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Lucas to Provide Smart Actuators for Dodge Pickups

22 July 1998

Lucas Body Systems Provides Smart Actuators for Dodge Ram Pickup Trucks

    WINONA, Minn., July 21 -- Lucas Body Systems, a business of
LucasVarity's Electrical and Electronic Systems Division, has been awarded a
contract as a second tier supplier to supply smart actuators for Chrysler
Corp.'s 1999 Model Year Dodge Ram pickup trucks.  The trucks will begin
production this month.  The order is expected to be worth $10 million over the
life of the vehicle program.
    Lucas Body Systems manufactures the smart actuator at its plant in Winona,
Minn.  The actuator is integral to the Heating, Ventilating and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) system.  What makes this actuator "smart" is a printed
circuit board (PCB) with electronic circuitry which provides precise control
over the operation of the temperature flap, as directed by a potentiometer
within the HVAC rotary control.  The smart actuator replaces a conventional
cable operated mechanism and the benefits include precise temperature control,
improved temperature control efforts and enhanced system performance.
    Lucas Body Systems is the world's largest independent supplier of OEM
vehicle heating and air conditioning 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 a business 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 and aerospace industries.