Gentherm Unveils WellSense™ “A Symphony of Sensations” during CES 2024
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Insights
Gentherm's launch of WellSense represents a strategic move to capitalize on the growing trend of vehicles being used as an extension of living spaces. This trend is driven by consumer demand for enhanced comfort and wellness features within their vehicles. The introduction of a software-defined in-cabin comfort system aligns with the broader industry shift towards software defined vehicles (SDVs) and the Internet of Things (IoT), where over-the-air (OTA) updates are becoming increasingly prevalent. By offering OTA upgrades, Gentherm can potentially generate recurring revenue streams and strengthen customer loyalty.
The WellSense platform's ability to integrate with other in-cabin features like audio, visual and aromatic stimulation indicates a move towards a more holistic in-vehicle experience. This could position Gentherm favorably in a market where differentiation is key to gaining a competitive edge. However, the success of WellSense will depend on the adoption rate of SDVs, consumer willingness to pay for additional wellness features and the effectiveness of Gentherm's go-to-market strategy.
WellSense by Gentherm is an innovative leap in thermal management and pneumatic comfort technologies, areas that have traditionally been focused on basic climate control. The introduction of a software development kit (SDK) for vehicle manufacturers marks a significant advancement in customization and personalization of the in-car experience. This SDK could potentially reduce the time-to-market for new features and allow for rapid iteration based on consumer feedback.
The emphasis on health and wellness, including features targeting back health and menstrual comfort, reflects an understanding of a diverse consumer base and their specific needs. This approach could lead to partnerships with health and wellness brands or services, further expanding Gentherm's market reach. However, the challenge will be in ensuring compatibility across various vehicle platforms and managing the complexity that comes with integrating multiple sensory effectors.
The unveiling of WellSense at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) could have positive implications for Gentherm's stock valuation if the market perceives the technology to be a game-changer. Investors will be keen on assessing the potential market size for WellSense and the impact on Gentherm's revenue and profit margins. The technology's scalability and compatibility with future SDV architecture suggest that Gentherm is positioning itself for long-term growth in a rapidly evolving automotive industry.
Investors should monitor the initial market reception and OEM partnerships following the CES presentation. The cost of research and development, marketing and potential partnerships will also play a role in determining the financial viability of WellSense. The announcement may lead to short-term stock volatility as the market digests the news and evaluates the risks and opportunities associated with the new product line.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gentherm (NASDAQ: THRM), the global market leader of innovative thermal management and pneumatic comfort technologies for the automotive industry and a leader in medical patient temperature management systems, today unveiled WellSense™, a software defined consumer experience that delivers customized in-cabin comfort sensations that promote wellness and well-being.
WellSense is making its global debut during the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The technology leverages science-based physiology research as the foundation for proprietary software that orchestrates heating, cooling, lumbar and massage comfort effectors. WellSense delivers enhanced wellness and well-being sensations in product offerings suitable for software defined vehicles (SDVs) and over-the-air (OTA) feature upgrades for all vehicle configurations.
“Trends are shifting towards consumers using their vehicles as a third living space, offering an additional revenue opportunity for OEMs to address consumer health and wellness needs,” said Phil Eyler, President and CEO of Gentherm. “The launch of WellSense is the next evolution of our software enabled technologies that positions the Company at the nexus of health, wellness, comfort, and energy efficiency.”
The WellSense software development kit (SDK) can be combined with additional vehicle features like in-cabin audio, visual and aromatic stimulation to deliver unique sensations that go beyond traditional comfort regulation to help promote individual wellness and well-being.
“We see opportunities at the intersection of the software defined vehicles market and consumer desire for total well-being to deliver health and wellness-based experiences leveraging our expertise in thermal and pneumatic comfort,” said Vishnu Sundaram, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. “WellSense is not only a scalable solution that fits future SDV architecture, but also a system that delivers a symphony of sensations that promote passenger relaxation and rejuvenation.”
WellSense currently offers a library of scientifically designed experiences around the following themes:
- Physical Well-being: Utilizes heating and massage to stimulate muscles, ease muscle tension and relax the mind to support lower back health and females during their menstrual journey.
- Cognitive Well-being: Builds upon previously announced alertness concepts to coordinate thermal and pneumatic technology to provide solutions to help keep a driver alert.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Helps promote a healthy lifestyle for all, and in particular the fitness community by offering pre and post workout solutions. Further support for a healthy lifestyle is offered through experiences to help target stress management.
Gentherm will showcase its innovative products and technologies at their invitation-only booth at Paris Las Vegas from January 9-11, 2024.
Investor Contact
Yijing Brentano
investors@gentherm.com
248.308.1702
Media Contact
Melissa Fischer
media@gentherm.com
248.289.9702
About Gentherm
Gentherm (NASDAQ: THRM) is the global market leader of innovative thermal management and pneumatic comfort technologies for the automotive industry and a leader in medical patient temperature management systems. Automotive products include variable temperature Climate Control Seats, heated automotive interior systems (including heated seats, steering wheels, armrests and other components), battery performance solutions, cable systems, lumbar and massage comfort solutions, valve system technologies, and other electronic devices. Medical products include patient temperature management systems. The Company is also developing a number of new technologies and products that will help enable improvements to existing products and to create new product applications for existing and new markets. Gentherm has more than 14,000 employees in facilities in the United States, Germany, China, Czech Republic, Hungary, Japan, Malta, Mexico, North Macedonia, South Korea, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Vietnam. For more information, go to www.gentherm.com.
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