Auto parts manufacturer, Continental, has just shown off the next technical innovation that well-heeled buyers are likely to find in their upcoming luxury vehicles. The company has broken into the nascent field of microLED displays to show off a transparent infotainment display made of Swarovski crystal.
“With the Crystal Center Display as a key component, we want to turn the world of interior design on its head and create an innovative focal point for premium vehicles of the future — one that grabs attention and stirs emotions,” said Dr. Boris Mergell, head of the User Experience (UX) business area in Continental. “We are moving away from the straightforward display of information and elevating it to a highly personalized user experience.”
The screen makes use of microLED technology, which was shown to consumers for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas. Self-illuminating pixels allow the screen to be transparent while being brighter, and offering better contrast than other display technologies.
Read: Hyundai And Kia Models To Get Samsung’s SmartThings Connectivity Platform
Swarovski used special grinding techniques to give the screen distinctive faceting. Peter Widmann, managing director of Swarovski Mobility, says the automaker has designed the crystal display for durability and reliability.
“The Crystal Center Display is the result of a combination of production and process technologies which together with Continental we implemented into an innovative new design element — one that is as impressive visually as it is technically,” said Widmann. “In this way, our crystal becomes much more than just an interior design element – users experience it as a key interaction interface in the vehicle.”
The companies say that the technology will offer automakers eye-catching, minimalist display options, that can be used to highlight a luxury car’s interior. It is not yet clear if any automakers have signed up to use the technology in their vehicles.
