile manufacturer to release a dedicated luxury brand, Acura, in 1986. Honda has been the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer…

Kia Design presents Opposites United: Eclipse of Perceptions at Milan Design Week 2025

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Kia Design returns to Milan Design Week for third consecutive year, providing a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange Works by artists Philippe Parreno and A.A. Murakami curated to reflect the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy ‘Marquee’, ‘The Cave’, ‘Beyond the Horizon’ and ‘The Eclipse’ deliver a sensory journey echoing the evolution of Kia’s design philosophy Exhibition runs from 7-13 April at Museo della Permanente in Milan, Italy Kia Design has introduced the theme of its Milan Design Week 2025 exhibition, Opposites United: Eclipse of Perceptions, in collaboration with internationally acclaimed artists Philippe Parreno and A.A. Murakami (Azusa Murakami and Alexander Groves). This year’s exhibition continues Kia’s commitment to cultural exchange and creative exploration. Focusing on the brand’s evolving transformation – rooted in its core cultural values and creative identity – the event sparks conversations that challenge and inspire both Kia Design and the global creative community. By bringing together visionary artists such as Philippe Parreno and A.A. Murakami, alongside Kia Design and other prominent members of the global creative community, the exhibition aims to offer an interactive experience where visitors can engage with the ideas, philosophies, and expressions that shape contemporary creativity. Since its first participation in Milan Design Week in 2023, Kia Design has sought to support art and culture by providing a platform for artists to express their interpretations of the brand’s design philosophy, ‘Opposites United’. Participating artists collaborate on experimental approaches, expressing the ‘Opposites United’ theme through their works or performances, creating resonant experiences for visiting audiences. The EclipseA central stage for performances and talk sessions, ‘The Eclipse’ features tiered seating reminiscent of the Colosseum, with content projected onto a layered system of shades. In this space, the audience is encouraged to become active participants, immersed in the content and interpreting it subjectively, rather than simply remaining as observers. Eclipses have held significant scientific, religious, and cultural meanings throughout human history. These celestial events have inspired us to dream, look beyond our own existence, predict the future and advance our technologies. Opposites United: Eclipse of Perceptions uses the space to embody the story of Kia Design, and its ambition to evolve relentlessly, through dramatic staging and spatial transformations. The audience serves as witnesses to a rare and exceptional moment, joining as active participants at each instance of delight and contemplation. Philippe ParrenoOne of the most internationally influential French artists of the last 25 years, Philippe Parreno works across a diverse range of media, including film, music, sculpture, drawing, and performance. Adopting languages and codes from a variety of media, Parreno’s work questions the boundary between reality and fiction, exploring the space where the real and imagined intersect. Parreno encourages audiences to reconsider how they engage with the real and the imagined, prompting a deeper reflection on the nature of experience itself. MarqueeLocated at the exhibition’s entrance, Parreno’s Marquee exemplifies the cultural vanguard by revitalising the historical marquee concept in the context of contemporary art. By blurring the lines between architecture, design, and performance, the work transcends its origins as a cinema frontage, with the text-free work instead focusing on light and form. Ephemeral light, spatial interaction, and performative illumination shape a dynamic experience, elevating the marquee from a mere object to a reflection on the evolving interplay of past and present. A.A. MurakamiEstablished in 2020 by Azusa Murakami and Alexander Groves, A.A. Murakami creates immersive installations that blend science and art. The ongoing Ephemeral Tech series combines innovative technology with ethereal materials and states of matter to create sensory experiences and unnatural phenomena. A.A. Murakami’s work has been featured at the Venice Art and Architecture Biennales and is part of permanent collections at MoMA in New York, the Pompidou Centre in Paris, Vitra Design Museum in Germany, and M+ in Hong Kong. Murakami and Groves’ experimental design practice, Studio Swine, has also received awards at major global festivals, including Cannes. The CaveA.A. Murakami’s The Cave fuses primal and technological elements to highlight humanity’s enduring creative impulse. A large-scale automaton with robotic limbs, representing cutting-edge technology, interacts with ancient instruments crafted from replicas of ancient animal bones. The juxtaposition represents relentless exploration, with the limbs emerging from a pool of water before activating bellows to blow air through the instruments, creating an ethereal soundscape that fills the space. The immersive red light and still water environment push sensory boundaries, reflecting the work’s concept as a meditation on life’s defiance of entropy and sparking intellectual curiosity. The installation poses profound questions about the endurance of human creativity and meaning in the face of existential uncertainty. Through its ephemeral performance, The Cave underscores A.A. Murakami’s pursuit of capturing a unique moment – not by replicating the past or present, but by relentlessly combining and reimagining elements to forge a new path. Beyond The HorizonBeyond the Horizon is the second work by A.A. Murakami featured within Opposites United: Eclipse of Perceptions. The display showcases giant, amorphous bubbles emerging from hanging automata and transforming into clouds. Pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture and installation, the work explores ephemeral, performative, and interactive dimensions. The use of mechanical devices to create organic, ever-changing forms reflects a willingness to experiment with unconventional materials and technologies, a hallmark of creative risk-taking. The unpredictable nature of the bubbles – sometimes random, sometimes synchronised – introduces an element of chance, embracing the inherent risk in working with dynamic, uncontrolled systems. The immersive environment, with its elevated walkway, hazy atmosphere, and floor covered with a thin layer of water to make it reflective, further amplifies the viewer’s experience, creating a sense of wonder and encouraging interaction with the artwork’s unpredictability. Opposites United: Eclipse of Perceptions runs from 7-13 April at Museo della Permanente in Milan, Italy. Ends Kia UK PR contact detailsFor further information on Kia please visit www.kiapressoffice.com or contact: Daniel SaylesHead of Press & Public Relations E: dsayles@kia.co.ukT: 01932 832 073 M: 07747 149 149 Tom RichardsPress Relations Manager E: trichards@kia.co.ukM: 07500 799 599 Milissa OrdoñaSenior Events Coordinator E: mordona@kia.co.ukT: 01932 832 069…

