COMPANY REPORT
The world's 7th largest automotive technology company
FORVIA provides solutions for safe, sustainable, advanced and personalized mobility.
Program Senior Director for Interiors North America | FORVIA
The Cockpit of the Future: Comfort, Entertainment and Safety
Q: What role is FORVIA playing in the global automotive industry’s transformation?
A: Faurecia, a company from FORVIA Group, was one of the first automotive companies that started working on the car of the future. For over eight years, we have innovated and transformed the design of our auto parts. In addition, FORVIA transformed itself from an auto parts manufacturer into a technology company thanks to the acquisition of businesses that enabled us to complement our Interiors, Clean Mobility and Seating divisions. We are now a comprehensive supplier. With the inclusion of Clarion, some years ago, and now HELLA, FORVIA Group has become the leading supplier of the car of the future.
The solutions offered across our different divisions enable FORVIA to work with any OEM in the development of their cabins. We support the design of seats and interior components such as doors, dashboards, and center consoles; in addition to all the lighting, automation and on-board safety parts developed with Clarion Electronics and HELLA.
Q: What role will the new facilities in Apodaca, Nuevo Leon, play within Faurecia’s operations in North America?
A: Nuevo Leon is a strategic location for us. The two new facilities, one for Seating and the other for Interiors, will be the first in North America to combine our capabilities. Both plants will share services and create a great deal of synergy. From Nuevo Leon, we will supply components and EV cabins to several OEMs in the US.
Q: What are the main megatrends impacting vehicle interior design?
A: The Cockpit of the Future will be customizable and safe, making travel a pleasant experience. FORVIA Group is focusing on enhancing comfort and personalization of vehicle interiors. The company is also committed to the environment and aims to be CO2-neutral in its internal emissions by 2025 and reach net zero in all our emissions by 2045, an objective corresponding to the most ambitious standard of SBTi.
The Cockpit of the Future will allow people to make increasingly longer trips without sacrificing comfort and will include adaptations for more in-vehicle features. In addition, space customization is important. The cabin could be divided into four individual bubbles for the pilot, the co-pilot and two passengers. Each bubble would have its own customization, enabling a different in-vehicle experience without sacrificing safety. Increasing degrees of autonomous driving also impact interior design. The car went from being a means of transportation to becoming one more room where people spend a part of their lives. We must take great care regarding comfort while favoring the largest number of media interfaces for users.
Q: How is FORVIA Group working toward more sustainable operations and final products?
A: FORVIA is constantly innovating to offer environmentally friendly technological solutions. We have clear road maps and milestones to ensure that the interior of the car is green. The environment is very important to us. We have implemented several strategies to neutralize CO2 generation in our operations and development. Our
Fidel Vaca Reyes
corporate offices operate with solar cells, generating our own electricity. In the plants, we have started to transform many manufacturing processes from solvent-based to water-based to stop generating contaminants.
We also help our supply chain to transition to CO2 neutrality. A clean process does not make sense if the components used were not produced cleanly. FORVIA is also working with freight providers that operate with clean fuels. We focus on clean operations from supply chain to logistics. The company has a clear path towards becoming carbon neutral by 2045:
+ By 2025: CO2 neutrality for our internal emissions (scopes 1 and 2)
+ By 2030: a reduction of 45 percent of scope 3 emissions
+ From 2045: CO2 neutrality for all our emissions (scopes 1-2-3)
Q: What role could interior design play as a differentiator among OEMs and how do FORVIA’s solutions adapt to different vehicle segments?
A: A few years ago, many benefits and features were exclusively linked to premium cars, which are not accessible to everyone. FORVIA has developed technological solutions that adapt to premium and entry-level vehicles. The Cockpit of the Future cannot be elitist; it must be available to the entire market. However, each segment will use it differently. In the premium and luxury segment, the passenger will probably not even drive the car. In the other segments, experiences will focus on whoever is driving. FORVIA has focused on making its technological solutions adaptable to any automotive segment.
