A leading Chinese car manufacturer plans to equip its new vehicles with the latest head-up display from the French technology company Valeo. The innovation involves a windshield that stretches "from pillar to pillar," covering the entire viewing area and providing the driver with important information interactively directly on the glass, without the need to look down at the dashboard ("head-up display"). This works through components that project the data onto a reflective surface in the lower area of the windshield. The report from the passenger and commercial vehicle supplier group states the following about the innovation:
“It integrates important information directly into the driver’s field of vision. The system uses highly efficient displays installed in the dashboard to project information onto a special reflective surface in the lower black area of the windshield.”
Floating Graphics
For the driver, the information displayed near the natural field of vision appears as “virtually floating
images” that convey the most important driving data such as speed, navigation, and safety warnings – “for better overview, safety, and driving comfort.” This way, the driver stays informed without having to divert their gaze too much from the road to the dashboard.
According to a press release, Valeo aims to accelerate the development of its products to market maturity, especially since China could otherwise surpass the European competitor. The company has accordingly developed a functional live demonstrator in just six months and plans to start production for the first customer in 2026.
Marc Vrecko, CEO of the Valeo Brain Division, describes the concept as a solution that enhances safety and comfort in road traffic, and says:
“We are excited to collaborate with a leading Chinese car manufacturer to bring our innovative Panoramic Head-Up Display to the road.”
Important Data Directly in View
According to the provider, the windshield represents a
kind of revolutionary development of interaction between driver and vehicle, where virtually floating information is projected along the entire width of the windshield surface. The driver has direct access to safety-relevant information without detours over other instruments. The field of vision should not be otherwise disturbed and ensure "excellent visibility" for all vehicle occupants. At the same time, all regulations concerning windshields and fields of vision are met, according to the message.
In addition to meeting safety-relevant factors, the panoramic window also offers passengers a special driving experience: "It opens up immersive worlds of experience for all occupants.” This is achieved, for example, by dimming the display backlight at certain points, which has the dual effect of increasing contrast on the one hand, while reducing energy consumption on the other hand.
And then, through the careful arrangement of elements in the overall concept, design aspects also come into play: “The system
integrates seamlessly into an elegant, minimalist cockpit design – the displays are discreetly integrated into the dashboard.”
The publicly listed Valeo Group is a mobility partner specializing in vehicle components, electrification, thermal management, and driver assistance systems in 28 countries around the world. Partnerships exist with several players in the mobility world, such as the AI-based assistance systems expert Mobileye. The business areas are divided into three: the Brain Division focuses on software-defined vehicles, the Power Division on the areas of thermal management and drive systems, and the Light Division focuses on vehicle visibility in road traffic.
Globally, the group, founded in the Paris region in 1923, employs more than 106,000 people, operates 64 research and development centers as well as 155 factories. In Germany alone, around 7,400 employees work at 18 locations. Valeo opened its first R&D center in China in 2004. In 2024, its revenue was 21.5 billion euros.