BYD UK sells more cars in Q1 2025 than whole of 2024

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. BYD sold 9,271 passengers cars in Q1 of 2025, compared to 8,787 in 2024 Milestone reinforces BYD’s position as UK’s fastest growing car brand Result represents growth of 625% vs Q1 in 2024 Market share has grown from 0.45% in 2024 to 1.6% in Q1 2025 BYD SEAL U DM-i is best-selling model in PHEV segment in March 2025 BYD SEAL is seventh most popular pure electric vehicle in March BYD has set a new sales record in the UK, selling 9,271 cars in Q1 alone. This achievement is not only BYD UK’s most successful quarter since the company introduced passenger cars in March 2023, but also means the company sold more cars in the most recent quarter than the whole of 2024 combined. This impressive achievement has propelled BYD’s UK market share to 1.6%, from 0.45% in 2024. In March alone, total market share was 1.8% – in exactly two years since the company launched passenger cars in the UK. The SEAL U DM-i and SEAL were the standout sales stars in Q1, with the former the best performing model in the PHEV segment and the latter the seventh best-selling model in the pure electric category. The company registered 3,975 SEAL U DM-i and 2,521 SEAL. Steve Beattie, Sales and Marketing Director, BYD UK: “I am incredibly proud of our latest achievement in the UK; thanks to the tireless work of our team and retailer partners we have smashed yet another sales record. At BYD our mission is to bring high-tech and high-value cars to our customers, and it’s great to see this resonating with UK buyers. With the addition of SEALION 7, we are confident that more people will continue to choose BYD.” The all-new BYD SEALION 7 joined the range in March and is already proving popular with customers. Based on BYD’s e-platform 3.0 and utilising the brand’s innovative Blade Battery, the SEALION 7 combines sporty performance, stylish SUV design, cutting-edge technology and a beautifully finishes, spacious cabin. With an all-electric range of up to 312 miles of range, the SEALION 7 further extends the reach of BYD in the UK car market. While BYD passenger cars is relatively new to the UK, BYD has a long and successful history in the UK thanks to its commercial vehicle division. BYD introduced its first fully-electric buses on UK roads in 2014, and now has over 2,500 buses in operation in major cities across the country. Plus, since 2016, BYD has provided 1.8GWh of battery energy storage to the UK’s national grid. ENDS About BYDBYD is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD now boasts a diverse business scope covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, with over 30 industrial parks in China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary, and India. From power acquisition and storage to its applications, BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Its new energy vehicle footprint now covers 6 continents, 100 countries and regions, and more than 400 cities. Listed in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the company is known to be a Fortune Global 500 enterprise that furnishes innovations in pursuit of a greener world. For more information, please visit www.bydglobal.com. About BYD AutoFounded in 2003, BYD Auto is the automotive subsidiary of BYD, a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Aiming to accelerate the green transition of the global transportation sector, BYD Auto focuses on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company has mastered the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, such as batteries, electric motors, electronic controllers, and automotive-grade semiconductors. It has witnessed in recent years significant technological advancements, including the Blade Battery, the DM-i and DM-p hybrid technology, the e-Platform 3.0, the CTB and iTAC technologies, the DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, and the XUANJI Architecture. The company is the world’s first carmaker to stop the production of fossil-fueled vehicles on EV shift and has remained top of new energy passenger vehicle sales in China for 10 years in a row. To find your nearest BYD dealer please visit www.byd.com/ukFor more press information on the BYD range please visit www.bydukmedia.com Contacts:Rachel GoodwinPR Manager, BYD UKE rachel.goodwin@byd.comM +44 7399 678373 Kate DixonPR LiaisonE press@byd.mediaM +44 7902 420777 (Mon-Weds)

