Electrification and digitization – mobility is extremely changing and
this will have an impact on our lifestyle in the future. Kiekert, the
technology leader in automotive locking systems, is introducing its
latest vehicle door-latch systems in the United States to answer these
prevailing trends: the latest generation of the e-charging security
system secuCHARGE, the electric door latch excellENTRY and seat back
latch, which was specifically developed for the US automotive market.
Kiekert’s latest generation of its charging-plug actuator secuCHARGE
is designed for a safer and more secure charging of electric cars. The
more compact and robust e-charging security system features an
innovative drive technology. The higher gear ratio inside the extremely
small package results in an increased locking force, relative to
conventional gearing, guaranteeing maximum efficiency from minimum
space. The robust configuration and improved sensors offer a more
precise detection of the locking pin for greater system safety. It can
be unlocked using the vehicle key or a mobile device such as a
smartphone or tablet. The start of production (SOP) will take place at
the end of 2019 followed by another SOP in 2020.
Kiekert’s excellENTRY is an appealing technology which opens up a
new world of forward-looking access solutions for vehicle manufacturers.
Door opening becomes more comfortable due to lower operating forces or
an electronic touch sensor on the door’s “outer skin”. This offers
vehicle designers and vehicle manufacturers wide-ranging design options,
including integration of the handle into the door or to dispensing with
it altogether.
Today’s excellENTRY has three motors to enable power child lock, double
lock, lock/unlock and electric opening functions. In the future, only
one motor will be required to cover all functions and the overall
vehicle weight will be further reduced. The modular Kiekert excellENTRY
also offers full mechanical or electrical redundancy to guarantee
operation in the event of a power failure. excellENTRY has been in
production with an European OEM since 2017.
Kiekert has continuously invested in the expansion of its research,
prototype and production facilities in Wixom, Michigan, to serve growing
customer’s needs in the USA. Mike Hietbrink, the company’s general
manager for the U.S. and global sales director, said Kiekert will
continue expanding U.S. manufacturing operations and plans to introduce
a new seat back latch for backseats here as well. Hietbrink noted
that Kiekert’s Wixom facilities will account for sales totaling $71
million this year, more than double 2015 sales of $29 million.
Production of latch modules in Wixom this year will exceed 2.3 million
units compared to 350,000 modules five years ago. The increased demand
will have led to 30 new job openings at Kiekert’s Wixom facilities since
2018, including assemblers, supervisors and line leaders.
He added that Kiekert will introduce a new modular seat back latch system
that will reduce engineering and design complexity for its OEM
customers. There currently are four different latches used to adjust
backseats. Kiekert’s new modular approach incorporates all four designs
into a single system.
Note to Editors: High resolution photography is available at: https://www.kiekert.com/en/press/press-releases
About Kiekert AG – www.kiekert.com
Based in Heiligenhaus, Germany, Kiekert AG was founded in 1857 and is
the worldwide market leader in automotive locking systems. With more
than 6,500 employees in eight production, seven development and three
sales centers in 11 countries, Kiekert develops, produces and sells
various customer solutions. Turnover for the 2018 business year will be
over 1 billion dollars. Kiekert Wixom plays a key role in the worldwide
corporate Kiekert network: With a 41,000 square-foot facility in Wixom
at Varsity Ct. and a R&D facility in Wixom at Liberty Drive Kiekert
leads the engineering and program management activities for the NAFTA
region and is a significant pillar of success for the Kiekert group: In
2018 Kiekert Wixom’s Product Development led a sales revenue of 316
million dollars, which equals 35.5 percent of Kiekert’s total revenue
(turnover for the 2018 business year was over 1 billion dollars).
Kiekert Wixom’s customer base includes the “Big Three” as well as the
newer OEMs on the west coast. Moreover, several European and Asian
customers located in the USA are supplied by the Kiekert group.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190618005224/en/