LEONHARD KURZ wins iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 in the Product/Automobiles/Vehicles category for its innovative Rear End Cover concept

LEONHARD KURZ’s innovative spirit has once again been recognized. With its Rear End Cover concept, the expert for decorative and functional surfaces impressed the expert jury of the iF DESIGN AWARD in the Product/Automobiles/Vehicles category. “We have set ourselves the goal of implementing visionary design today. Being honored with the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD proves that we have succeeded. Our Rear End Cover concept illustrates the possibilities of combining pioneering technology with the design ideas of tomorrow,” emphasizes Martin Hahn, Head of Application, Technology & Innovation of the Business Area Plastic Decoration at KURZ.

Design meets functionality

With the Rear End Cover concept, KURZ shows how smart functionality can go hand in hand with outstanding design. The rear component impresses with its homogeneous, closed surface and offers a wide range of functions that can be freely combined with each other according to customer requirements. “With our technologies, we are offering numerous new possibilities for the mobility of the future. The concept is an example of how they can be integrated to achieve the best possible result,” explains Martin Hahn. The Rear End Cover not only enables communication with the environment thanks to remarkable lighting design, but is also 5G-compatible and radar-permeable. The integrated touch control ensures full functionality with absolute freedom of design.

Thanks to advanced KURZ technologies such as In-Mold Decoration (IMD), the rear end cover can be produced and finished in a single work step. With In-Mold Electronics (IME), ultra-thin sensors are embedded in the same step, enabling intuitive touch functionality. In addition, an innovative process is used, which enables the component to be manufactured from a 2K material mix with a transparent and opaque plastic. In this way, backlighting with targeted light isolation and completely without unwanted light scattering can be ensured, which contributes to the unique design of the concept.

Design with sustainability in mind

Sustainability is not only one of the core topics in the future-oriented automotive industry but also plays a central role at KURZ. The optimized process of producing the Rear End Cover in a single step helps to save valuable time, resources, and CO₂. In line with the objective of ‘designed for recycling,’ the Rear End Cover concept was implemented in such a way that the component can also be recycled as a whole.

Renowned prize for excellent design

Since 1954, the iF DESIGN AWARD has been a globally recognized trademark when it comes to excellent design. The iF DESIGN brand is internationally established as a symbol of outstanding design performance. It is one of the most important design awards in the world and design achievements are recognized in all disciplines, namely product, packaging, communication and service design, architecture and interior design, as well as professional concept, user experience (UX), and user interface (UI). In 2024, the 132-strong expert jury selected the winners from over 10,800 entries. All award-winning entries are showcased on ifdesign.com.