Adient, one of the world’s largest global automotive seating suppliers, has announced the opening of its West Coast business office in San Jose, California.
The office will serve as a research and development hub supporting existing OEM customers and new players to the automotive industry focused on connected and autonomous vehicles.
Adient debuted as an independent, publicaly traded company after its separation from Johnson Controls on Oct. 31.
Adient’s Chairman and CEO R. Bruce McDonald and other members of the company’s management team participated in an opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 1. The office houses approximately 25 employees in business development, product development and industrial design.
“Our entry into the West Coast is strategic and significant,” said McDonald. “The development of transformational technologies in this region as well as the autonomous vehicle revolution makes it imperative that Adient have a foothold here. This move signifies our commitment to continuing to lead in seating innovation.”
Adient says it plans to increase investments in innovative products and technologies that address trends such as autonomous driving, electrification, slim and lightweight seating and consumer personalization. Having a presence in Silicon Valley advances that strategy, according to the company.
The company also expects to take advantage of opportunities in adjacent markets outside of the traditional automotive industry, such as in commercial vehicle, passenger train and aircraft seating.
