Johnson Controls and Oxford Automotive Sign Joint Development Agreement To Produce Complete Door Systems
21 August 2000
Relationship joins complementary skill sets to develop integrated door system solution
PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Leading automotive interior systems supplier Johnson
Controls, Inc. and Oxford Automotive, Inc. -- a leading global full-service
supplier of engineered metal components, assemblies and modules -- today
announced that they have signed a joint development agreement to design and
develop integrated door systems.
The agreement formalizes the relationship and joint development already
underway on a range of door integration solutions from hardware and trim
integration to full-door system solutions.
Johnson Controls and Oxford Automotive began working together more than 18
months ago and displayed a Level 2 integrated door system at the 2000 North
American International Auto Show. Johnson Controls designed and developed the
trim and hardware module for the door while Oxford Automotive utilized their
experience in door metal to optimize the exterior door structure by adding
strength and reducing weight.
Johnson Controls defines Integrated Door Systems in three levels. A
Level 1 door system includes a door hardware cassette and door trim assembly
-- which could include latch assembly, latch rods, window regulator, glass run
channels, speaker, wire harness, glass and carrier -- that are shipped to the
automaker and installed onto the vehicle as separate components. A Level 2
door system combines the trim assembly and hardware cassette into a single
system ready for a simple electrical connection and attachment to the door
steel assembly. A Level 3 Integrated Door System is a complete door assembly -
- or module -- including trim, hardware and exterior body components fully
finished and ready to assemble to the vehicle.
"We view supplying door systems as 'evolutionary' not 'revolutionary,'"
said Lou Kincaid, group vice president, product and business development for
Johnson Controls. "We currently supply automakers with complete seat systems,
overhead systems, cockpit systems, and door trim systems, so teaming up with a
leader such as Oxford Automotive to further develop Level 2 and Level 3 door
systems is the next logical step in this evolutionary process."
"The Johnson Controls and Oxford Automotive relationship combines
complementary skill sets and design, engineering and manufacturing experience
in trim assemblies, hardware, structures and steel panels," said Steve
Abelman, president and CEO of Oxford Automotive. "This relationship will
enable Johnson Controls and Oxford Automotive to develop, manufacture and
deliver complete door systems ready for mounting onto a vehicle."
Johnson Controls and Oxford Automotive door system designs could
ultimately result in reduced cost, complexity, weight and warranty issues.
According to Kincaid and Abelman, optimizing the door structure will not
only increase automaker throughput, but it also will provide the opportunity
to reconfigure conventional packaging space -- allowing for the incorporation
of additional consumer comfort and convenience features.
Oxford Automotive, Inc., headquartered in Troy, Michigan, is a leading
full-service supplier of high-quality engineered metal components, assemblies
and modules used by automotive manufacturers. Oxford employs over 7,000 people
and currently operates 40 facilities in eight countries with industry leading
expertise in underbody modules, body-in-white assemblies, and suspension
components.
The Plymouth, Michigan (U.S.A.)-based automotive business of Johnson
Controls -- which employs more than 65,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide
-- achieved US$12.1 billion in sales for the 1999 fiscal year. In model-year
2000, it will supply interior products for more than 23 million vehicles.
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 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, (U.S.A.). Its sales
for 1999 totaled US$16.1 billion.