This week at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Continental made a groundbreaking announcement with the unveiling of what it claims to be the world’s first car display made entirely of transparent Swarovski crystal. This innovative technology represents a significant leap forward in automotive display design, blending luxury with high-tech functionality.
The Crystal Innovation: A Collaboration with Swarovski
Continental’s new crystal car display, a 10.0-inch panel, is the result of a strategic collaboration with the Austrian company Swarovski, renowned for its crystal craftsmanship. Swarovski, already supplying the automotive industry with crystal components for interior trim and headlights, has now extended its expertise to car displays. This partnership showcases the potential of luxury elements in enhancing automotive technology.
Design and Functionality
The crystal display is designed with a thin LED panel suspended within the LCD body, creating a free-standing, frameless screen. This design eliminates the typical bezels found in standard displays, offering greater brightness and superior contrast. According to Continental’s press release, the display not only boasts an aesthetic appeal but also provides functional advantages over existing technologies.
Uniquely, the crystal is tinted to allow visibility through the screen’s edges, seamlessly integrating with the car’s dashboard. Continental asserts that this display is well-suited for automotive use, meeting both the visual and technical challenges of in-car applications.
A New Era of Interaction
Peter Widmann, senior B2B VP and MD at Swarovski Mobility, , emphasized the display’s significance as more than just a design element. He highlighted it as a primary interaction interface in vehicles, representing a blend of innovative production techniques and aesthetic appeal. This development signifies a shift in how drivers and passengers interact with and experience car interiors.
Beyond the Display: Continental’s Other Innovations at CES 2024
In addition to the crystal-clear car screen, Continental also showcased a new facial recognition system at CES 2024. This system can integrate with car infotainment screens, offering enhanced security and personalization features.
Furthermore, Continental announced advancements in its collaboration with Aurora Innovation in autonomous
driving technology. The companies have completed the design phase of the hardware for a Level 4 SAE autonomous driving system, with plans to commence production in 2027. This system represents a significant step towards fully autonomous vehicles, highlighting Continental’s commitment to pioneering advancements in the automotive industry.
The Future of Luxury and Technology in Automotive Design
The collaboration between Continental and Swarovski, culminating in the transparent car display, signals a new frontier in automotive interior design. This innovation blends the traditionally separate worlds of luxury aesthetics and advanced technology, paving the way for a more immersive and interactive driving experience.
The crystal display’s potential goes beyond mere visual appeal; it represents a paradigm shift in how technology is integrated into vehicle interiors. As Continental and Swarovski have not yet outlined specific production plans for the LCD display, it currently stands as a testament to their research and development capabilities. However, its seamless integration into luxury car interiors is not only plausible but highly anticipated.
Continental’s Vision for the Future of Mobility
Continental’s presentation at CES 2024, featuring both the crystal display and other technological innovations, underscores the company’s vision for the future of mobility. By investing in cutting-edge technologies like facial recognition systems and collaborating on autonomous driving solutions, Continental is positioning itself at the forefront of automotive innovation.
The combination of luxury elements with advanced technology in car designs reflects a growing trend in the automotive industry, where consumer expectations are increasingly driven by a desire for both aesthetic and functional excellence. As the industry continues to evolve, innovations like Continental’s transparent car display will likely become more prevalent, setting new standards for luxury and technology in automotive interiors.
