Connector Suppliers Answer Our Automotive Questions

Connector suppliers share their thoughts on automotive innovations, the role of interconnects, what they drive, and bumper stickers.

This week, we thought we’d try something a little different and sent a short list of automotive-related questions to our suppliers to get their thoughts. We asked about the industry, what interconnects play an important role, and about their own experiences and preferences, as professionals in the automotive space and as consumers and drivers. Here’s what some of them had to say.

What do you think is the most important automotive innovation of the past 10 years?

ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) was the clear winner among our respondents.

Kai Rotthaus, head of marketing and corporate communications at Lumberg, shared that, as an EV driver, he benefits from ADAS features. Donna Mears, marketing and communications coordinator at METZ CONNECT, and Sandrine Hermant, marketing manager at Axon’ Cable, also chose ADAS (aides à la conduite, in French) as the top innovation. Sandrine and Kai noted that ADAS is paving the way for autonomous driving. Marco Lamanna, senior digital marketing specialist at EDAC Group, believes the most important innovation is the advancements in autonomous driving.

“For me, it’s all about safety: sensors, accident prevention, geolocation, etc.,” said Simon Gandais, who heads communications for Nicomatic.

Clément Bidault, sales engineer at PRECI-DIP, focused on adaptive cruise control, while Wendy Preston, senior technical sales engineer at Harwin, singled out the lane detection system. “I’ve seen many drivers drift that could really do with this feature,” she said. Jennifer O’Neil, marketing communications specialist at Sager Electronics, chose the blind spot signals on sideview mirrors.

“Features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control have made driving safer and more convenient, reducing accidents and driver fatigue,” said Sylvia Guo, marketing manager at Greenconn. Josh Jacobi, chief sales officer at ept added, “The advancements of sensor technology for braking and lane detection can take human error out of the equation, as well as keep the passengers safe.” Jeff Cambell, senior customer technical service engineer at Materion acknowledged the importance of “making those features available on more vehicles for a reasonable price so more people can benefit from them.”

Lorena Ewest, marketing manager at Bernd Richter, gave another popular answer: electric vehicles. Kai from Lumberg agreed. “As an engineer, the most important automotive innovation of the past 10 years is arguably the rise of EV technology and the improvements in battery efficiency. While EVs existed before the past decade, the advancements in lithium-ion battery technology, solid-state research, fast-charging infrastructure, and affordability have significantly changed the automotive landscape. Tesla, along with traditional automakers like Ford, GM, and Volkswagen, has driven mass adoption, pushing EVs toward the mainstream.”

Mike Brooks, market segment manager – e-mobility, at Phoenix Contact, said the most important automotive innovation is “the electrification of vehicle powertrains – across all forms of mobility.”

Robert Gzrib, marketing manager at CDM Inc., said, “As a tech and market observer, I believe the most important innovation has been optimizing conventional internal combustion engine vehicles to answer hybrid and EV product offerings. 2012 average 26 mpg with 2022 average 33 mpg (2022 is the most recent full-model-year data available).”

Joana Rodrigues, marketing manager, at Times Microwave Systems, shared that, as an engineer, she believes “the advanced vehicle connectivity (5G and V2X communications) to be the most impactful innovation. This technology enables real-time data exchange between cars, infrastructure, and networks, improving safety, navigation, and autonomous driving capabilities.” As a car owner, however, she said, “the hybrid plugins are the most underrated innovation of the last decade.”

For Zach Barnett, automotive industry manager at Samtec Inc., device connectivity is key. “The way our personal electronics interact with the automobile has provided a much safer and enjoyable experience to utilize those features while driving. It makes the time go by much quicker on longer road trips!” Greg Everly, director-new product introduction, transportation systems business unit at Molex, said, “Advancements in displays and screens are making it much easier and safer to utilize all infotainment and navigation features seamlessly with my phone and seem to get better year after year.”

What connector, cable, or cable assembly is most important in today’s automotive applications?

Opinions vary on this.

