Major Trends in Automotive Display

Several major trends in automotive display are becoming increasingly evident: larger screens, consumer electronics-like features, increased demand from internet and new energy vehicle companies, and the primary challenge ahead lies in safety requirements.

Today, automotive displays have become an important factor in measuring the driving experience and enhancing user loyalty. Because of this, the trend toward larger screens in automotive displays is becoming more pronounced. It's not hard to find that some high-end vehicles have already adopted oversized displays, such as the second-generation Volvo XC90 and Tesla Model S, with Tesla's center console screen reaching 17 inches. Christie mentioned that some manufacturers are also combining the instrument panel and center console screens to form an integrated large display.

However, at the same time, she also admitted that while display size is important, bigger is not always better. "There are many aspects to consider for displays, such as durability, software compatibility, resolution, and how well it matches the overall vehicle design, and of course it also brings challenges in terms of cost and processing technology." Industry experts also noted that oversized screens are not entirely a good thing. The screen is the presentation medium for HMI (Human-Machine Interface), and the screen size should match the displayed content and functions. We cannot blindly pursue large screens just for the sake of being cool.

"From the very beginning of our contact with Chinese automotive customers, we felt their strong interest. Whether it's OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, the entire industry chain is very interested in our automotive application glass, including interior glass and window glass." China is clearly different from other regions. In China, there are a large number of internet car companies and electric vehicles, and they are eager to bring the user experience of mobile phones or similar handheld devices into cars. We have personally experienced that internet connectivity and intelligence are not just slogans, but something that is actually happening, and the entire industry is working toward this direction.

As mentioned above, automotive displays are becoming increasingly similar to consumer electronics, but the harsher usage environment of automobiles is incomparable to consumer electronics. Therefore, whether it's plastic, traditional glass, or new materials such as Gorilla Glass, they must all pass safety tests. It can be said that the biggest difference between automobiles and consumer electronics products is the safety requirements.

For example, for a car to be safe, the glass used for automotive interiors must pass head impact tests (head impact testing is a national regulatory requirement), which is a major challenge for the entire industry. In addition, whether the glass reflects light and causes glare also affects the overall vehicle safety to some extent. Based on the above, automotive glass displays must not only ensure a good user experience but also have anti-reflective and anti-glare effects, making images clearer while better ensuring safety.