Johnson Controls' Proves They Can Deliver Tomorrow's Technologies Today
4 January 1999
Johnson Controls' 'Now' Exhibit at 1999 Detroit Auto Show Demonstrates Company Can Deliver Tomorrow's Technologies Today
The Concerto concept interior from Johnson Controls is a totally-integrated vehicle cockpit that incorporates a full array of the company's latest technologies. It's targeted for vehicles of the future. [PH]
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PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 3 -- Now is the time for all good automotive suppliers to surprise and delight their customers.
Adopting this "Now" theme, automotive interior supplier Johnson Controls is exhibiting its latest products and advanced concepts at the 1999 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at Cobo Center in Detroit.
"Our display reflects our leadership in vehicle interiors and sends a strong message that Johnson Controls can deliver tomorrow's innovative technologies today," said Rande Somma, the company's president of worldwide marketing and development.
Johnson Controls' 9,000-square-foot pavilion is fully loaded with innovative products and near-future prototypes -- everything from integrated interiors, to advanced electronics, to brand-name products, to seating systems, to instrument panels, to overhead systems and more.
For the first time, Johnson Controls is using a combination of "hands-on" product displays, along with animated digital videos that graphically illustrate dozens of products and systems targeting vehicles of the future.
Three advanced concepts being unveiled were created specifically for the Detroit Auto Show:
* The Chevrolet AdVenture, a multi-purpose concept vehicle based on the 1999 Chevrolet Venture, featuring RECARO seats in a "go-anywhere" interior designed by Johnson Controls.
* Concerto, a totally integrated interior that incorporates a full array of the latest technologies from Johnson Controls. It includes a redefined rear compartment that adds flexibility, utility and advanced materials in a small- car platform.
* Crescendo, a concept interior packaged inside a luxury sport-utility vehicle, featuring many innovative comfort and convenience features from Johnson Controls.
"At the Detroit Show, we're clearly showing that Johnson Controls is expanding the realm of interior possibilities as we add tremendous value for car-buyers," said Somma. "We're also emphasizing our industry position as the leading interior supplier -- one that can develop and deliver innovative systems reliably and create brand-name products that consumers want."
The brand-name products on display in the Johnson Controls exhibit include: AutoVision(R), an advanced, vehicle-integrated video entertainment system; HomeLink(R), an electronic communications system that provides links to home garage door, security, lighting and convenience controls; PlaySeat(TM), a fold-out activity center with two desktops and storage integrated into a second-row, center bucket seat; PSI(TM) - Pressure Safety Information, an electronic system that measures tire pressures; TravelNote(R), a digital voice recording/playback device; and Headline Audio(TM), a headliner-integrated audio system that provides high-quality sound. A variety of other current and future products also is being shown, including headliners; overhead systems; door panels; instrument panels; sun visors; floor consoles; trunk storage systems; electronic safety and communications systems; and ultra-lightweight, anti-theft batteries.
Johnson Controls' NAIAS participation will kick-off with a news conference at the company's exhibit pavilion (room D2-15, Cobo Center) at 4:30 p.m. on January 3. Senior officials from the supplier will unveil the company's latest interior concepts and products; highlight new strategic market directions; and provide details about several new business relationships that are likely to have a major impact on the vehicle interiors industry.
Following the news conference, the Johnson Controls exhibit pavilion will be open to industry officials and members of the media on a daily basis from January 3 to 8.
For the third consecutive year, Johnson Controls is sponsoring an event that's linked to the Detroit Auto Show -- the NAIAS Design Forum. The one-day symposium, coordinated by AutoWeek magazine, will be held on January 7 at Cobo Center. The annual event, which aims to promote innovation, attracts some of the world's top designers and engineers from the automotive, fashion, furniture and retail industries.
The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business of Johnson Controls -- which employs more than 57,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide -- achieved US$9.3 billion in sales for the 1998 fiscal year. In model-year 1999, it will supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles.
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global 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. Its sales for 1998 totaled US$12.6 billion.
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.