How to Master the Art of the Impossible

Industry News

As we celebrate 25 years of Innovation in Motion, we honor the people who have shaped our legacy and continue to drive our future. João Paulo Ribeiro is one of our visionary leaders, whose courage to innovate not only reflects our legacy, but also paves the way for the future we are building together at Visteon. A Passion for Manufacturing from Day One João Paulo’s journey began in August 1992 at Ford as an engineering student, fueled by a deep curiosity about automotive manufacturing. “I distinctly remember the excitement of my first day, touring the production line”, he recalls – a moment that ignited a drive that still motivates him today. In his first role in Quality, acting as a bridge between the plant and each customer, he quickly demonstrated what would become a hallmark of his career: a strong commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Bold Moves that Transformed Our Operations Among his proudest milestones was being part of the team that took a bold step in the early 2000s – introducing higher levels of automation into our plants. At the time, this was a risk, but the impact was undeniable: improved quality, efficiency, and innovations that continue to shape our operations today. Making the Impossible Possible A defining moment for him came early on when he was part of the team that launched the first A/C Scroll Compressor for the automotive industry. It wasn’t just about introducing a new product – it meant building a brand-new plant and assembling a new team, a challenge of enormous scale, especially for someone still early in their career. But it was the difficulties leading up to the launch day that truly shaped João Paulo’s mindset. “With the right focus and determination, even the impossible becomes possible,” he shares – a lesson that would guide him through every challenge that followed. Adapting, Innovating, and Leading the Way Having witnessed firsthand how rapidly the industry evolves, João Paulo knows that staying ahead requires adaptability, innovation, and—above all—the right talent. Building high-performing teams has been central to the success of our global Operations, ensuring that Visteon remains a leader in performance and efficiency. A Career Fueled by Growth and Passion For him the most rewarding part of his journey has been Visteon’s culture of growth and opportunity. “Seeing talented colleagues rise and drive innovation has been truly inspiring,” he says. His advice to those just starting out? Never stop learning. The industry is always evolving, and success belongs to those who stay prepared for change. Work hard, embrace challenges, but most importantly – enjoy the journey. And if he had to sum up his 30+ years at Visteon in one sentence? “Time goes fast when you’re having fun,” he replies without hesitation. João Paulo’s story is proof that at Visteon, making the impossible possible is more than a lesson; it’s how we lead. As we celebrate 25 years of innovation in motion, we continue to nurture leaders who turn challenges into opportunities, push boundaries, and shape the future of automotive technology. Join Us For The Next 25 Visit visteon.com/careers to explore opportunities across the globe and become part of our next chapter of innovation.

