BREEZE Cockpit Concept Explores The Future of Interiors and Infotainment

Siemens VDO Automotive is sharing its vision of the cockpit of the future during the Geneva International Motor Show 2002. The company's BREEZE concept design study on display during the show illustrates the refreshing design, high-quality materials, intelligent technology and ergonomically optimized control system characteristics future cockpit systems are expected to employ.

Along with mobile Internet access, the BREEZE cockpit concept of the future features smooth and clear surface areas that are only interrupted by a main controller and the required hazard lights switch. All main functions now are controlled directly from the steering wheel through integrated, two- barrel, thumb-level switches developed in cooperation with Siemens VDO Automotive's Norwegian partner, Telenostra. Drivers can easily navigate through on-board system menus by manipulating a cylindrical switch that moves a cursor in corresponding directions.

This innovative new design, which better utilizes the inherent ergonomic advantages of the steering wheel, allows drivers to maintain better focus on the road and promote the elimination of unnecessary distractions.

The BREEZE cockpit concept also promotes the elimination of distractions by relocating turn signals and hazard lights switches to integrated finger trays on the back of the steering wheel. The need for traditional steering column-mounted instrument stalks are eliminated by utilizing a rain sensor to activate windshield wipers, a running light assistant to control headlights and moving interior illumination controls to the driver-side door.

The next generation of road safety features also are included in the cockpit concept. To help drivers stay alert, the on-board computer gives the steering wheel a shake when it recognizes potentially dangerous situations such as an excessive increase in vehicle speed, insufficient distance between other vehicles on the road or the subtle drift of unintended lane departure.

A rotating tactile feedback knob located on the center console controls infotainment functions. From here, the system's 10-inch monitor, complete with appealing graphics, gives the driver access to a variety of vehicle functions through an intuitively navigated menu interface.

Invisible to the eye, the BREEZE concept's seamlessly integrated surface speakers convert the cockpit itself into a large-area speaker membrane and uses small, exciters hidden on the inside of the cockpit to cause large areas such as air ducts and the instrument panel to vibrate creating sound. This innovative design approach eliminates large speaker membranes, deep housings and obtrusive decorative grids associated with traditional audio systems and opens tremendous space in the cockpit, allowing designers and mechanical engineers more freedom in cockpit design.

Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering gasoline and diesel powertrain systems, safety and chassis systems, body electronics and interior and infotainment. Worldwide sales reflecting partial fiscal year 2000/2001 totaled $5.0 billion.

On Jan. 1, 2002, Siemens Automotive Corp. and VDO North America merged to form Siemens VDO Automotive in the United States.

Siemens AG headquartered in Munich, is a leading global electronics and engineering company. It employs more than 450,000 people in 193 countries and reported worldwide sales in excess of $72.7 billion in fiscal 2001 (10/1/00 - 9/30/01).

The United States is Siemens' largest market, with 77,000 employees and sales of more than $18.9 billion in fiscal 2001. Siemens is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions in the information and communications, medical, power, automation and control, transportation and lighting sectors.