2004 DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Concept Interior From Johnson Controls

A Host of Innovative Features Are Included in Auto Supplier's Near-Future, Tall Car Cabin

DETROIT, Jan. 4 -- For the automobiles of today and tomorrow -- ecology, economy, and ergonomics will continue to emerge as important features for automakers and consumers alike. Consumers want affordable vehicles that provide great value and appeal. And the automotive industry has an increased focus on recyclability in vehicles, using fewer redundant materials, and reducing weight.

With this in mind, leading automotive interior supplier Johnson Controls has developed a new, tall car concept interior -- called 3E (which stands for "Ecology, Economy and Ergonomics") -- as an example of a near- future vehicle cabin that's practical and accessible for many different people. It's designed to have universal appeal for several generations of consumers, and to provide solutions linked to emerging societal trends.

In creating the 3E concept interior, Johnson Controls' designers sought to develop a balanced approach that collectively addresses ecological considerations, changing expectations for vehicles in the "economy" segment, and increasing needs for improved ergonomics. The 3E interior is created from simple shapes, colors and elements, along with a number of clever utility features. It is a design exercise created for a fuel-cell vehicle with drive- by-wire technologies. With this interior, designers at Johnson Controls attempted to meet current expectations for drivers in terms of cockpit amenities and comfort, while also putting an increased emphasis on innovative, rear-compartment utility, comfort and features.

"With our 3E Concept, we are taking a new approach to what a tall car interior of the near-future might include," said Bill Fluharty, vice president of industrial design - North America for Johnson Controls. "We believe that ecology, economy and ergonomics in car interiors will be important attributes going forward, and that this interior represents an innovative approach that has cross-generational appeal."

Fluharty says packaging vehicle components to create more passenger space and greater utility is part of the 3E Concept. The fuel cell and batteries would be stored in the rear floor area, and the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system and fuel tank would be located under the front seat. In the front row, seats are stationary, and the integrated seat-belt towers have been moved to the center, inboard area between the seats -- with a goal of improving side-impact performance and expanding the vehicle crush zone.

The entire vehicle is laid-out asymmetrically to achieve greater value in daily use. Standard front and rear doors on the passenger side allow fast access for passengers, while the driver's side offers a large, electric sliding door. This allows easy entry and exit and enables the use of unique seat back, floor, and side-trim cargo-storage areas.

In order to create a feeling of spaciousness and to bring significantly more light into the entire interior, a full-glass roof is included, along with a "floating" instrument panel and rear seats that allow more light to enter the cabin.

The concept interior features front seats in a fixed position. The steering wheel and floor pedals adjust outward to the driver to ensure a comfortable seating position, low cowl and good fit for people of various sizes. The instrument panel is attached to the firewall via support arms to allow more light in, and to make a small car feel bigger. Rear seats are attached to the vehicle's sidewalls to create more space underneath for cargo.

The instrument cluster has been simplified to decrease complexity for drivers, and includes displays for speed, fuel, and warning information. A large touch screen that controls all car functions is located in the center of the instrument panel for use by the driver or front-seat passenger. It has an 8-inch by 10-inch screen, and includes single-touch controls for HVAC, radio and information systems. Drivers only can access the Internet when the car is parked, while passengers can use this function any time. The touch screen also can be deactivated to create a less complex atmosphere in the interior. A personal electronics pouch is attached to the bottom of the instrument panel, below the touch screen. It recharges personal electronic devices, such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and MP3 players.

Everyday practicality, as well as functionality are provided by the various configurations offered in the rear half of the vehicle. The 3E's rear seats can be positioned in many different ways to accommodate people and cargo. The three main positions are the child position, adult position and fold-flat position.

The child position places an occupant higher than front-seat passengers, easing loading and unloading of children, improving sight lines, and creating storage space underneath the seat. When the rear seat cushion is folded up in the "child stadium position," space in front is opened up for tall-item storage, and cargo hooks become available on the bottom side for organization.

The occupant is placed 50 millimeters higher than front seat occupants when the rear seat is configured in the adult position. This provides more storage underneath the seat and allows better vision from the rear seat. More space in front of the seat for tall-item storage is created when the rear seat cushion is folded upward into the "adult stadium position." The seat also serves as a load blocker for the rear-cargo area.

In the fold-flat position, rear seats are stowed into the floor, creating maximum cargo space in the vehicle. The fold-flat stadium position -- with the seat cushion folded upward from the floor -- blocks loads from the rear-cargo area and provides space in front for storage of tall items.

A multi-tray in the rear compartment behind the second-row seat -- which consists of a flexible fabric panel that stows in the sidewall trim -- can be reconfigured in various positions for versatile cargo storage.

Incorporated into the 3E interior are environmentally friendly materials. Even though the materials are "green" in design, a variety of colors and textures are present. Components are comprised of recyclable plastics, recycled textiles and sustainable textiles made from replenishable, natural materials.

According to Fluharty, Johnson Controls recently conducted consumer research studies on how people use their cars. These efforts helped in the decision-making process about which innovations to include in the 3E concept interior. For example, the research indicates that in the tall car segment, approximately 80 percent of the time people drive alone in their vehicles. And only 5 percent of the time someone is seated in the back row. Fluharty noted that this finding was the basis for creating more versatility throughout the vehicle.

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 (U.S.A.).