From Code to Leadership with Jayasree

Industry News

As Visteon celebrates its 25th anniversary, we’re honored to share the stories of the remarkable people who have shaped our history and continue to drive our future. Among these pioneering spirits is Jayasree Sivasubramanian, whose grit, innovation, and leadership define Visteon’s DNA. The Early Years Ever since the beginning, Jayasree has been ahead of the curve. Picture this: It’s September 1999, and she steps through Visteon’s doors for the first time. Her early years were spent in the trenches of code, working on clusters and audio software for European and North American markets. But it was her involvement in Visteon’s first Volkswagen cluster project as software lead, a collaborative effort with a French supplier, that truly set her trajectory skyward. Building Strong Teams By the mid-2000s, Jayasree had found her stride as a Senior Project Lead for North American cluster projects. But it was in her role as Technical Delivery Manager for Driver Information subsystems where her true talent for leadership emerged. She demonstrated exceptional skills (and perhaps, a natural gift), growing her team from six to thirty in just three years. Innovation in Action The years 2009-2014 marked what Jayasree calls her “platform revolution.” Under her guidance, the India team took full ownership of platforms for entry-level clusters, earning recognition across the company and putting India firmly on Visteon’s global innovation map. Her subsequent achievement – leading the development of the first 8-inch digital cluster on the Autosar platform – holds special significance for Jayasree. This project proved her evolution into a skilled leader capable of managing even the most complex challenges. From initial concept through final launch, she executed the project flawlessly, building strong trust with the customer and cementing her reputation for delivering excellence. Rising to the Challenge When the pandemic threw the world into chaos, Jayasree showed her resolve by successfully steering the software development and launches of various cluster programs. “See every challenging situation as an opportunity to grow and contribute,” she says with her flagship optimism, a philosophy that has become her north star. Leading the APAC Revolution Today, as the regional lead of the Cluster & Display APP team for the APAC region, Jayasree continues to drive innovation across multiple product lines, including connected clusters for two-wheelers, BMS and adaptive Autosar applications. In just over a year, she has expanded her team from 40 to more than 100 engineers across five sites in India. Her team has successfully delivered projects for an impressive roster of major automakers including Toyota, Royal Enfield, Hero, TVS, Tata, Hyundai, MMC, Mazda, Nissan, Renault, Honda, and Mahindra. Keys to Success What’s the recipe for such sustained success? Jayasree credits Visteon’s leadership programs – Pegasus outbound, ELITE, and Momentum – for helping her develop both personally and professionally. Her advice to newcomers echoes her personal approach: “Be enthusiastic and open to challenges. Learning is a lifelong project. Don’t be afraid of failure as there will be learnings from every experience.” A Legacy in Progress As Visteon steps into its next quarter-century, leaders like Jayasree continue to light the way forward. “Visteon has been my second family,” she reflects, “Half my life is associated with it.” Her journey from writing code to writing success stories proves we have a knack for spotting and nurturing exceptional talent, doesn’t it? Join Us for the Next 25 Visit our career page to explore opportunities across the globe and become part of our next chapter of innovation.

Top 3 Innovations Visteon Unveiled at CES 2025

Industry News

For 25 years, we’ve been leading the automotive evolution. This year, we outdid ourselves. Here are the top three innovations that stole the show at our CES 2025 booth. 1. cognitoAI: Making Your Car Truly Intelligent Meet Visteon’s cognitoAI, our most ambitious achievement yet. Unlike other automotive AI systems that depend on the cloud, Visteon’s cognitoAI lives right in your vehicle. Here’s what makes it special: It processes everything locally for lightning-fast responses It continuously analyzes vehicle data to deliver actionable insights about vehicle health and performance It learns and adapts to your driving habits over time It integrates data from multiple vehicle systems for smarter decisions It powers next-generation voice interactions without internet connectivity This is the foundation for the next generation of intelligent vehicles, not just another AI system. 2. Next-Gen Central Computing: One Platform, Unlimited Possibilities We’ve cracked the code on central computing. Our new production-ready platform handles multiple critical functions simultaneously. Think of it as your car’s brain, managing advanced driver assistance with enhanced visualization, high-fidelity 3D controls for vehicle functions, AR navigation, AI-powered driver monitoring and Android-based entertainment systems. The best part? It does all this while maintaining peak performance and reliability. 3. Revolutionary Display Technologies: Where Beauty Meets Function We’re making how you interact with your vehicle more enjoyable through three key innovations: Curved OLED Displays: Crystal-clear information that follows your car’s natural contours. Active Privacy Features: Keep sensitive information visible only to those who need to see it to avoid distractions. Deco Trim: We’ve hidden controls within decorative surfaces. No more cluttered dashboards. Bonus: Powering the Electric Futures While we’re at it, we couldn’t resist showcasing our agnostic Battery Management System. It’s a game-changer for automakers—here’s why: Works with any battery chemistry Adapts to different battery suppliers Maintains consistent software interfaces Reduces development time significantly Cuts costs for new EV programs This flexibility is crucial as battery technology evolves. Automakers can now switch battery suppliers or adopt new chemistries without redesigning their entire system. What’s Next? “Visteon’s 25-year legacy of automotive innovation reached a new milestone at CES 2025,” said our President and CEO, Sachin Lawande. ” With Visteon’s cognitoAI and our latest developments in high-performance computing, we’re establishing the foundation for the next generation of intelligent vehicles. We look forward to collaborating with industry leaders to develop AI-powered cockpit electronics that deliver more intuitive, responsive, and personalized driving environments.” Want to learn more about how we’re shaping the future of automotive tech? Click here to see our team in action.

