Johnson Controls Signs Agreement with Black & Decker to Collaborate on Modules For the Railport System
Dual Miniature SnakeLight(R) Cordless Flashlight, and 75-Watt Power Inverter Are the First Products
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4 -- Johnson Controls, Inc. announced that it has established an agreement with Black & Decker Corp. for the supply of products for Johnson Controls' automotive Railport(TM) Vehicle Personalization System. The first products to be provided under the arrangement will be a dual miniature SnakeLight(R) cordless flashlight and a 75-Watt DC to AC power inverter.
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Integrated into a vehicle's overhead system, the Railport Vehicle Personalization System features flexible docking technology that provides for the attachment of a variety of modular devices. In addition to the Black & Decker SnakeLight(R) flashlights and the power inverter, other devices available are Johnson Controls' AutoVision(R) DVD rear-seat entertainment system, video displays, remote-control devices, storage products, small tool kits and first-aid kits.
The Railport system and the Black & Decker 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.
"These products from Black & Decker for Johnson Controls' Railport Vehicle Personalization System will provide new ways to differentiate a vehicle," said John Gorton, group vice president and general manager, product and business development for the Automotive Group of Johnson Controls. "The system and modular devices offers consumers the ability to customize the interior of their vehicles at the point-of-purchase and throughout the vehicle lifecycle to meet their unique lifestyles and hobbies."
"The partnership between Johnson Controls and Black & Decker is complementary," said James Raskin, vice president of business strategy for Black & Decker. "It brings together Johnson Controls' expertise in automotive interiors and Black & Decker's consumer products and power tool brand and expertise."
Johnson Controls' Railport technology gives automakers the opportunity to refresh vehicle interiors without having to wait for traditional mid-cycle or major model changes. It gives them the ability to achieve this at reduced design, engineering and tooling costs.
The Railport System is available as standard equipment on the XLT, FX4 and Lariat SuperCab and SuperCrew models of the 2004 Ford F-150.
Johnson Controls has been named a 2004 Automotive News Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence (PACE) Award finalist for original equipment suppliers in the product category for the Railport system. The awards will be presented in March 2004. In 2002, the Railport system received a bronze Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA) in the consumer product category from the Industrial Designers Society of America.
Black & Decker is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of power tools and accessories, hardware and home improvement products, and technology- based fastening systems.
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 Johnson Controls' Railport Vehicle Personalization System and the Black & Decker modules can be obtained by calling Heidi Parent of Johnson Controls at (734) 254-6220