Johnson Controls' Vice President of Industrial Design Shares New Approaches in Automotive Interior Cockpit Design

'Cockpit Design: Addressing Consumer Needs for Safety, Utility and Comfort'
generates discussion at Automotive Cockpit Modules 2001

    PLYMOUTH, Mich., March 12 With all of the new technologies
-- such as telematics, Internet access and entertainment features -- being
introduced in vehicle interiors today, there is a tremendous opportunity for
innovations in traditional cockpit designs.
    This was the message delivered today by Bill Fluharty, vice president of
industrial design - North America for Johnson Controls, Inc. at
Automotive Cockpit Modules 2001 Conference held at the Ritz-Carlton in
Dearborn, Mich.
    "With the introduction of these new technologies comes a responsibility
for designers to develop vehicle interiors that provide occupants with a safe,
comfortable and enjoyable environment," Fluharty said. "To accomplish this,
our design teams work closely with the consumer research department to gain
insight on consumer perceptions and human factors."
    At Johnson Controls, the consumer research team conducts extensive
scientific and consumer research on what people want and need in their
vehicles. Information gained in these laboratory and real-world studies helps
to guide designers in the development of innovative automotive interior
concepts.
    "A prime example of this innovative approach is Johnson Controls' Harmony
Infotainment concept," said Fluharty. "This interior concept that was recently
introduced shows how new design approaches can provide consumers with easy
access to advanced information and entertainment services in a safe and simple
way."
    Fluharty also noted that craftsmanship is another key consideration in the
design of cockpit modules.
    "Designers need to not only think about the initial visual perception a
design invokes, but also the tactile perception a design and the materials
utilized elicits," he said. "The feel of the materials used in cockpit module
controls is just as important as the look of the cockpit."
    In concluding his presentation, Fluharty said that he believes in order
for automakers and suppliers to be successful, they need to design and develop
total occupant environments that are harmonious and offer consistent quality.
He also stated that as designers look to incorporate additional technologies
into cockpit modules, they need to make certain that their designs will help
keep drivers' attention focused where it should be ... on the road.
     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$12.7 billion in sales for the 2000 fiscal year. In model-year
2001, it will supply interior products for more than 23 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 2000 totaled US$17.2 billion.

    NOTE TO EDITORS:  For access to other Johnson Controls news releases and
additional company information, visit the company's web site on the World Wide
Web at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com .
    CONTACT:  Bill Dawson, 734-254-5925, or Debra Lacey, 734-254-5735, both of
Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Company News On-Call:  http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 473547.