Kai from Lumberg said that, despite a shaky start, the most important connector “is definitely the RAST connector in insulation displacement technology (IDT). Over 25 or 30 years ago, it failed a test at a Japanese manufacturer that then issued a warning to all OEMs about RAST in IDT, however, the connector has experienced an incomparable triumph in the automobile worldwide.”

Sylvia asked her colleagues at Greenconn’s factory who said, “high-voltage connectors and cables for EVs, high-power connectors that handle battery packs, inverters, and charging systems are essential. They need to withstand high currents, temperature extremes, and vibrations.”

Sandrine from Axon’ Cable said, “Flat flexible cables and components for airbag systems are very important as they can save life.”  Marco from EDAC chose IP67+ Rugged inline connectors (connector and cable assemblies).

Josh from ept said, “hybrid modular connector (HYMC) collaboration fulfills the need for cohesive zonal architecture communications in E/E. The HYMC integrates power, signal, RF connectors and cables into one solution. Only in E/E architecture can this be achieved, and the next generation needs this ability to enable seamless communication between internal vehicle modules as well as with outside infrastructure.”

“Anything micro-miniature for all autos or in EVs and self-drivers fiber optic,” said Robert from CDM Inc.

“It’s got to be the one linking the car’s brain to the rest of the car. We’re not getting far without that these days!” said Wendy from Harwin. Clément from PRECI-DIP chose connectors for brake systems. Mike from Phoenix Contact went with NACS/J3400 EV charging cables.

“They are all important, in my opinion.  While some smaller connectors serve to facilitate convenience functions in the automobile only, we would certainly miss them if they were gone!” said Zach from Samtec.

What is the most interesting automotive project you’ve worked on?

Mike from Phoenix Contact said, “Assisting the domestic automaker in their transition from the CCS1 to NACS charging standard/connector has been the most interesting and also one of the most challenging.”

Zach from Samtec shared that his team has “worked with customers on some smart lighting applications that will allow better visibility and safety while driving at night.”

The Greenconn team enjoyed working on high-speed data connectors for EVs and ADAS.

Clément from PRECI-DIP found developing the plug for charging electrical vehicles to be most interesting.

“Working with OEMs on a module that tracked vehicle performance on a racetrack. There was a seamless connection from the car’s computer to the track’s computer, mapping absolutely everything. Diagnostics, performance, handling, and beyond; everything was recorded to optimize vehicles for racing. Very cool,” said Josh from ept.

Greg from Molex found it gratifying to blend the company’s many different skills to deliver industry-first applications. “The Ford Sync I project years ago was our first integration of consumer ports, high-speed data connectivity, and other features. This was the start of ‘large’ screens and displays and really got the ball rolling.”

“Too many motorsports projects! Without naming names I had a former employer lend me to a F1 team shop to babysit a proprietary weighing technology, 50% for calibration or urgencies and 50% to make sure no onsite technical staff got overly ‘friendly’ with the workings of the equipment,” said Robert from CDM Inc.

What is your favorite car?

Sylvia from Greenconn said Tesla was a favorite in the past but today she likes SU7 Ultra from XiaoMi.

Wendy from Harwin said her favorite “that I have owner’s knowledge of is the Jag XF. That I covet the most, Aston Martin Vanquish.”

Lorena from Bernd Richter claims the Lotus Emira as her favorite, Mike from Phoenix Contact chose the DeTomaso Pantera, Jeff from Materion picked the 1972 Roadrunner, Jennifer from Sager selected the Porsche 928, and Josh from ept opted for the 1964 Shelby Cobra 427SC. Zach from Samtec likes the Jeep Gladiator’s design and functionality.

Robert from CDM Inc. likes the 1966 and 1967 Lemans-winning Ford GT40s. “Big, bellowing 427 CID motored beasts coupled with a colorful cast of team characters turned me into a car nut at a very early age.”

Marco from EDAC is a fan of Ferrari. “All of them. Maybe one day…”

“I eventually would like to buy a convertible Mustang when the time is right. My wife and I have always had a soft spot for Ford Mustangs,” said Greg from Molex.

For some respondents, their first cars are their favorites. Sandrine from Axon’ had a Peugeot 205 Junior. Clément from PRECI-DIP had a Renault CLIO 2.

