Johnson Controls displays breakthrough electronic ideas for auto interiors

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Oct. 18, 2002 -- Doing more for customers is taking on a whole new meaning at Johnson Controls . New levels of collaboration during early product development are leading to redefined, innovative interior electronics that meet automaker customers' needs, while also delighting consumers.

To highlight this new approach -- which emphasizes the unique benefits of integrated electronics systems over traditional components -- Johnson Controls will showcase how it is working with automotive customers to reinvent and improve electrical / electronic (E / E) systems and introduce other solutions at Convergence 2002 International Congress on Transportation Electronics.

One of the largest exhibits at Convergence 2002 -- which is being held October 21 to 23 at Detroit's Cobo Center -- Johnson Controls' 4,000-square- foot booth (#821) highlights how the company is breaking new ground when it comes to product optimization. The company's advanced electronics capabilities, including its expertise in information management, E / E systems and telematics and multimedia solutions, will be on display.

"Our systems approach allows us to see new possibilities when it comes to developing interior electronics designs," said Jim Geschke, vice president and general manager of electronics integration for Johnson Controls. "It helps us to address critical issues from our customers' point of view, which results in a more efficient development process."

As attendees walk through the Johnson Controls exhibit, they will notice three distinct areas of expertise, including:

Information management -- showcases ways Johnson Controls can help automakers minimize information overload through the optimal distribution of information inside their vehicles among instrument clusters, center-stack and overhead displays; E / E systems optimization -- displays the supplier's vision to optimize the vehicle's interior E / E architecture through electronic energy management solutions and body electronics; and Telematics and multimedia solutions -- featuring Johnson Controls' flexible telematics approach, integrated cockpit infotainment and rear-seat entertainment solutions. The Plymouth, Michigan (U.S.A.)-based automotive business of Johnson Controls -- which employs more than 77,000 people at 285 facilities worldwide -- achieved US$13.6 billion in sales for the 2001 fiscal year.

Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services, energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (U.S.A.). Its sales for 2001 totaled US$18.4 billion.