Added Functions Planned for HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver, a Major Success Story for Johnson Controls' Brand-name Strategy
5 January 1998
Added Functions Planned for HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver, a Major Success Story for Johnson Controls' Brand-name Strategy
Popularity of Vehicle-Integrated Communications Device Reflects Consumer
Demand for Enhanced Auto Interiors
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 4 -- A small electronic device in your
vehicle's overhead console or sun visor will enable you to check your tire
pressure, record and store "reminder" messages, automatically pay for gasoline
purchases and summon your kids with short-range paging messages.
Those are just some of the features that will be added in the coming years
to the HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver, one of Johnson Controls'
most successful brand-name electronic products. Approximately 3.5 million
cars, trucks and vans worldwide currently have HomeLink products on board --
devices that can be used to remotely open garage doors, operate door locks,
and activate other home lighting, safety and convenience systems.
With its unique and user-friendly functions, HomeLink has achieved growing
popularity among the people who buy cars, and those who build them. To date,
HomeLink has been featured as an option on more than 70 vehicle platforms.
HomeLink was introduced in 1995 by Prince, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Johnson Controls located in Holland, Michigan. Johnson Controls is the
world's largest supplier of automotive seating and interior systems.
"No matter what kind of vehicle they're buying, people today expect a lot
more out of its interior -- in terms of function, performance and the 'bells
and whistles' that make life easier," said Mike Suman, vice president of
advanced sales and marketing for Prince. "The tremendous market success of
HomeLink says that added interior capabilities sell."
In its first year on the market, HomeLink was installed as an option on
300,000 vehicles. In the 1998 model year, more than 1.3 million vehicles will
feature HomeLink devices. Within the next few years, the product will be
included in models produced by Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet,
Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Lincoln,
Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile and Toyota.
The current-generation HomeLink Universal Transceiver replaces up to four
remote controls in one compact unit. The product makes use of advanced radio
frequency technology. As a result, engineers at Johnson Controls and Prince
will be able to add more functions to future versions of HomeLink with
relative ease.
"HomeLink is among the first of many brand-name interior products we'll
supply in large volume to add value, differentiate vehicles and surprise and
delight consumers," said Suman.
In expanding the market for HomeLink, Prince has created strategic
partnerships to ensure that the device is compatible with garage door openers,
power locks, light systems and security products supplied by a wide range of
manufacturers. The company has partnerships with Chamberlain, Overhead
Door/Genie, Lift-Master, Sears Craftsman, Stanley/Whistler and Wayne Dalton
for garage door openers; Weiser Lock for home entry door power-bolt locks;
Radio Shack and X-10 for lighting kits; Overhead Door/Genie and
Stanley/Whistler for estate gates; and Ademco, ITI and Protection One for home
security systems.
"The partnerships we've developed have enabled us to add a growing list of
functions to HomeLink, an approach we'll continue to pursue," said Suman.
"Our goal is to reinforce the consumer's view that the HomeLink brand name is
synonymous with performance, convenience and value.
"Johnson Controls, Inc., with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a
global market leader in automotive systems and building controls. Through its
Automotive System Group, it designs and produces seating and interior systems
for automakers worldwide, and batteries for the original equipment and
replacement markets. The Controls Group serves the non-residential buildings
market with controls systems and services, and integrated facility management.
Founded in 1885, Johnson Controls operates in more than 500 locations around
the world. Johnson Controls securities are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE) with the trading symbol "JCI."
The Plymouth, Michigan-based Automotive Systems Group of Johnson Controls
is the world's largest supplier of vehicle seating and interior systems, and
is a major supplier of batteries. In 1997, the company's worldwide operations
supplied products for more than 20 million vehicles. The Automotive Systems
Group employs more than 45,000 people at 157 facilities worldwide and achieved
$8 billion in sales for the 1997 fiscal year. During the same period, Johnson
Controls, Inc. (all divisions) recorded sales of $11.1 billion.
Prince -- a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls located in
Holland, Michigan -- is aleading provider of automotive interior systems and
electronics.
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: Jeff Steiner of Johnson Controls, 734-254-5932
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com or fax, 800-758-5804,
ext. 473547/
SOURCE Johnson Controls, Inc.