From Farm to Fortune 500

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When Brett Pynnonen, Visteon’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel, traded his law degree for managing a blueberry farm, he didn’t expect it would shape his future leadership philosophy in corporate law. Today, he leads the legal strategy for one of the world’s leading automotive technology companies. Early Career Challenges Turns out, farming can be just as challenging as practicing law! Within two years, Brett returned to the legal world, diving into corporate law where he eventually rose to General Counsel. Just when everything seemed to be moving in Brett’s favor, he faced a major challenge: a subpoena related to the company’s financial performance. As a young lawyer with everything on the line, this was a humbling experience. Despite knowing the financial reports were accurate, he had to prove it to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Brett spent months working tirelessly, often sleeping at a hotel near the office, determined to protect the company and support the truth. After three years, the SEC agreed with Brett and the company was successfully sold. Leadership Philosophy In time, Brett grew from that position to larger companies as General Counsel which ultimately led him to Visteon. During Visteon’s “Life as a Leader” series, he shared influential leadership quotes that guide his approach: “Be curious, not judgmental.” Walt Whitman, Ted Lasso “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” Simon Sinek “It’s not hard to know what the right thing is to do, but it may be very hard to do it.” Admiral William McRaven “The easiest day was yesterday.” Admiral William McRaven “A good shepherd should smell like his sheep.” Pope Francis “It is better to try and fail…than to never try.” Theodore Roosevelt Brett’s main giveaway is “whichever company you work at, treat it like it’s your family’s blueberry farm.” This will hold you accountable, reliable, humble, adaptable, and curious. Work-Life Balance Brett stressed the need for growth and the power of curiosity and challenge. His session was especially entertaining because in addition to sharing his work experience, he showed photos from along the way, capturing his travels from tourist “traps” to faraway lands. Brett did a great job revealing how he incorporates work with his daily life, including travels and prioritizing family time. He makes time for what’s important and he encourages his team to do the same. Join Visteon! Interested in working with leaders like Brett Pynnonen? Join team Visteon – view our open roles here.

Melexis opens its new R&D center in Sophia Antipolis, France

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Tessenderlo-Ham, Belgium, January 16, 2025 – Melexis, an international microelectronics engineering company, announces the opening of its new office and laboratory in Sophia Antipolis. With a €5 million investment since 2023, Melexis – established in France for over 20 years – is relocating its office in Grasse into a sustainable, state-of-the-art building within this important technology hub. Here, its engineering teams will continue to innovate by developing the next generations of current sensors. These current sensors will address the rising demand driven by the electrification trend in the automotive, alternative mobility, robotics and other sectors. This new facility in the south of France complements Melexis’ existing presence in Corbeil-Essonnes with a wafer-probing site and a development team in Paris. With this strategic presence in the Côte d’Azur, Melexis aims to establish itself as a cornerstone of the local economy, strengthening ties with universities that train the engineers of tomorrow. To this end, the company has partnered with several technical universities in southern France, contributing to the training and skill development of future engineers. Marc Biron, CEO of Melexis, states: “This new center is of strategic importance for developing next-generation current sensors. Our long-term ambition is to grow this facility into a key hub for advancing digital and software skills. The choice of Sophia Antipolis reflects our commitment to leveraging a world-class ecosystem where innovation, academic collaboration, and industrial dynamism converge to accelerate technological advancements.” In addition to hosting apprentices and interns, Melexis plans to work towards a long-term student program in the region. This year, the company is offering several new engineering trainee positions for students eager to develop expertise in current sensor and embedded software technologies. Melexis’ ambition is to double its workforce in these areas in the next few years. Marc Biron concludes: “Expanding our engineering team by welcoming young talent is an investment in the future. Not only do we pass on our expertise, but we also nurture the innovators who will drive the transformation of our increasingly connected world.”

