Delphi Retains Top Spot as World's #1 Automotive Interior Supplier
24 August 1999
Delphi Retains Top Spot as World's #1 Automotive Interior Supplier
TROY, Mich., Aug. 24 -- Delphi Automotive Systems
has been named the global leader in automotive interiors supply by Automotive
& Transportation Interiors' fourth annual "Top 100 Interior Suppliers" survey.
Delphi achieved the top spot based on its combined 1998 revenues of its
interior, climate control, electronics, electrical and safety systems, which
reached nearly $16 billion. Delphi's 1998 revenue in these product lines was
more than 70 percent greater than Delphi's closest competitor.
Automotive & Transportation Interiors is the industry's leading interior
trade publication, published monthly.
"We're pleased to be recognized as the leading interior supplier. Our
vision is for our customers to recognize Delphi as their very best supplier,"
said Rodney O'Neal, vice president of Delphi Automotive Systems and president
of Delphi Interior Systems.
"We are the only leading interior systems supplier with advanced
capability in occupant protection systems," O'Neal said. "Our expertise in
modular build and electronics sets us apart further.
"With our capabilities, Delphi is uniquely positioned to meet emerging
needs of increased safety for consumers and increased modularity for OEM
customers," O'Neal said.
Integration of Occupant Protection Systems
Already a true integrator of occupant protection systems into the
interior, Delphi is poised to take the next step with its Advanced Safety
Interior (ASI).
ASI is an evolving portfolio of safety features integrated with Delphi's
extensive interior systems and electronics knowledge. ASI will be designed to
help enhance occupant protection in frontal, side, rear and rollover
collisions. Some of the ASI technologies are already available today, while
others will be made available between now and 2007.
The ASI product portfolio includes an array of "smart" sensors, including
occupant positioning, occupant weight and presence detection, seat belt usage,
crash anticipation, rollover sensing, adaptive belt restraints, active knee
bolsters, adaptive energy-absorbing pedals, adaptive load steering column, and
distributed restraint system architecture/safety bus.
As the single source for an entire advanced occupant restraint protection
system, Delphi is able to provide physical and functional integration of
components and subsystems for the best possible performance and tailor these
systems to meet specific needs of particular vehicles, market segments and
geographic regions.
With an emphasis on safety, comfort, convenience and style, Delphi
provides total interior solutions focused on the most important elements of
the interior -- the occupants.
A Case Study in Integration: The Modular Cockpit
Delphi's superior integration capability is best illustrated by its
modular cockpit supply for the Mercedes-Benz M-class sport utility vehicle.
Unlike most of the competition, which are only marketing cockpit modules,
Delphi has extensive experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering a
modular cockpit. On behalf of Mercedes-Benz M-Class vehicle in Alabama, since
1998, Delphi has had modular cockpit system responsibility for:
* Supply line management
* Quality assurance
* Warranty claims administration
* Complete assembly and sequencing of cockpits
* Management of engineering changes
Delphi is building on its success with Mercedes by forging ahead with
internal initiatives that are further strengthening its integration
capabilities. Earlier this year, Delphi announced its next-generation
cockpit. The module will offer OEM engineers unprecedented freedom in design
flexibility and breakthrough applications, such as a steering arm that can be
changed in a matter of seconds from left-hand drive to right-hand drive, and
placing the brake function anywhere in the cockpit.
Advanced Comfort Systems
Delphi's comprehensive package of thermal comfort systems will optimize
whole-body comfort under all driving conditions.
Beyond its leading heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC)
systems available today, Delphi is working toward enhanced comfort sensing,
voice-activated occupant response, advanced system control, and safety.
Integration of Total Vehicle Electronics
Delphi's electrical/electronic systems tie the interior package together,
enabling and ensuring safe, proper function. Delphi's electronics
capabilities are leveraged in connection with the many products offered in its
total portfolio -- producing systems, subsystems and modules designed to
enhance vehicle safety, comfort, security and efficiency.
Delphi is one of the leading global providers of automotive electronic
products and audio and communication systems. Its principal electronics
products include: audio systems; communication systems; advanced controller;
Powertrain and Engine Control Modules; FOREWARN(TM) Collision Warning Systems;
security systems; and safety systems.
Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, is a
world leader in automotive component and systems technology. Delphi's three
business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical
Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communications -- provide comprehensive
product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has approximately 201,000
employees and operates 168 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 38 joint
ventures, 51 customer centers and sales offices, and 27 technical centers in
37 countries. Regional headquarters are located in Paris, Tokyo and Sao
Paulo. Delphi can be found on the Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com