Visteon Obtains License To Apply Advanced Touch Technology in Vehicles

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich., December 17, 2008: Global automotive supplier Visteon Corporation has obtained a license from Immersion Corporation, a leading developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, to apply Immersion's TouchSense(R) technology on electronic controls in vehicles. The agreement enables Visteon to apply technology that maximizes the sense of touch in electronic controls in vehicles, similar to what consumers experience when using the emerging technology in portable devices such as mobile phones and personal navigation systems.

The agreement strengthens a working relationship between Visteon and Immersion for developing and commercializing, by 2010, several types of controls enabled by haptics throughout vehicle interiors. Haptics refers to technology that interfaces with drivers and passengers via the sense of touch. Independent research has shown that haptics, by improving touch sensation, can increase user speed and accuracy, reduce complication and stress, and improve overall satisfaction. In vehicles, haptics can offer the additional advantages of reducing glance time and minimizing driver distraction.

Concepts integrating Immersion's TouchSense technology will be demonstrated at Visteon's exhibit during the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Jan. 8-11, 2009 at booth CP13 in the Central Plaza.

"Visteon is known for its innovative industry collaborations that give it first-to-market solutions," said Chuck Joseph, senior vice president and general manager, Immersion Touch Interface Products group. "By collaborating with Immersion on haptic button packs, displays and control modules, Visteon is rapidly responding to market trends as well as designing interior controls and experiences for the future."

Steve Meszaros, president of Visteon's electronics product group, said: "Visteon's innovative TouchSense-enabled solutions will satisfy design and market demands for electronic controls in vehicles that provide touch sensations and feedback similar to what consumers are accustomed to experiencing with portable electronics devices. This is part of an ongoing trend to integrate consumer electronics and the characteristics of personal devices into the vehicle."

Meszaros added that Visteon's experience in integrating electronic systems into the vehicle, combined with Immersion's developments in haptic-enabled controls, creates a unique opportunity for automakers to deliver a solution that enhances the occupant's overall vehicle experience. Visteon sees potential application of this technology throughout its core product lines -- electronics, interiors products such as door and instrument panels, and climate controls.

The proliferation of portable consumer devices for communication, entertainment, and information, as well as increased capabilities within the vehicle, creates more potential distraction for drivers. At the same time, consumers have grown more sophisticated, requiring more innovative, distinctive and higher quality products. To answer this demand, the human- machine interface (HMI) must evolve to help drivers do more without increasing distraction. A consistent, intuitive, ergonomic HMI designed for the automotive environment that can integrate and build on the familiar aspects of consumer devices is Visteon's vision for the vehicle, according to Meszaros.