VISTEON Corp and 3M jointly showcased more than 50 innovative technologies on a concept car in Shanghai yesterday.

Overseas auto parts makers are beginning to take a more active role in auto design in a bid to enhance their competitiveness against Chinese rivals.

The model X-Wave is based on the BMW X5 but with completely different features in the core technology areas of climate control, interiors and electronics.

Among the items demonstrated was an integrated center panel, which shows how climate, radio and multimedia controls can be packaged for easy user interaction.

The X-Wave is also equipped with a 3D Driver Information Cluster, two of Visteon's heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and makes use of translucent materials.

Yang Weihua, director of Visteon Asia Pacific Marketing and China Sales, said around 60 percent of the new technologies could be industrialized within two years in addition to 20 percent that is already in use.

"Major car makers focus on styling, but auto parts can have a greater effect on detailed functions," said Yang. "Particularly for the purpose of enhancing the driving experience."

Overseas car components such as Visteon have been increasing their cooperation with car makers to be involved in auto design at an earlier stage as a way to boost market demand.

Most of the Chinese car components makers, however, are mainly following clients and producing to order.

The X-Wave is the second concept model unveiled by Visteon.

In June, one of its Chinese ventures gave the public a sneak peek of its luxury sports concept car called Fengyi at an auto parts exhibition.