The advent of advanced safety systems, large infotainment screens and user experience controls have changed the demands on a vehicle’s low-voltage battery systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles alike. The change has prompted Clarios, one of the leading suppliers of low-voltage battery systems around the world, to rethink its role as a supplier.
“Every system has a low voltage network, regardless of architecture,” said Mark Wallace, Clarios president and CEO. “Growing up in a combustion engine world, [the battery] just started the vehicle. Today, the low-voltage network has a lot more capability because it provides far more resources for systems and functional safety of the vehicle.”
Clarios leadership team members addressed the company’s future plans at a House of Journalists press conference during the IAA Mobility trade show in Munich, Germany.
Wallace said Clarios must be a systems-level capable supplier to bring the right solution to unique applications of global OEMs.
“Every manufacturer has different needs and requirements, and therefore we architect a specific application for their vehicles going forward.”
The company recently took another step in fulfilling that obligation, announcing the acquisition of Paragon GmbH & Co., KGaA’s power business that produces batteries and battery management systems.
“The Paragon acquisition was about gaining additional capabilities and capacities to support our partners around the world," Wallace said.
