FORVIA Aims to Significantly Expand Commercial Vehicle Business by 2030

Commercial Vehicle Business as a Growth Driver of the IGNITE Strategy

The commercial vehicle segment is one of the key growth areas in the IGNITE strategy introduced in February. FORVIA aims to double its commercial vehicle revenue by 2030. According to the company, this business currently accounts for around two percent of total sales. The Seating Business Group is also set to expand its operations, aiming to generate approximately ten percent of its revenue from commercial vehicles in the future.

Through these measures, FORVIA intends to further diversify its business beyond the passenger car segment. To achieve this, the company is pooling the expertise of FORVIA Faurecia and FORVIA HELLA, among others. At IAA Transportation, the supplier is showcasing technologies spanning electronics, seating, lighting, hydrogen storage, and sustainable materials.

Radar and New Electronics for Commercial Vehicles

The technologies on display include a 77 GHz radar system developed specifically for commercial vehicles. Designed to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and lane boundaries, it supports driver assistance systems as well as higher levels of automation.

With an Intelligent Power Distribution Module (iPDM), FORVIA is also showcasing a solution for future electrical and electronic vehicle architectures. Electronic fuses are intended to enable continuous power supply monitoring and early fault detection. The electronics portfolio is rounded out by intelligent battery sensors, high-voltage converters, and the EnergyCore concept.

For driver and occupant monitoring, FORVIA combines cameras, interior radar, and data fusion into an integrated system. Meanwhile, a camera-based mirror replacement system aims to improve aerodynamics while offering better all-around visibility. In the entry-level segment, FORVIA promises cost reductions of up to 20 percent compared to conventional mirrors.

New Seating and Lighting Solutions

FORVIA is also presenting new solutions for the driver workspace. An electrically adjustable seat for heavy-duty commercial vehicles combines comfort features with a software-based architecture and an integrated seatbelt system. A seat featuring an adjustable upper backrest was also developed specifically for long-haul transport.

In interior lighting, the supplier focuses on adaptive systems capable of handling communication and safety functions alongside traditional illumination. Light-based warnings and status indicators aim to present information directly within the cabin while opening up new design possibilities for vehicle manufacturers.

Hydrogen Storage Systems for Trucks and Buses

For fuel-cell commercial vehicles, FORVIA is highlighting various Type IV hydrogen storage systems. These include 700-bar systems with capacities of 329 and 563 liters designed for heavy trucks. According to FORVIA, the larger system can store 22.7 kilograms of hydrogen per cylinder and is engineered for integration into the chassis of long-haul trucks.

For city buses, coaches, and transit buses, the company is also showcasing a 350-bar storage system with a 229-liter volume and a storage capacity of 5.5 kilograms of hydrogen.

Lighter and Recycled Interior Materials

Another major focus lies on lightweight design and the circular economy. The Microject foam injection molding process is projected to deliver weight savings of up to 20 percent for visible polypropylene components. With IniCycled, FORVIA subsidiary MATERI’ACT is also demonstrating a recycled polypropylene made from post-consumer waste.

These are complemented by natural fiber-reinforced materials from the NAFILean family. In addition, modular interior solutions are designed to simplify repairs and future upgrades, thereby reducing vehicle lifecycle costs.