Lear Showcases First Fully Integrated Dual-Voltage Vehicle Architecture

    FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 12 Lear Corporation
today unveiled its fully integrated "Common Advanced Vehicle Architecture,"
(CAVA) electrical and electronics platform, at the 59th annual IAA/Frankfurt
Auto Show.  As a first-of-its-kind technology and a manifestation of Lear's
Intertronics(TM) capabilities, CAVA provides electrical power throughout the
vehicle at both 14- and 42 volts, while seamlessly operating several
multiplexed communication networks.
   
    "European automakers are leading the change to adopt 42-volt technology as
a result of automotive consumer demand for power-hungry control and comfort
features," said Bob Rossiter, Lear President and Chief Executive Officer.
"Lear is positioned to be a leader in enabling the development of new energy
management systems as our global customers move toward 42-volt technology."

    An engineering team at Lear's technical center in Valls, Spain, led CAVA
development.  Lear's ongoing strategic focus to enhance its strong
relationships with customers is a driving force behind the creation of two
additional advanced technology centers located in Allershausen and Kronach, in
addition to an established tech center at Ebersberg, Germany.

    Lear's Intertronics capability takes vehicle interiors to a new level by
fully integrating electronic products with vehicle-interior systems.  As an
advanced architecture, CAVA embodies the integration of distributed
technologies that include mechatronics, multiplexing, interior trim modules,
innovative switch designs and 42-volt capabilities on a single platform.

    Claiming more than 20 individual patent applications CAVA provides, with a
minimal number of fuses, a dual-voltage power supply that is delivered through
three Dual-Voltage Smart Distribution Nodes.  The architecture can support and
manage several multiplexed signal protocols to deliver data over a
hierarchical vehicle communication network.

    "In the next few years, dual-voltage systems will be introduced to power
luxury vehicles and will migrate into other segments as demand for more
electronic and electrical features increases," Rossiter continued.

    Emphasizing the need to keep development costs down, Rodolfo Kroebel,
President, Electronics and Technology, Lear Electronics and Electrical
Division, said Lear's Common Architecture Strategy supports the use of
interchangeable, modular components with common substructures, for the
development of both individual and customized interiors.

    "Lear's Common Architecture Strategy offers the ideal solution to prevent
the entire supply chain from taking different paths to reach the same goal,"
Kroebel said.  "By working with the automakers, we can move quickly and
efficiently to develop the de facto standard that maps dual-voltage systems
for 2005 to 2010 vehicle platforms."

    Through CAVA's Conversion Zoning system, 42-volt power can be transformed
into 14 volts throughout the vehicle as the need arises.  The system can
support sophisticated technologies such as near-instantaneous climate control,
wireless communication, occupant protection systems, ride management, emission
control and electronic fuel management systems.  With the promise of fuel
consumption savings in the 10 percent range, 42-volt systems offer alternative
solutions to tightening fuel regulations.