---

Lear's TransG(TM) Headliner System Combines Safety, Sound and Innovations

1 March 1999

Lear's TransG(TM) Headliner System Combines Safety, Sound and Innovations

    DETROIT, March 1 -- Lear Corporation focused on
ergonomics, safety and premium sound in designing the TransG(TM) headliner
system to meet the needs of baby boomers entering their senior years.
    Lear's Masters(TM) Study involving baby boomers and seniors indicated that
consumers want improved ergonomics and stylish features as they adjust to the
normal physical changes that occur with aging.  A product designed for
transgenerational use has been designed so that everyone -- from the smallest
or youngest to the oldest or largest member of the population -- can use the
product with ease.  Transgenerational design also offers flexibility to a
product to meet a variety of lifestyle needs.
    The transgenerational design element most evident in the TransG headliner
is the absence of driver-operated controls or displays.  The decision to place
these controls and displays on the center console or instrument panel pod
allows the driver to avoid reaching up, which could be uncomfortable for
maturing adults.  It also minimizes vision issues by locating controls and
displays within convenient sight lines rather than overhead.
    The overhead system houses safety features as well.  Each occupant is
protected by a side air curtain that deploys from the side of the headliner in
the event of a collision.  Safety also is enhanced by a front air curtain that
deploys from the front of the headliner on impact to protect both the driver
and front seat passenger.  This complements the traditional steering wheel air
bag and an innovative high-energy-impact air bag located between the traveling
instrument pod and the vehicle structure to protect the driver and front seat
passenger.
    For superior sound, TransG features the patented OASys(TM) overhead audio
system from Lear-Donnelly Overhead Systems.  OASys provides new low profile,
leading-edge speaker technology.  Because it is hidden within the traditional
confines of the headliner, OASys doesn't impinge on occupant headroom.
    Unlike conventional speakers, OASys employs ultra-thin transducer
technology that integrates the sound zones into the headliner, enveloping the
listener in a sound field that is precise and personalized.  It also
eliminates the need for bulky conventional speakers, speaker grilles and
brackets and reduces both weight and wiring complexity.
    Rear passengers also will appreciate the Rosen(TM) Entertainment System, a
drop-down entertainment screen that can be tuned to traditional television
programming or to show videos.
    The innovative Twin Air Duct System is molded into the headliner,
providing overhead ambient air vents.  Cooling and heating are more consistent
and quieter, and bulky air ducts are eliminated.
    Lear Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is one of the world's largest
automotive suppliers, with 1998 sales of $9.1 billion.  The company's world-
class automotive interior products are designed, engineered and manufactured
by more than 60,000 employees in nearly 200 facilities located in 28
countries.  Information about Lear and its products is available on the
Internet at http://www.lear.com.