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Lucas Body Systems Wins Over $17 Million in Contracts from Chrysler

19 November 1997

Lucas Body Systems Wins Over $17 Million in Contracts from Chrysler

    WINONA, Minn., Nov. 19 -- Lucas Body Systems, a business
of LucasVarity's Electrical and Electronic Systems Division, has been awarded
more than $17 million in contracts to supply the Heating, Ventilating and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) panel controls, sensors and actuators from Chrysler Corp.,
Auburn Hills, Mich., for the new platform of Chrysler's Large Car sedans.  The
contract value runs over the life of the vehicle program.  Launched this fall,
Chrysler's Large Car Platform consists of the Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler
Concorde, Chrysler 300 and Chrysler LHS.  The HVAC panel controls and
actuators are manufactured at the Lucas Body Systems plant in Winona, Minn.
    The Lucas Body Systems HVAC controls have been significantly redesigned,
driven by new styling of the instrument panel.  The new instrument panel
integrates the HVAC control in the dashboard, appearing as one component.  The
HVAC controls have also been relocated within the instrument panel for
improved visibility and functionality.  The in car temperature sensor,
previously installed in the instrument panel as a separate unit, is now
integrated directly into the automatic temperature control.  This integration
of components reflects Lucas Body Systems' dedication to reduce the number of
parts sent to Chrysler for assembly and process.
    "As a Gold Pentastar supplier, we remain committed to Chrysler and are
extremely pleased that we have won this contract as a result of our excellent
record of supplying quality HVAC controls for previous Chrysler contracts,"
said David Keller, president, Lucas Body Systems North America.  "We have been
supplying to the Chrysler Large Car Platform since its first launch in the
1993 Model Year." Lucas Body Systems' Winona, Minn., facility has received
Chrysler's Gold Pentastar award for the past three consecutive years.  The
Chrysler Gold Pentastar award recognizes world class performance in product
design, manufacturing quality, delivery, warranty and customer service.
    Lucas Body Systems is the world's second largest supplier of Original
Equipment Manufacturer HVAC controls.  Other products manufactured by Lucas
Body Systems include actuators, panel controls, column controls, rain sensors,
transmission switch sensors and electronic modules.  In addition, Lucas Body
Systems offers contract assembly services.
   Lucas Body Systems is part of LucasVarity's Electrical and Electronic
Systems Division, a world class supplier of advanced electronic controls,
wiring and body electrical systems.  LucasVarity designs, manufactures and
supplies advanced technology systems, products and services in the world's
automotive, diesel engine, aftermarket and aerospace industries.

SOURCE  LucasVarity