New hardware development strategy aims to accelerate product development and market delivery for automakers.
18 Apr 2025 | 1597 Views | By Shruti Shiraguppi
Marelli, a global automotive technology supplier, presented its new platform-based development approach at Auto Shanghai 2025 on April 17, showcasing several new technologies designed to streamline product development for different vehicle segments. The company introduced the LeanEnergy battery management system and LeanSuspension solution, along with a new application of its ...
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Marelli, a global automotive technology supplier, presented its new platform-based development approach at Auto Shanghai 2025 on April 17, showcasing several new technologies designed to streamline product development for different vehicle segments. The company introduced the LeanEnergy battery management system and LeanSuspension solution, along with a new application of its ProDisplay technology at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center.
The platform approach leverages pre-developed technological foundations (up to 70%) while allowing automakers to customize features, providing advantages in both innovation and development speed. Marelli has designed three different platforms—Lean, Pro, and Elite—to offer scalable solutions for various market segments.
The Lean platform, a focus at Auto Shanghai, features minimal components in "fit-for-purpose" designs that prioritize sustainability and affordability without compromising performance. These technologies demonstrate achievements in weight reduction and design simplification, targeting base trims and entry-level vehicles.
Among the new products, LeanEnergy is a centralized Battery Management System suitable for managing battery packs with up to 108 cells in mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and small battery electric vehicles. The system integrates high and low voltage circuits on the same board with an isolation barrier for safety.
The LeanSuspension technology evolves Marelli's Smart Damping Control shock absorbers, using a single electronic valve to match the performance of dual-valve systems. This patented solution continuously regulates both rebound and compression phases with reduced response times compared to traditional systems, offering benefits in complexity reduction, weight, and cost.
Marelli also showcased a version of its ProDisplay featuring hidden display capability integrated behind a door panel, remaining invisible until activated. Another application demonstrated was the Large Size Display for central infotainment and passenger screens.
The company's Auto Shanghai 2025 booth was organized into four zones under the theme "Fast Forward. Forward Fast." These areas included the 'Momentum Lab' focusing on Minimum Viable Products, the 'Velocity Zone' for Software-Defined Vehicle enablement tools, the 'Acceleration Lane' highlighting the tiered hardware development approach, and the 'Instant Impact' area displaying ready-to-offer technologies.
Marelli employs approximately 45,000 people worldwide with operations across more than 150 sites globally.