Visteon's Super-Integrated Approach - An Industry First
30 September 1998
Visteon's Super-Integrated Approach - An Industry First
PARIS, Sept. 30 -- Sometimes less is more. That's certainly
the case with Visteon's breakthrough super-integrated approach to designing
successful solutions for its customers.
In what is truly an industry first, Visteon Automotive Systems has applied
its new super-integrated approach to create a complete cockpit engineered
across systems for less weight, with less complexity, at less cost and more
reliability, more space, and more technology.
Visteon is also using its super-integrated capabilities to produce
modularized rear package trays, doors and seats -- yielding similar quality,
reliability and value benefits for the OEM customer and consumers.
The cockpit combines several functional and physical systems into a single
modular unit that delivers better fuel economy, improved ergonomics, more
space and greater reliability to the end customer. And, it was developed in
less than a year, has 35 patents issued and nearly 250 disclosures under
review by patent authorities.
"The super-integrated cockpit is exactly the type of product Visteon was
created to engineer," says Charles W. Szuluk, president Visteon Automotive
Systems. "It's a very real example of how Visteon will deliver customer value
through integrated systems and technology."
Visteon's super-integrated approach leverages its engineering expertise
and patented technologies across systems. Four of Visteon's seven systems
areas -- chassis, climate control, electronics, interiors -- including 14
strategic business units, collaborated to develop super integration.
Additional iterations of super integration are incorporating Visteon's
remaining systems families -- powertrain control, chassis and glass.
At the core of Visteon's super-integrated cockpit is a magnesium support
structure, which incorporates both mechanical and electrical component
mountings, airbag housing, heatsinking and electrical shielding with a "flat
wire" technology. The "flat wire" displaces traditional wiring harnesses and
significantly reduces the number of connectors for better quality and
reliability.
Distributed electronics in the super-integrated cockpit improve packaging
and eliminate redundant circuits and housings. A center-mounted climate
control system expands glove compartment storage space and permits the
flexibility for right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive options in a single
package.
All of these features result in significant improvements for the OEM
customer and the end customer:
* 25-30% weight reduction which translates into better fuel economy
* 10-20% cost reductions which can lead to lower prices
* 20-30% improvement in quality which gives consumers a more reliable
vehicle
* 25-50% reduction in service time which translates into less time at the
dealership for repairs
* and 30-50% fewer parts which greatly improves quality
The Visteon cockpit also features a removable upper instrument panel with
full accessibility for service needs, an integrated steering column,
integrated ducts for greater air flow, and "plug and play" electronics for
easy upgrades.
Visteon's super-integrated modular rear package tray incorporates interior
trim, audio and electrical and electronic capabilities and features into a
complete unit. Distributed electronics improve the rear package, offering
more styling flexibility, and eliminating redundant circuits and "box-in-a-
box" packaging.
Seats with super integration get an extra measure of safety and
convenience in the form of enhanced, built-in restraint systems and the
ability to integrate electronics to heat and cool the seating surface.
Visteon Automotive Systems, an enterprise of Ford Motor Company ,
has 82,000 employees located in 21 countries. Visteon has 81 plants --
including 32 joint ventures -- and 36 sales offices, engineering and technical
centers. Visteon's corporate headquarters is located in Dearborn, Mich.