Auto Supplier Johnson Controls Displays it's Latest Products and Prototypes
5 January 1998
Auto Supplier Johnson Controls is Set to 'Shine' in Detroit with Major Display of its Latest Products and Prototypes
World's Largest Vehicle Seating and Interiors Company to Exhibit Advanced
Technologies, Unveil Future Concepts
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 4 -- When it comes to automotive
interiors, more is better -- because consumers increasingly demand more
features, functions, and enhanced performance in their vehicle cockpits.
That's the word from officials at Johnson Controls , the world's
leading supplier of automotive seating and interior systems.
Borrowing from this theme, the company is presenting its most extensive
product and technology exhibit ever at the 1998 North American International
Auto Show (NAIAS) at Cobo Center in Detroit. The firm's 9,000-square-foot
pavilion will feature the latest products, technologies and future concepts
from Johnson Controls, which is among the largest and most successful
automotive companies based in North America.
"In terms of customer impact, this show is one of the premier activities
among all the things we do worldwide to get our message out," said Rande
Somma, Johnson Controls president of interior trim, marketing and business
development.
The interior supplier's participation at the Detroit show kicks off with a
news conference at Cobo Center on January 4 at 4 p.m. (In room D2-15) focusing
on the company's latest consumer research findings, business strategies, and
technological innovations.
Then, the company will open its display to customers, industry officials,
and other invited guests. During the Detroit event, Johnson Controls is
expected to play host to more than 5,000 visitors from around the globe.
In conjunction with its involvement at the Detroit Auto Show, Johnson
Controls is sponsoring the NAIAS Design Forum, which will be held on January 8
at Cobo Center. The one-day symposium, coordinated by AutoWeek magazine,
brings together some of the top designers and engineers from the automotive,
fashion, furniture and retail industries to encourage innovation.
The unveiling of four advanced interior concepts at the Johnson Controls
display area is expected to generate significant interest and excitement. The
concepts include:
-- Van-Go, a concept interior packaged in a 1998 Chevrolet Venture
minivan, fully loaded with prototype systems and "surprise and delight"
features for the active family;
-- Symbiosis, a totally harmonious, near-future concept interior in a
mid-size sedan that emphasizes aesthetic appeal, practical elegance and
value;
-- Chrysalis, a one-half-scale model of a vehicle interior in the year
2010, with a focus on comfort, ergonomics, versatility and electronic
control; and
-- The Response(TM) Instrument Panel System, a concept instrument panel
that "redefines" this key interior system -- making it a futuristic
"occupant interface module."
The Johnson Controls exhibit features zones that incorporate a full range
of products and technologies, including: total interiors; seating; instrument
panels; overhead components and systems; door systems; electronics; floor
consoles and storage systems; cargo management systems; and battery and power
management systems.
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.
NOTE TO EDITORS: 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.
Web site: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com
SOURCE Johnson Controls, Inc.
