PRESS RELEASE
Johnson Controls Displays 'Total Vehicle Interior' at North American Auto Show
01/07/97
Johnson Controls' Advanced 'Total Vehicle Interior' Shows Future
Cockpit and Company's Capabilities
Consumers focus more on what's inside the 'ride' --
and supplier responds with new features, innovations
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 6 -- Consumers' car-buying decisions
increasingly will be influenced by the look, feel and features of vehicle
interiors, say industry experts. With this idea in mind, designers at
automotive supplier Johnson Controls have created a full-featured
"total interior concept" that's being displayed at the 1997 North American
International Auto Show this week.
The vehicle "buck" -- with dozens of advanced features and devices on
board -- is a first for Johnson Controls, the Detroit Auto Sow and the
automotive interior industry overall. The exhibit is being shown to Johnson
Controls' customers and other guests -- by invitation only -- at Cobo Center
on January 9 and 10.
Johnson Controls is the world's largest supplier of automotive seating and
interior systems.
"The total interior concept gives us a chance to demonstrate to automakers
what's on the horizon in advanced vehicle cockpits," said Chip McClure, vice
president and general manager of the Automotive Systems Group of Johnson
Controls. "It also shows Johnson Controls' capabilities for designing and
producing every major component and system in an automotive interior -- and
integrating advanced electronics within them."
The company's concept interior includes self-adjusting comfort seats with
integrated safety belts; a headliner-integrated audio system; an advanced
intelligent communications system that provides vehicle security, satellite
navigation and roadside assistance capability; a sun visor with electronic
links to home security and convenience controls; and an advanced trunk cargo
management system.
"Consumers expect a lot more from a vehicle's interior no matter what kind
of car they're considering," said McClure. "This is a clear market trend that
we can respond to effectively because of our capabilities in every major area,
including seat systems, door panels, instrument panels, headliners, sun
visors, floor consoles, and on-board electronics."
Designers and engineers from three Johnson Controls organizations
developed and integrated the products included in the total interior concept
display: the Johnson Controls Technology Center in Plymouth, Michigan; Prince,
in Holland, Michigan -- a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls; and
Intertec, a Johnson Controls-Inoac joint venture based in Southfield,
Michigan.
Johnson Controls is one of six official sponsors of the 1997 Detroit Auto
Show. It also is providing support to the 1997 Design Forum -- a one-day
industry design symposium being held on January 9, 1997 in conjunction with
the Detroit show.
Johnson Controls is the world's largest supplier of automotive seating and
interior systems. In 1996, the company's worldwide operations manufactured
seats for more than 9.3 million vehicles. The company's Automotive Systems
Group is the largest of four divisions of Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Johnson
Controls, Inc. The Group employs more than 38,000 people at 126 facilities
worldwide and achieved $5.3 billion in sales for the 1996 fiscal year. During
the same period, Johnson Controls, Inc. (all four divisions) recorded sales of
$10 billion.
Prince, a major supplier of interior systems and electronics, was
purchased by Johnson Controls in October 1996. Among the products developed
and produced by Prince are overhead systems and consoles; door panels; floor
consoles; visors; armrests; and electronic components. Its customers include
major automakers in North America.
For access to other Johnson Controls news releases and additional company
information, visit: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com
Fast Facts on Johnson Controls'
'Total Vehicle Interior' Concept
Here is a brief overview of some of the products included in Johnson
Controls' "Total Vehicle interior" concept display:
Vehicle Seat Features
* Integrated Structural Seat (ISS(TM)) System: An all-belts-to-
seat system --with three-point safety belts built into the seat --
rather than being attached to the vehicle's body. The ISS(TM)
is the first system of its kind designed and produced in North
America. It improves comfort, safety, seatbelt ease-of-use,
interior styling flexibility and assembly-line installation.
* Self-Adjusting Comfort Seat: A comfort enhancing seat that uses
an on-board computer system to measure and adjust to an
occupants' pressure distribution. It creates a "custom fit"
across a full spectrum of body weights and sizes.
* Heating/Cooling Seat Temperature Controls.
* Power Recliner, Six-Way Power Adjuster, and Four-Way Power
Headrest.
Overhead System Features
* AutoLink(R): An advanced, intelligent automotive communications
system which electronically links vehicles to a 24-hour-per-day,
national network. AutoLink(R) provides access to roadside
emergency response, global positioning system (GPS) satellite-
based navigation support, interactive messaging and information
services, and theft notification.
* Digital Compass: An electronic compass featuring continuous,
automatic calibration. It can be integrated with a trip computer
or outside temperature sensor.
* TravelNote(TM): A high-quality, voice-recording and playback
device with a simple, three-button operation.
* PSI(TM) Indicator: An electronic system that continuously
measures and indicates tire pressures.
Other Interior Components/Systems
* HomeLink(R) Universal Transmitter: A multi-channel electronic
link to home security and convenience systems that can be
integrated into a vehicle's sun visor or overhead console.
* Headliner: Made from environmentally friendly vehicle roof-
liner materials that offers reduced road noise and design
flexibility.
* StrataSound(TM): A headliner-integrated audio system that
offers better sound quality than conventional systems. It also
weighs less and cuts assembly time, cost and labor.
* Cargo Management System: A new, flexible trunk storage system
for efficiently organizing cargo space. It slides forward and
backward for easy loading, and folds flat to create maximum room
for larger items.
* Instrument Panel, Interior Door Panels, Package Tray Shelf and
Interior Garnish Trim Components.
CONTACT: Jeff Steiner of Johnson Controls, 313-454-5932 Johnson Controls press releases available through Company News On-Call by fax, 800-758-5804, extension 473547, or http://www.prnewswire.com