Johnson Controls Produces Seat Systems for Xterra
3 June 1999
Johnson Controls Produces Seat Systems for Xterra - Nissan's Unique, New Sport-utility Vehicle
Company's joint-venture operation in Tennessee
supplies seats that complement vehicle's versatility
PLYMOUTH, Mich., June 3 -- Johnson Controls , a
leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems, has launched
production of seats for Nissan's latest market entry for North America -- the
all-new Xterra sport-utility vehicle (SUV). The seats are being manufactured
by Murfreesboro, Tennessee-based Vintec, a joint-venture operation of Johnson
Controls and Ikeda Bussan of Japan. The Nissan Xterra is produced at the
automaker's award-winning Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant.
The Xterra, which arrived in dealer showrooms on May 25 is a mid-size SUV
based on the Nissan Frontier 4X4 pickup truck platform. It's the first Nissan
SUV fully designed, engineered and built in the United States. Annual
production for the Xterra is expected to be approximately 60,000 units.
Vintec has added Xterra to the lineup of Nissan vehicles for which it
manufactures seats. Other vehicles supplied by the plant include Nissan Altima
and Nissan Frontier pickup trucks. The facility, which opened in 1983, employs
265 people.
"Xterra is an exciting, innovative SUV with outstanding consumer appeal
and we're pleased to serve as a key supplier for the vehicle," said Rande
Somma, Johnson Controls' president of marketing and development - worldwide
Nissan's newest SUV has a unique and attractive interior. With front
bucket seats -- and a raised, stadium-style rear bench seat -- the vehicle
features comfortable seating for five adults. The elevated back seat -- a
50/50 split, fold-down bench -- offers versatility and an enhanced view for
rear passengers. Rear seat cushions are removable, providing a large, flat
cargo area when the rear seat is folded down.
Storage pockets are included on the back of the front passenger seat and
on its upper left side -- an ideal "pants pocket" for holding sunglasses, a
wallet or a portable phone. Water-resistant, removable seat covers -- made
from a neoprene-like material -- will be available as an option.
Nissan is promoting the Xterra as an affordable, rugged, multi-purpose SUV
for people with active lifestyles. "Before we built Xterra, we visited with
outdoor enthusiasts in their 'habitats' to best understand what they needed in
an SUV," said Jed Connelly, vice president and general manager of the Nissan
Division. "We expect outdoor enthusiasts to think of Xterra as part of their
gear -- as rugged and reliable as the other quality equipment they use."
The Xterra will be available in both 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive
versions, with a choice of either a V6 or 4-cylinder engine.
The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business of Johnson Controls --
which employs more than 57,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide -- achieved
US$9.3 billion in sales for the 1998 fiscal year. In model-year 1999, it will
supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles.
Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and
facility management and control. For non-residential 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: For access to other Johnson Controls news releases and
additional company information, visit the company's site on the World Wide Web
at: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
CONTACT: David Roznowski of Johnson Controls, 734-254-5632/
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 473547.
Web site: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com