The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Johnson Controls Focuses on Creating Technology that Touches People

16 October 2000

Johnson Controls Focuses on Creating Electronics Technology that Touches People
Interior Integration, Human Integration and Peer Partnering(TM)
Provides Expertise for Supplying Integrated Electronic Products

    PLYMOUTH, Mich., Oct. 13 Johnson Controls has
done a lot of searching in its pursuit to supply customers with integrated
auto interior electronic products that fulfill the wants and needs of
consumers. During the journey, Johnson Controls discovered that by following
three principles it is able to continue to design and develop products that
provide vehicle occupants with a safe, comfortable and enjoyable ride.
    At 4,000-square-feet, Johnson Controls' booth (#449) is one of the largest
exhibits at Convergence 2000 International Congress on Transportation
Electronics -- at Detroit's Cobo Center from October 16 through October 18 --
and demonstrates the company's ability to provide unmatched capabilities
through human integration, peer partnering and interior integration.
    "Interior integration, human integration and Peer Partnering(TM) are the
principles by which the company develops and designs products," said Jim
Geschke, vice president and general manager, Electronics Integration. "Our
exhibit at Convergence reflects the company's ability to understand consumers
and to integrate a wide-range of electronics products into vehicle interiors
that will benefit both consumers and automakers."
    The automotive interior supplier will display several of its electronics
products inside Cobo Center, including:

    * Plug 'n Play Infotainment -- With its "master planned flex build"
      strategy, Johnson Controls' goal is to enable simple electronics plug-in
      upgrades for software or hardware at four points in a vehicle's life
      cycle. Infotainment systems on display include Harmony Generation I and
      Harmony Generation III;

    * TravelNote(R) with Memory Stick -- Through a relationship with Sony
      Corp. of America, Johnson Controls added advanced capabilities to its
      TravelNote digital voice recorder. Memory capacity and portability are
      accomplished with a memory stick capable of storing up to 120 minutes of
      talk time;

    * 42-Volt Vehicle Architecture -- Johnson Controls and its Peer Partner
      Yazaki North America designed a system that will enable automakers to
      add content without jeopardizing existing vehicle components and systems
      that require battery power. This approach integrates underhood
      components and also can help improve fuel economy and emissions;

    * Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lighting -- Together with its Peer Partner
      Gentex Corp., Johnson Controls discovered numerous benefits of white LED
      lighting technology, including durability, packaging flexibility,
      optical improvements and color enhancements; and

    * i-Seating(TM) -- Johnson Controls and Peer Partner Tokai Rika have
      optimized the integration of vehicle electronics into automotive
      seating. This flexible architecture also reduces the number of wires by
      50 percent, reduces connections by a third and dramatically reduces the
      weight and volume of the seat.

    "Johnson Controls continues to look for ways to enhance product features
to add convenience, safety and comfort," added Geschke. "The needs of
consumers are always changing and it's our job to make sure their needs are
met, either through developing new products or enhancing existing ones."