Seven Dimensions – Craftsmanship
The importance of quality
The touch of a surface, the sound of the glove box door, or the feedback in the operation of a switch isn’t top-of-mind for most people. Engineers at Lear obsess over those details because that’s where quality physically interacts with consumers.
For consumers, quality is subjective
Lear’s consumer research reveals that drivers form opinions about a vehicle’s quality based on the look and feel of its components. Regardless of how well a car is engineered, if the fit and finish doesn’t match or any part “sounds” plastic, consumers perceive that the entire vehicle is lacking in quality. Automakers are starting to realize the significance of perceived quality in consumers’ buying habits.
Perceived quality enhances consumer loyalty
Industry studies show that repeat purchasing is directly linked to craftsmanship. In fact, it may be a bigger driver of sales than actual quality. According to Lear’s consumer research, automakers who focus on the functionality, comfort, durability, design, color, quality of materials, and seamless fit of interior components can positively influence a consumer’s purchase decision.
Lear’s process ensures a high-quality sensory experience
Lear’s Harmony and Craftsmanship process enhances consumers’ experiences of perceived quality and has given rise to a variety of quality Lear products:
- Seamless air bags
- Sculpted seating technology for wrinkle-free seats
- Insert Molded Carpet, a Lear-patented process that fully covers interior parts with carpet during the molding process
- Lightweight Sonotec® acoustic products, including flooring systems and dash insulators
- Two Shot Technology, an injection molding process that improves the look and feel of interior workmanship
- Integrated center stack, which integrates HVAC and infotainment features
- TouchTec™ Touchless Switch Technology, which replaces mechanical components with convenient touch controls