Floß, January 2019. With the latest three business deals to wire purely electric vehicles, Nexans autoelectric secures the largest bundle of orders in the company's history to date. Starting in 2021, the Upper Palatinate automotive supplier will equip several vehicle models of a premium car manufacturer worldwide and is therefore expecting sales of more than half a billion euros.
New challenges posed by e-mobility and autonomous driving
For the engineers and technicians in Floß, the orders bring various technical challenges. “In the new generation of vehicles, highly automated driving plays an important role, so we have to take extremely high safety requirements into account in product and process design. This has a huge impact on the entire development, the manufacturing process and the individual materials”, explains Jürgen Dittrich, head of development.
Production developments – which were preceded by concept projects – have already begun. During the three-year development phase, Nexans autoelectric employees work closely with the customer and various parts suppliers.
With future-proof technology firmly in the saddle
The wire harnesses are expected to be produced at two of the 30 worldwide locations. Development and logistical planning take place mainly in Floß – the strategic headquarters of the Nexans autoelectric group. This also applies to a further new contract for the cabling of 48-volt vehicle electrical systems, which are being used more and more frequently with assistance systems increasing in vehicles.
The Group, which mainly develops and manufactures drive wiring for medium and luxury vehicles, has been able to continuously expand its e-mobility business segment in recent years. According to management, its share of total sales will increase to at least 20 percent by 2022.