Swarovski Mobility is introducing its latest groundbreaking design demonstrator, the Crystal AIR-VENT. Resembling a futuristic dashboard, our modular demonstration model features integrated air flow and air conditioning, plus high-end intelligent lighting, all steered through the fascinating use of crystal. This reveals the impressive extent to which car interiors can be aesthetically and functionally programmed.

The magic starts with the welcome light and continues with adaptable ambient lighting, with crystals creating an amazing light pattern across the interior surfaces. Crystal controls conceal symbols with a Shy-Tech coating that come to life only when required – they even have an easy-to-clean coating. With a high-precision touch function providing haptic feedback, the driver can simply select a mode by tapping the corresponding crystal, then any further fine adjustments can be made using the slider crystal. The functional design concept includes a continuous light channel that controls an in-car climate zone operated using a slider; it changes to red as the cabin warms up and blue as it cools down.

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The AIR-VENT perfectly demonstrates just how far functional luxury has come. Its world premiere will be at Car Design Night in Milan on April 16, 2024, under the theme: ‘Rethinking Luxury in Automotive Design’.

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An innovation partnership between Swarovski Mobility and Continental has produced the world’s first-ever Crystal Center Display for high-end vehicles. Unveiled at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, it consists of a meticulously cut, 10” crystal body with distinctive faceting created via our unique grinding technique. Within the crystal is an image-generating microLED panel that displays information on the car’s driver-assistance systems at optimal brightness; the data seems to float within the crystal, allowing the driver to see through to the center console behind. Highly personalized, luxurious, with a sleekly minimalist aesthetic, this is human-machine interface at its best.

Something magical happened when Swarovski Mobility partnered with interactive mechatronics expert, Marquardt, to produce the Crystal Display Switch. It consists of tiny Swarovski crystal screens on the inside left and right of the steering wheel, coated to prevent optical interference that might distract the driver. When activated, displays light up to reveal vehicle information, menu navigation, and a range of functions. Smart programming means the driver can select information by thumb- scrolling using a roller next to each screen. It's a neat way to tidy up the buttons and switches traditionally associated with a car’s ancillary controls, and a perfect combination of advanced technology and classic elegance.

Our collaboration with Kurz has just taken another step toward reshaping the future of driving: the new state-of-the-art steering wheel concept. Intricately hand-cut, three-dimensional Swarovski crystals on each side of the central steering-wheel display contain touch-operated sensors that enable the driver to control a range of vehicle functions. Despite the sophisticated technology hidden within them, the crystals are smooth and transparent, anti-reflective and robust, with backlighting that can be color-matched to suit the vehicle interior. As sleek and beautiful as they are intuitive and practical, this is luxury design with cutting-edge functionality.

kurz-automotive.com

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A collaboration between Swarovski Mobility and Kurz, the expert in plastic surface solutions, offers a glimpse of the future of driving. Recognizing the increasing importance of the interior, we have developed the Human-Machine Interface panel for the cockpit: integrated smart sensor technology enables elegant, touch-operated crystals to create three different interior lighting designs. It’s a shy-tech innovation that delivers luxury aesthetics alongside prestige performance.