Johnson Controls to be Title Sponsor of June 6 Race
4 June 1998
Johnson Controls to be Title Sponsor Of June 6 NTB Trans-Am Series Race in Detroit
Major supplier of automotive interior systems
to test latest products in professional racing cars
PLYMOUTH, Mich., June 4 -- Johnson Controls ,
which in recent years has raced to the leadership position in the automotive
interiors industry, is the title sponsor of the NTB Trans-Am Series race
during the 1998 Detroit Grand Prix weekend. The race -- formerly called the
"Motor City 100" -- has been renamed the "Johnson Controls 100."
The sponsorship represents an expansion of Johnson Controls' involvement
in motorsports competition. Since 1997, the company has been a sponsor of two
cars bearing the Johnson Controls/AutoLink(R) logo that participate in the
Trans-Am Racing Series.
Sponsoring motorsports events and cars enables Johnson Controls -- the
world's premier manufacturer of automotive interior systems -- to test
advanced technologies, enhance the company's image and create visibility for
its brand-name products.
The Johnson Controls 100, to be run on June 6, marks the first time the
company is sponsoring a major motor sports event in Michigan. During the past
five years, Johnson Controls has sponsored cars and teams in a number of
racing circuits in the United States and Europe.
"We're delighted to welcome Johnson Controls as the event sponsor of the
NTB Trans-Am Series' most prestigious race," said K.C. Van Niman, president
and chief executive officer of SCCA Pro Racing, Ltd. "This sponsorship makes
it possible for us to further enhance the significance of this event."
Rande Somma, president of interior trim, marketing and business
development for Johnson Controls, says sponsoring the Detroit race creates
benefits for the company, its customers and the metropolitan Detroit
community.
"Johnson Controls is proud to be the title sponsor of the Detroit NTB
Trans-Am Series race," he said. "The people of Johnson Controls support racing
because we have a passion for driving, a desire to win and a commitment to
advancing automotive performance. Sponsoring two Johnson Controls/AutoLink
Corvettes enhances market awareness for our new products, strengthens links
with customers, and enables us to support one of the premier automotive events
in Detroit."
For the 1998 season, Johnson Controls' NTB Trans-Am Series cars are driven
by Paul Gentilozzi and Bill Saunders. Gentilozzi won two of the three races
held so far in 1998 - events in Long Beach, California and Homestead, Florida.
The primary product sponsor for the two Corvettes is Johnson Controls'
AutoLink product, an advanced, intelligent communications system. AutoLink -
which can be integrated into overhead systems or electronically enhanced
rearview mirrors -- links vehicles to a 24-hour-per-day, national network that
can provide roadside help, emergency response, Global Positioning System (GPS)
navigation support, theft notification, vehicle diagnostics, remote
"unlocking" help, Internet access, and interactive messaging and information
services.
Associate team sponsors include Recaro, HighwayMaster, and Johnson
Controls' HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver and PSI - Pressure Safety
Information(TM) system.
HomeLink is an electronic communication system -- integrated into the
overhead module or sun visor -- that provides links to home security, lighting
and convenience controls. The PSI product is an electronic system that
measures and indicates tire air pressure and temperature.
The Johnson Controls/AutoLink Corvettes also are equipped with RECARO
racing seats. Clawson, Michigan-based RECARO North America and Johnson
Controls recently formed a joint venture to supply brand-name performance
seating products to automakers in North America. During the 1998 NTB Trans-Am
Series season, the seats and the PSI Tire Safety System are being "test-
engineered" on both racing vehicles.
Dallas, Texas-based HighwayMaster, will provide the extensive, private
wireless network for AutoLink products, as well as advanced switching
services, throughout the United States and Canada.
Johnson Controls, Inc., with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, is
a global market leader in automotive systems and building controls. Founded in
1885, Johnson Controls had sales of US$11.1 billion in 1997 and operates in
more than 500 locations around the world. See http://www.johnsoncontrols.com for more
information.
The Plymouth, Michigan-based Automotive Systems Group of Johnson Controls
is one of the world's largest suppliers of vehicle interior systems, and is a
major supplier of batteries. In 1998, the company's worldwide operations will
supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles. The Automotive
Systems Group employs more than 45,000 people at 157 facilities worldwide and
achieved $8 billion in sales for the 1997 fiscal year.