Lear Corporation Showcases Electronic and Electrical Products At Convergence 2000

16 October 2000
Lear Corporation Showcases Electronic and Electrical Products At Convergence 2000
    DETROIT, Oct. 16 Lear Corporation , one of the
world's top three automotive suppliers of electronic and electrical
distribution systems, is showcasing its latest in-vehicle technology in the
area of automotive electronics at its display for the Convergence 2000
conference in Detroit.
    The Lear exhibit highlights products from Interior Control Systems,
Wireless Systems, and Electronic and Electrical Distribution Systems.  The
display features body controllers that electronically operate a variety of
comfort and convenience systems, remote keyless entry systems, multifunction
turn signal switches, smart junction boxes integrating electronics and power
distribution, and Lear's audio amplifier and television receiver for
in-vehicle entertainment.
    Lear is committed to growing its automotive electronics business through
Intertronics(TM) -- Lear's unique capability to integrate electronic products
and electrical distribution systems into vehicle interior systems.
    "The vehicle's interior is prime real estate for the future growth of our
electronics and electrical business as automakers around the world strive to
meet growing consumer demand for more electronics within the vehicle," said
D. William Pumphrey, President - Lear Electronics and Electrical Division
(LEED).  "Our commitment to technological innovation will enable Lear to
double our share of the automotive electronics market over the next five
years."
    Lear is the global market leader in advanced printed circuit board
junction boxes and the North American market leader in remote keyless entry
systems, headlight switches and multifunction turn signal controls.
    LEED produces more than 3 million remote keyless entry systems annually,
and has experienced double-digit annual growth in this segment as keyless
entry has evolved into a "must-have" safety and convenience feature.  The
potential to add features to keyless entry, such as remote engine starting and
enhanced security options, will continue to fuel growth in this product area.
    Lear's Light Switching Center integrates assembly of headlight switch
panel with the electronic control module to provide automatic headlight
leveling and daylight running lights.  The system also offers diagnostics on
bulb functions, short circuits, or defects, while reducing the number of wire
harnesses, connectors and bulbs.  All functions are controlled by software, so
that changes can simply be coded into the software.
    More than 40 different electronic modules are currently produced by Lear.
The modules control windshield wipers, power door locks and windows, remote
keyless entry, seat memory and interior lighting, and safety and warning
functions related to air bag status, backup lights, open doors, illuminated
headlights, key-in-ignition and unfastened seatbelts.
    Lear is one of the few companies in the world supplying television
receivers for in-vehicle entertainment.  Lear's VM IIa video module is a
multi-standard TV receiver that provides a multiplexed link to the radio, CD
changer, on-board computer, telephone, amplifier, and auxiliary heating and
ventilation.  The unit also contains inputs for a video camera and a video
cassette recorder.
    Lear also produces a 330-watt digital audio amplifier featuring a seven-
band equalizer with settings that simulate premium sound environments such as
Cathedral, Jazz Club and Concert Hall.
    Visits to the LEED Product Development Center and Intertronics Innovation
Center in Dearborn are being conducted in connection with Convergence 2000.
Earlier this year Lear unveiled $13 million in renovations and enhancements to
the 78,000-square-foot technical facilities.  LEED has 40,000 employees at 63
facilities in 15 countries, including its European Technology Center in Valls,
Spain.
    Lear Corporation, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Southfield,
Mich., USA, focuses on automotive interiors and electronics and is the world's
fifth-largest automotive supplier.  Sales in 1999 were $12.4 billion.  The
company's world-class products are designed, engineered and manufactured by
more than 120,000 employees in over 300 facilities located in 33 countries.
Information about Lear and its products is available on the Internet at
http://www.lear.com