Donna from METZ CONNECT chose her current car, as did Joana from Times Microwave Systems, a Toyota RAV 4 and a Toyota RAV 4 Prime, respectively. “The room of a mini-van, safety of an SUV, with great gallon/ mile performance,” said Joana. “I’m a practical person.” But she also chose a favorite from the past. “The 1969 Volkswagen Bug (the original). It can be easily fixed and no other design has ever been as globally adopted, versatile, and iconic.”

Simon from Nicomatic said he appreciates the cars of today for their comfort and security. However, he admires the cars of the past for their style.

What kind of car do you drive?

Sylvia (Greenconn): EV

Wendy (Harwin): Ford Kuga PHEV 2019 version. “Only had it 3 weeks. Very happy so far!”

2019 Ford Kuga PHEV

Lorena (Bernd Richter): Ford Fiesta ST Line X

Sandrine (Axon’ Cable): Peugeot 3008 hybrid

Joana (Times Microwave Systems): Toyota Rav4 Prime

Simon (Nicomatic): SEAT SUV

Marco (EDAC): Mini van. 3 kids.

Clément (PRECI-DIP): Renault Espace V (“big family = big car”)

Renault Espace V

Donna (METZ CONNECT): RAV4

Jennifer (Sager): Mazda CX5

Jeff (Materion): 2003 Subaru WRX

Josh (ept): 2022 Porsche Macan in midnight blue

Greg (Molex): 2023 Chevy Silverado

Robert (CDM Inc.) “On 4 wheels Nissan Rogue SV, just a way of getting from Point A to Point B without breaking the bank. On 2 wheels… I’ll save that for another questionnaire!”

Mike (Phoenix Contact): 2023 Ram 1500 is his everyday vehicle. He has four others:

(left to right) Jeep TJ, 2017 Focus RS, 1960 Imperial Hampton, 1965 F100

What is your favorite car color?

Five respondents chose a version of grey (grey, metallic grey, silver, pewter). Red and black each had four votes, including two specifying Ferrari red. Blue had two votes. White and green had one each.

Bumper stickers. Yay or nay?

Nine respondents said “nay” to bumper stickers. Jeff said nay, “but some are funny.” Donna shared a safety concern: “I don’t need to be remembered if I upset someone on the road.” Kai said, “Maximum one!”

Jennifer said “Yay.” Sandrine said, “Yay but funny ones.” Wendy said, “I like them on other cars if they are fun or cute; I only have window stickers on mine.” Clément said Yay (“babies on board”).

Personalized plates. Yay or nay?

Respondents were more open to personalized plates (aka vanity plates) but they are not available in all countries.

Kai pointed out the financial benefit. “They should be really, really expensive – why shouldn’t a state secure the revenue opportunity if a well-heeled clientele absolutely wants to have such license plates? Just to give you an idea: In Belgium personalized plates are 2.500 € (almost 2.800 $) – e.g. for a brand new Mini Convertible saying something like “BE MINI” (I just saw that last Sunday in Belgium!)”

Wendy said, “Definitely yes, will be putting mine back on my new car in the next few weeks.”

Joana said, “Yay. Connecticut has new pizza-themed plates and I’m here for it!”

New license plates declare Connecticut “The Pizza State”

Donna had the same safety concern for these but likes the specialized plates. “I have the NJ Shore to Please plates which have a lighthouse on them.”

Thanks to all the suppliers who agreed to play! Continue the conversation on LinkedIn where you can share your responses and thoughts.

To learn more about the companies mentioned in this article, visit the Preferred Supplier pages for Axon’ Cable, Bernd Richter, CDM Inc., EDAC Group, ept, Greenconn, Harwin, Lumberg, Materion Corporation, METZ CONNECT,  Molex, Nicomatic, Phoenix Contact, PRECI-DIP, Sager Electronics, Samtec Inc., and Times Microwave Systems

Like this article? Check out our other articles on EV’s and HEV’s, our Automotive Market Page, and 2024 and 2025 Article Archive. 

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