Q: Currently, Faurecia has 16 plants and two R&D centers in operation across Mexico. What role does the country play within FORVIA Group’s overall innovation and manufacturing plan?
A: Mexico represents an increasingly strategic hub for FORVIA Group. As a neighbor to the US, Mexico has a strategic position as product suppliers. Our new development centers make it viable to develop new products with Mexican engineers and the young talent that FORVIA trains. Mexico now develops technology, designs, tests, and actively participates in new trends. Thanks to the proximity to the US market, our plants have also transformed. When FORVIA introduces new technologies at fairs and events, these solutions may become available to the market in one or two years.
Q: As mobility-as-a-service becomes more popular, how could interior design adapt to this trend?
A: We think of solutions that can be applied to the entire range of vehicles. However, as shared cars, ride-hailing and clean transportation become more popular, some brands have sought us out to work on solutions for these types of vehicles. FORVIA’s innovations are adaptable to any type of vehicle. Several brands are looking for tailored solutions and we work together to adapt these technologies.
Q: What are FORVIA’s main plans and strategies in Mexico for the immediate future?
A: The two new facilities in Nuevo Leon will start production by the end of 2022, giving FORVIA greater penetration in the US market. In addition to our sustainability goals, we have ambitious plans now that the Group is integrated. This integration puts us in a unique position because we can offer comprehensive solutions for vehicle cabins, by being the world’s 7th largest automotive technology company, giving FORVIA a larger participation share. We will continue offering technology and innovation for OEMs.
CFO and Country Lead Mexico Faurecia | FORVIA
World’s SeventhLargest Supplier Is Ready for the Future
Q: How has FORVIA Group grown following the merger of Faurecia and HELLA?
A: In February 2022, Faurecia and HELLA announced the creation of the FORVIA Group, becoming the seventh-largest automotive supplier in the world. FORVIA Group’s strategy is based on safety, sustainability, advanced solutions, and personalized experience.
FORVIA Group has six business groups with 24 product lines, about 150,000 employees worldwide, 77 R&D centers and over 300 sites in more than 40 countries. HELLA already had an important base in Mexico and now we have a solid group with 30 sites, including manufacturing plants, R&D centers, and corporate offices, having around 20,000 employees in the country.
Q: How is FORVIA Group working to lead the way as a “mobility for the future” supplier?
A: FORVIA Group’s goal is to continue pioneering technology for mobility experiences. The organization focuses on sustainable mobility due to our important commitment to the environment. We work for the mobility of the future within the context of growing demand. FORVIA Group anticipates stricter environmental regulations and growth in demand for electrified vehicles (EVs). We provide solutions for EVs across the entire world, in addition to innovative solutions for fuelcell EVs (FCEVs).
Q: What is the added value of the combined capabilities of Faurecia and HELLA?
A: Before the merger, Faurecia had four business groups and worked on the Cockpit of the Future and Sustainable Mobility. With the incorporation of HELLA, we fully entered the electronic segment, adding greater diversity to our product portfolio and a lighting business, which is new for the Group. The merger enables us to provide comprehensive solutions for the internal engineering of vehicles, with all the technology, safety, and comfort that today’s vehicles require. HELLA also added a strong position in the aftermarket and spare parts business to FORVIA Group.
Q: How does FORVIA Group collaborate with other companies to add complementary technologies to its portfolio?
A: FORVIA Group has joint ventures with companies that work with complementary technologies. The goal is to stay at the forefront and continue offering state-of-the-art solutions to our clients. FORVIA Group also works closely with startups, collaborating directly and indirectly with them to bring new complementary technologies that can be integrated into our products.
Q: What role will the new facilities in Monterrey play within FORVIA Group’s strategy in Mexico?
A: FORVIA Group has a large project in Monterrey. Earlier this year, we announced the construction of two plants, which will be focused on the seating and interiors production. These
Francisco Maciel
will be our first plants in Nuevo Leon, which is a strategic location. FORVIA Group aims to bring its operations closer to customers in the Southeast US. The new facilities will continue to promote R&D, prioritizing quality in both service and product.
