'Earth Friendly' Interior Created by Johnson Controls Debuts
29 February 2000
'Earth Friendly' Interior Created by Johnson Controls Debuts in DaimlerChrysler ESX3 Hybrid Concept CarLeading supplier provides innovative, 'green' technologies
that reduce vehicle's weight, complexity and energy use
GENEVA, Feb. 29 -- DaimlerChrysler shows its
commitment to environmental solutions this week at the 2000 Geneva
International Auto Show, with the debut of its ESX3 concept car -- an
advanced, lightweight vehicle powered by a hybrid diesel-electric powertrain.
Another industry player with a strong "green ethic" -- automotive interior
supplier Johnson Controls -- had a major role in creating an
"environmentally friendly" interior for the unique ESX3 concept vehicle.
On-board the ESX3 -- a diesel-electric hybrid -- are a wide range of
lightweight parts and systems, as well as components made from recycled
materials. Johnson Controls served as the interior developer/integrator for
the vehicle, creating its lightweight, full-featured seats, advanced
instrument panel, overhead system and door trim panels.
"We're thrilled that DaimlerChrysler selected Johnson Controls as its
interior design partner for a leading-edge concept car, the ESX3," said Nathan
Young, the supplier's vice president for new product development, marketing
planning and industrial design-worldwide. "With such a project, we can explore
and demonstrate new technologies, and target environmental solutions for the
near future."
Here's a closer look at some of the key interior features and
technologies Johnson Controls supplied for DaimlerChrysler's ESX3 concept
vehicle:
-- TechLight(TM) front seats provide high-comfort seating with fewer
parts, and a significant weight reduction compared with conventional seat
systems. They feature tubular aluminum frames and aluminum cushion pans; an
integrated heating and ventilation system; and mesh suspension materials that
enhance "breathability" and boost rear-seat legroom. The seat-back panels
finished in a zinc silver non-reflective color reduce heat retention and
increase occupant comfort.
-- Rear seats in the ESX3 have an efficient, integrated, thin-profile
design that cuts weight, reduces complexity and increases legroom. The rear-
seat structure is molded into the floor pan and rear compartment, creating a
single, ergonomically contoured unit that is trimmed with thin foam pads.
-- I-Seating(TM) technology from Johnson Controls is featured in the
driver's seat. I-Seating -- a major step forward in seat control and
electrical architecture -- reduces weight, wiring, and complexity. The ESX3
driver's seat offers a six-way power adjuster, with seat controls located in
the floor console.
-- The lightweight instrument panel is constructed from recyclable,
"expanded polypropylene" (EPP) materials. Replacing the typical instrument
cluster is a reconfigurable, liquid crystal display which provides the driver
an opportunity to view multiple levels of information sequentially. The
innovative center stack -- reminiscent of a computer tower -- houses a high-
performance speaker and liquid crystal display which corresponds with the
floor console interface. High-efficiency vents provide optimum airflow to all
five seating positions. Front airbags are integrated within the instrument
panel. Also offered are ports for electric power and entertainment systems,
including DVD and CD players.
-- The overhead system has a headliner substrate made from 100 percent
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -- one of the most-recycled plastic resins in
the world. Many "surprise and delight" features are offered including overhead
lighting; sun visors with lighted vanity mirrors; and an exhaust grille for
continuous venting of interior air.
-- All four door panels on the ESX3 are made from EcoCor(TM), an advanced
material from Johnson Controls that contains significant amounts of fiber
recycled from consumer and industrial uses.
-- The arched floor console, which adjusts fore and aft to meet the
driver's ergonomic needs, contains a simplified interface to the vehicle's
DVD, CD, climate controls (HVAC), seat, navigation and instrument cluster
reconfiguration controls. This system is the next evolution of Johnson
Controls' "Infotainment" interface. Rear-passenger ventilation is provided by
airducts routed under the center floor console's aluminum real structure,
reducing weight and increasing rigidity. This enables the console to provide
unparalleled ergonomic and structural performance.
The ESX3 concept car was created to demonstrate DaimlerChrysler's
commitment to the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) project,
a joint initiative of the U.S. government and the country's domestic auto
industry that began in 1993.
In creating the ESX3 interior, Johnson Controls designers and engineers
sought strategies for reducing the high energy use associated with
conventional vehicle air-conditioning systems. Traditional automobile air
conditioners can reduce gas mileage significantly, according to studies
conducted by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
"We created an innovative solution to this challenge, by delivering direct
heating and cooling to occupants right through the seat systems," said Young.
"With such an approach, the energy requirements, size and weight of the
vehicle's climate-control system can be greatly reduced.
"Johnson Controls is an integrator with outstanding interior products and
capabilities," said Young. "As a result, we can focus on the vehicle cabin as
a totally integrated system, and work to achieve all kinds of environmental
and performance enhancements."
DaimlerChrysler recently named Johnson Controls as a winner of the
automaker's 1999 CHEER (Continuously Honor Environmental Excellence with
Recognition) award. The honor was based on Johnson Controls' participation in
the DaimlerChrysler CARE (Concept for Advanced Recycling and Engineering)
project, in which an environmentally friendly, "future" Dodge Stratus was
developed.
For the advanced concept car, Johnson Controls supplied seats, door
panels, a headliner and a package shelf. The prototype vehicle exceeds
DaimlerChrysler's environmental standards for the year 2005.
Johnson Controls is a major, worldwide supplier of automotive interior
systems and components for DaimlerChrysler. Products developed and
manufactured by Johnson Controls are featured in a wide range of
DaimlerChrysler vehicles, including these current, popular models: Chrysler
LHS, 300M, Cirrus and Concorde; Dodge Viper, Stratus, Intrepid and Caravan;
Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee; and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, S-Class, E-Class, C-Class,
CL, CLK and A-Class .
The Plymouth, Michigan (U.S.A.)-based automotive business of Johnson
Controls -- which employs more than 65,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide
-- achieved US$12.1 billion in sales for the 1999 fiscal year. In model-year
2000, it will supply interior products from more than 22 million vehicles.
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 1999 totaled US$16.1 billion.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photographs of the DaimlerChrysler ESX3 interior can be
obtained by calling David Roznowski at 734-254-5632, or by visiting
http://www.newscom.com .
For access to other Johnson Controls news releases and additional company
information, visit the company's site on the World Wide Web at
http://www.johnsoncontrols.com .
CONTACT: David Roznowski of Johnson Controls, Inc., 734-254-5632.
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 473547.
Web site: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com .
