Tire Pressure Monitoring from Johnson Controls Offers Advantages
4 November 1998
Tire Pressure Monitoring System from Johnson Controls Offers Many Advantages for Consumers, Automakers
PSI -- Pressure Safety Information system slated
for integration in model-year 2001 luxury models
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4 -- An innovative tire pressure monitoring
system from Johnson Controls -- called PSI(TM) -- Pressure Safety
Information -- is likely to be the first system of its kind in a production
vehicle when it debuts in several 2001 luxury models. This new system -- which
enhances vehicle safety, tire performance and driver convenience -- was
unveiled today in the Chevrolet AdVenture concept vehicle (Booth # 7238) at
the 1998 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.
The PSI system includes a radio-frequency transmitter in each tire,
receiver circuitry and an in-vehicle electronic display that signals a driver
when pressure in any tire falls below optimum levels. Loss of tire pressure is
indicated with an audible signal or an alert message on a visual display. On
the Chevrolet AdVenture, the PSI information is displayed on the vehicle's
overhead console.
The technology can be integrated with the HomeLink(R) Universal
Transceiver from Johnson Controls, a programmable electronic communications
system that links vehicles to home security, lighting and convenience
controls. Integrating PSI into the HomeLink system reduces costs because the
electronic unit can be used to provide multiple functions. PSI also can be
included in overhead console displays for compass/temperature units and trip
computers, as well as in sun visors.
"Our Pressure Safety Information system -- which will be available in new
vehicles soon -- is a desirable product that offers many benefits," said Lou
Kincaid, vice president of engineering for Johnson Controls. "It offers
improved vehicle performance and a significant measure of safety and peace of
mind for drivers."
Kincaid says PSI can easily be packaged in a wide variety of vehicles.
When used in conjunction with "run-flat" tires, the technology also may reduce
the need for a conventional spare tire. This approach would cut vehicle costs
and weight, and create additional trunk cargo space.
Recent studies in the United States -- conducted by the Society of
Automotive Engineers -- show that low tire pressure causes about 260,000
accidents annually. Another finding is that 75 percent of tire failures each
year may be preceded by slow air leaks or inadequate tire inflation.
According to Kincaid, Johnson Controls' own market research indicates that
80 percent of consumers believe a low tire pressure warning system is an
important or extremely important vehicle feature. In the study, many consumers
expressed a strong desire to purchase a system like PSI.
"For many years, experts have said that proper tire inflation is vital for
optimal vehicle handling and braking," Kincaid said. "We feel the time is
right for introducing a full-featured tire pressure monitoring system like PSI
-- and that it is destined to be well-received by car buyers everywhere."
The AdVenture concept vehicle, based on the Chevrolet Venture minivan,
targets active outdoor enthusiasts and has an interior system designed and
produced by Johnson Controls. It will be displayed in January -- as part of
Johnson Controls' product and technology exhibit -- at the 1999 North American
International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit.
The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business of Johnson Controls
employs more than 54,000 people at 215 facilities worldwide. In 1998, it will
supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles. The automotive
business achieved US$9.3 billion in sales for the 1998 fiscal year.
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and
facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major
supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For nonresidential
facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services,
energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls,
founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its sales for 1998
totaled US$12.6 billion.
/NOTE TO EDITORS: A photo of the PSI -- Pressure Safety Information
system can be obtained by calling Dave Roznowski at 734-254-5632, or by
visiting http://www.newscom.com./
/CONTACT: Dave Roznowski of Johnson Controls, 734-254-5632/
/Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/467538.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 473547/
/Web site: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/