MLX90617 Infrared Thermometer Revolutionizes Induction Hob Design

Industry News

Tessenderlo-Ham, Belgium 15 January 2024 – Melexis unveils the MLX90617, an infrared thermometer for non-contact temperature measurements in induction hob applications. This breakthrough sensor uses optical filtering to measure the temperature of the cooking vessel’s base through the ceramic hob surface, improving cooking control, safety, and end-user experience. Due to existing technology limitations, the temperature control in a typical induction hob is based on the backside temperature of the ceramic glass plate used in induction hobs. With the MLX90617, Melexis has developed an advanced but cost-effective solution capable of ‘looking through the glass’ to provide the real-time temperature at the base of a cooking vessel. The principle Through precise optical filtering techniques tuned specifically to the ceramic glass used in induction hobs, the MLX90617 is able to capture the radiation emitted by the lower part of the cooking pot that is transmitted through the ceramic glass plate. The energy originating from the ceramic glass plate itself is taken into account by using an advanced algorithm. In Operation The MLX90617 is designed to be used alongside another non-contacting temperature sensor, (such as the MLX90614 or MLX90632), which is also mounted below the ceramic surface of the hob. Optionally an in situ emissivity measurement using an LED and a light sensor can be considered for best-in-class accuracy. In order to ascertain the temperature of the cooking vessel, the emitted radiation from the pot or pan’s base is measured by the MLX90617, with the second sensor measuring the radiation emitted by the ceramic glass plate and the sensor. The accompanying LED and light sensor are used to measure the reflectivity of the pot, and therefore calculate its emissivity. Through relatively simple real-time processing, it is then possible to determine just the temperature of the cooking vessel’s base, ignoring the radiation from the ceramic surface and sensors. In comparison to a standard induction hob setup that measures the temperature of the ceramic glass (Tglass), through advanced optical filtering the MLX90617 peers through the glass to provide a real-time output of the base of the cooking vessel (Tpot measured). When the results are compared, it is clear that the measurement provided by the MLX90617 is significantly closer to the actual temperature of the cooking pots and pans(Tpot measured). Enhancing Induction Hob Design By integrating the Melexis MLX90617, it is possible for induction hob manufacturers to create a solution that elevates the precision of its product to the benefit of the end user’s cooking experience. As the temperature of the pot or pan’s base is monitored by the sensor, rather than the glass, the hob’s control electronics have a closer insight into the temperature of food. This is especially advantageous for cooking operations, which require precise thermal regulation across small temperature ranges. It can also contribute to an increase in the system’s safety by detecting out-of-range temperatures, as well as enabling the development of more advanced automated cooking systems. The MLX90617 features a factory-calibrated wide temperature range of -0°C to 125°C for the sensor operating temperature and is designed to measure cookware temperatures ranging from 70°C to 250°C. It is available in industry-standard TO39 packaging with a 5V supply voltage. The SMBus digital interface can be easily integrated into induction hob designs. The T039 packaging encompasses the integration of both the IR-sensitive thermopile detector chip and the signal conditioning ASSP, accompanied by a built-in low-noise amplifier, a 17-bit ADC, and a powerful DSP unit. Extensive Development “Our customers’ requests initially sparked the development of the MLX90617. However, the challenges of working with relatively small signals of infrared at short wavelengths made us question its feasibility,” admits Joris Roels, Marketing Manager at Melexis. “Through extensive development and application testing, we’ve not only overcome these hurdles but also delivered a cost-effective, user-friendly solution that truly meets our customers’ needs. Discover more at www.melexis.com/MLX90617 or contact us directly via www.melexis.com/contact Downloads Product flyer for MLX90617 Temperature sensor selection tool

Yazaki Romania Wins Three Regional Awards at once!

Industry News

At the 2024 Prahova Companies Awards Gala in Ploiesti, Yazaki Romania stood out, as it triumphed on three counts: From the event organized by the Prahova Chamber of Commerce and Industry in calendar week 43, our colleagues took home the following prestigious awards that highlight their contributions and dedication to excellence: ►”Corporate Social Responsibility” Trophy – it acknowledges Yazaki Romania’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development initiatives. They contribute significantly to the well-being of the local community and to environmental stewardship. ►“Top Prahova Exporters” Distinction – recognizing Yazaki Romania’s substantial export activity, this award emphasizes the company’s role in supporting the local economy while expanding its presence in international markets. ►“Top Investors” Distinction – with this, the team got awarded for significant investments made by Yazaki Romania in 2023. It underscores the company’s commitment to fostering economic growth in the region. All three accolades reinforce Yazaki Romania’s position as a trusted partner in the development of the Prahova community and affirm its continuous efforts towards excellence and sustainability.