The two plants in Monterrey have a significant progress talking about construction. Given their size, they will undergo a significant ramp-up process, starting with limited production by the end of 2022 and reaching their planned capacities by 2023.
Karla Góngora
R&D Director for Seating Mexico | FORVIA
FORVIA: Diversity as a Core Value
Q: What does diversity means for FORVIA and how does the company foster it?
A: Diversity is in FORVIA’s DNA. It is a strength and part of our convictions. Diversity is enriching and offers an opportunity to hear the perspectives of other people and cultures. These differences allow FORVIA to go further because it can better understand the needs of the different users and markets.
Beyond the initiatives and strategies carried out at FORVIA, diversity starts with a good internal culture. From recruitment to professional development and career management, FORVIA aims to lead by example. In Mexico, our team has over 20 people with disabilities and about 100 expatriates within the different sites. By promoting equality and giving opportunities to people with different talents, we are making a difference.
Q: How does FORVIA work to ensure a safe environment for diverse workers?
A: We have several strategies to allow diverse talent to work comfortably. We work with associations of people with disabilities, for example, to be able to integrate them into the workplace. Such is the case of Puebla Injection plant where Mexican Sign Language workshops have been given with the aim of enabling employees to communicate properly with those who have different abilities.
In addition, expats also provide an interesting experience since their different traditions and cultures also enrich the company’s culture. Diversity is already part of our culture and identity, with the 150 nationalities and backgrounds which have been key to our success.
Q: What role does gender diversity play within FORVIA and how does the company work to reduce the gender gap?
A: Gender diversity is constructive and productive for FORVIA, who continuously works to reduce the gender gap within the company and the automotive industry.
While there is a long way to go, we have started raising awareness through initiatives like “Girls on the Move” or “Women on Track”, which seek to attract young women to the automotive sector through seminars, discussions, plant visits and experiences.
In addition, FORVIA promotes “Back on Track”, an initiative which focuses on female professionals who interrupted their careers for a personal motive and that want to return to work. FORVIA has develop this program, together with Momlancers, to bring them back to the industry and support them with a group of mentors so that so that their reintegration can be smoother.
Q: How does FORVIA work to promote STEM careers among young women?
A: Exposure is important. FORVIA is present at fairs and university events across Mexico. We transparently explain how the sector works, encouraging young people to study related fields. FORVIA has agreements with several universities to offer internship programs for both young men and women.
FORVIA has numerous cases of interns who have gone on to have a long career at the company.
We invest in our people and provide them with continuous training to develop their talent. The exposure and experience of working inside the industry is crucial for younger generations.
Likewise, the company has an area dedicated to employee training called FORVIA University, which coordinates face-to-face and online classes with more than 250 courses available 24 hours a day. Courses on quality, production, logistics, communication, finance, and project management, among others, are taught.
Q: How did female participation in leadership positions at FORVIA grow in 2021?
A: During the last four years, specifically at Faurecia, a company of FORVIA Group, the proportion of female talent, in terms of professionals and managers, increased more than 8 percent, reaching 32 percent in 2021. In this same year, 37 percent of the hiring of managers, directors and professionals have been women. Diversity is important at all levels of the company.
I think that today, we see that the gaps are closing. For a long time, the automotive sector was characterized by being led by men, but women have ventured into the industry, changing the landscape, and contributing. For change to happen, we need people to be committed to gender equality in leadership positions. The vision and mindset of the entire company plays an essential role. The trend is favorable, and we hope that in the near future, women’s presence within the automotive sector will be so normalized that diversity becomes part of everyday life throughout the industry.
Q: What challenges do women face in the automotive industry?
A: There are too many challenges, beginning with insertion in the labor market. Once in the sector, growth is another challenge for women as several of them often must balance work with their home and children.
In addition, women in many companies face glass ceilings, which are invisible barriers preventing them from accessing certain leadership positions. However, both men and women must work as a team to grow personally and professionally. I believe that the initiatives that the company has implemented have allowed us to take a step forward.
