Johnson Controls Announces Partnership with Master Lock for Railport Vehicle Personalization System Modules
Storage and Security Components to Debut at 2003 SEMA Show in Las Vegas This Week
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4 -- Today, officials at automotive supplier Johnson Controls announced that the firm has entered into an agreement with Master Lock Company that will provide consumers with a new line of security and convenience features for their vehicles. Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Master Lock has developed three innovative modules for Johnson Controls' Railport(TM) Vehicle Personalization System to give motorists new options to secure personal items in their automobiles.
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The Railport system and the Master Lock modules will be shown at the Johnson Controls product and technology display booth (#10672) at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Tuesday, November 4 through Friday, November 7. The SEMA event is the world's largest trade show focused on automotive accessory products, trends and technologies.
Railport offers consumers the ability to customize the interior of their vehicles at the point of purchase and throughout the vehicle lifecycle. Integrated into a vehicle's overhead system, it features flexible docking technology that provides for the attachment of a variety of modules and modular devices as they become available.
In the first product concept emerging from the partnership, Master Lock will provide locking subsystems for storage bins used in the Railport system. The locking subsystem will allow the secure, convenient storage of small, lightweight items such as compact discs (CDs), DVDs and a variety of valuables.
In addition, Master Lock has developed another concept module -- a removable safe. The Autosafe bin enables users to discreetly place their valuables out of sight and to secure them in an overhead bin inside the vehicle. A third concept from Master Lock that was developed for the Railport system is a Python storage bin. It contains Master Lock's Python security cable, which can be used as a locking product inside and outside the vehicle.
The Johnson Controls-Master Lock agreement brings together the premier supplier of automotive interior systems and the world's number one brand of padlocks and related security products.
"With its reputation of being a leader in high-quality security solutions, we are extremely proud to be teaming with Master Lock to develop products for our Railport system," said John Gorton, group vice president and general manager, product and business development for Johnson Controls. "The three modules add to the variety of options consumers can choose from to tailor their vehicle interior to meet their own specific needs and lifestyles."
The alliance with Johnson Controls marks a tremendous opportunity for both companies, said John Heppner, Master Lock president and chief operating officer. "This partnership provides new distribution channels for quality Master Lock products and provides Johnson Controls' customers with additional desirable features," he said.
The Railport technology gives automakers the opportunity to refresh their vehicles' interiors without having to wait for traditional mid-cycle or major model changes. It provides them with the ability to achieve this at reduced design, engineering and tooling costs. The system also enables consumers to customize a vehicle interior to meet their unique lifestyles and hobbies.
Master Lock, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the world's largest manufacturer of padlocks and related security products for automotive, home and yard, contractors, recreational and commercial needs. For additional information, visit www.masterlock.com . Master Lock Company is an operating unit of Fortune Brands, Inc., a $6 billion leading consumer brands company. Headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill., Fortune Brands is included in the S&P 500 Index.
Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non- residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: 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 . Photos of the Railport Vehicle Personalization System can be requested from Heidi Parent of Johnson Controls at (734) 254-6220