New Insights

Ahead of the Vehicle Interiors Technology Summit 2026, Automotive IQ compiled a market report offering a detailed overview on key components that are shaping the future of interiors in autonomous vehicles. The report covers the interior as a "third living space", seating innovation, technology integration, and lighting as an experimental and functional tool. It explores market considerations, including cost and reliability, and case studies of autonomous-ready vehicles.

All topics will be explored in-depth at the event on  20th - 21st May. 

In this interview, Peter Roessger, Founder & CEO of beyond HMI, shares key insights into the automotive display landscape. He discusses how consumer expectations for in-car displays have evolved, the biggest gaps between consumer demands and what OEMs can currently deliver, how emerging display technologies can support more relaxing and wellness-oriented cabin environments, and how displays can be tailored to user needs without overwhelming drivers.

These themes, and more, will be explored in depth at the event, alongside next-generation display form factors, redefining vehicle interior displays through AI integration, adapting displays for autonomous vehicle use cases, and strategies to minimise driver distraction.

Ahead of the Vehicle Interiors Technology Summit 2026, Kazuhito Kato, Division Adviser, NhK Spring Co, explores how automotive seating is evolving beyond comfort into an intelligent, technology-driven platform. He discusses the shift from driving-focused design to personalised well-being, the integration of sensing, software, and AI, and how future seats will adapt to individual physical and mental states while balancing comfort, sustainability, and production readiness.

In this interview, Vlatko Kukolja, Senior Studio Enginener, Lighting Expert at Zeekr, shares how the role of interior lighting is evolving more into a functional, safety focused communication tool. He discusses how lighting is now designed to deliver intuitive warnings without increasing cognitive load or causing distraction for the driver, and striking the right balance between making lighting noticeable and avoiding stress or annoyance for occupants. Vlatko also states which emerging technologies or areas of research will be the most influential in the future of communication lighting for safety.

After eighteen years, Automotive IQ's annual Seating Innovation, Intelligent Lighting, and Display Technologies conferences have undergone a transformation. We are now introducing a brand new event format that is designed to connect multiple departments that are working, both independently and collaboratively to design and enable new vehicle interior concepts that will truly differentiate vehicles in the future.

Ahead of the event, Automotive IQ has compiled a report to share exclusive insights you can expect at the event. 

Tables of Content include:

• Welcome
• 2026 Topics
• 2026 Speakers
• Who Attends?
• Automotive Interior Market Overview
• The Evolution of Vehicle Interiors: Comfort and Technology
• Partnership Opportunities