Lear Unveils Next Generation of Intertronics Products at IAA Auto Show

    FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 12 Lear Corporation
today unveiled at the 59th International Frankfurt Motor Show its
next-generation of product offerings focused on Intertronics(TM) -- Lear's
unique ability to integrate electronic products and electrical distribution
systems into vehicle interior systems.
    
    The Common Advanced Vehicle Architecture (CAVA) platform, also introduced
by Lear today, supports the Intertronics modules and demonstrates Lear's
vision of a dual-voltage electrical distribution system of the future.  The
new developments shown by Lear in Hall 8, Stand D10, span the company's
six product segments: Electrical and Electronics; Seat; Instrument
Panels/Cockpit; Floor and Acoustics; Overhead and Door; and Trim.

    "During the past year, Lear's interiors expertise has been blended with
our proprietary technologies to yield the latest generation of Intertronics
innovations," said Lear President and Chief Executive Officer, Bob Rossiter.
"The creative talent of our people, armed with consumer research, is the
driving force behind the state-of-the-art Lear products at this year's
Frankfurt show."

    Intertronics Door System

    Lear's Intertronics Door meets customer specifications regardless of
modularity stage and brings many advantages.  Among the benefits are
significant weight and cost reduction, heightened functionality and improved
packaging, performance and reliability.

    Key features include the door's "distributed hierarchical topology," a
communication network arrangement which enables component modules to "talk" to
one another.  With its scalable Master/Slave architecture incorporating
two communication protocols, CAN and LIN Bus technology, Lear door
mechatronics both manage and prioritize electronic control-based
communications among the door's smart subsystems.

    Addressing market demands for less weight, greater reliability and reduced
cost, the new Lear Mechatronic Switch Module provides convenient backlighted
control and gives drivers single-touch, vehicle-wide mirror adjustment and
operation of door locks, windows and exterior fuel and rear liftgate/trunk
latches.

    Bundled inside a hybrid wire-harness solution, intra-door communication is
conveyed, via data bus, over a combination of ultra-lightweight, flat flexible
cable (FFC) and conventional power wires.  FFC technology, featuring modular,
integrated electrical connectors, delivers single-snap assembly that
simplifies installation while it significantly increases door performance and
reliability.

    Meeting requirements for increased interior space, Lear's Flip Pack Switch
Module offers an efficient, distinctive dual-panel design.  Conveniently
located on the door, the module integrates top surface functions over the
controls of an underlying panel that incorporates seat adjustment and memory
management, power-window control and seat-climate controls for heating and
cooling.

    Intertronics Seat System

    Lear's Intertronics Seat answers market-driven needs to optimize control
of numerous seat movement motors and links driver-control features for
increased functionality and reliability, with decreased overall cost.

    As with door mechatronics, Lear's Master/Slave architecture also drives
seat mechatronics technology to control nine subsystems.  The mechatronic
switch provides control for bench, back- and headrest movement, heaters,
inflatable comfort features, ventilation systems and seat memory.

    Seat-module control communications are managed with three fully integrated
memory keys to direct the seats, mirrors, steering column and pedal box.

    To provide for safe and efficient in-vehicle entertainment, Lear has also
introduced an integrated display screen feature conveniently located on the
backside of driver and passenger headrest surfaces.

    Intertronics Flooring and Acoustics Systems

    The all-new 2002 Jaguar X-400 model is fitted with Lear Intertronics
flooring and acoustics systems.  Lear's SonoTec(TM) Vehicle Acoustics System
encloses the vehicle cabin with the ultimate in sound absorption and
noise-dampening technology.

    To add functionality and provide for secure attachment of the floor to the
vehicle body, an extrusion is molded into the floor module concept.  The easy
snap-in attachment joins the electrical wiring harness with seat heating,
adjustment and memory functions.  Among the advantages of this modular design
are fewer components, lower cost, ease of service and improved overall
performance.

    The Lear Interior Side Sill Plate integrates LED lighting and heating,
ventilation and air-conditioning ducts that not only improve heating and
cooling, but also illuminate the foot-well area.  This concept allows for
maintenance-free lighting that gives car buyers a choice of optional colors in
mood lighting.

    Intertronics Overhead Module

    The Lear Integrated Air Curtain is secured to the vehicle body through
grab handle attachments and incorporated into the headliner prior to shipping.
The air curtain is expected to go into production by early 2003.

    The Lear Intertronics Overhead Console introduces multi-functional LED
lighting for one-touch convenience that not only provides improved internal
illumination but also controls automatic garage-door operation, sunroof
function, emergency messaging, automatic tire-pressure monitoring and
ultrasonic intrusion sensors for occupant security.

    Intertronics Cockpit Module

    Lear's Cockpit Module Team has been pioneering Value Added/ Value
Engineering cost reductions by integrating additional features into its
products.  These integrated concepts are transparent to the consumer, but
enable Lear to offer significant cost reductions to offset the cost of
emerging telematic demands.

    This concept provides free value to the consumer to support "plug and
play" infotainment and in-car telematic technologies that include:
global-positioning systems, night vision, computer games, laser-technology
rear-view cameras, AM/FM digital radio as well as wireless communication and
mobile office technologies such as e-mail, Internet and MP3 audio.

    Lear applies its Common Architecture Strategy by using shared structural
components among various branded products while protecting overall vehicle
brand-image requirements, using processes such as integrating wiring troughs
into molded base panels.  Lear also promotes designing for the environment by
using its "green" wire harness technology that employs a recyclable hybrid
design.