Johnson Controls Demonstrates Consumer Knowledge at NAIAS
8 January 2000
2000 North American International Auto Show serves as platform for Johnson Controls' 'Real Life Solutions'
PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- Johnson Controls delivers innovative solutions for the
people who buy cars, trucks and vans -- and the companies worldwide that build
them.
"Real Life Solutions" is the theme of the company's exhibit at the 2000 North
American International Auto Show (NAIAS), set to kick-off on Sunday, January 9,
2000 for members of the news media and automotive community.
The automotive interior supplier is showing its latest products and
advanced concepts at a 9,000-square-foot pavilion at Detroit's Cobo Center
(room D2-15). This year marks the sixth consecutive time that Johnson Controls
has participated in the annual NAIAS, as both a corporate sponsor and
exhibitor.
"At Johnson Controls, we pride ourselves on understanding the automotive
interior needs of consumers in every market segment," said Rande Somma,
president of worldwide marketing and development for Johnson Controls. "More
than anything, our display this year demonstrates our knowledge of the
consumer and our ability to integrate a full spectrum of technologies into
vehicle interiors that optimize innovation, craftsmanship and value to
automakers and consumers alike."
A full array of products and technologies will be on display in the
Johnson Controls pavilion, including integrated interiors, advanced
electronics, brand-name products, seating systems, safety and security
devices, overhead systems, instrument panels, automotive battery technologies
and more.
Five major concepts are being unveiled:
* Vios, a unique, small-car prototype with an interior that can be
readily adapted to meet the changing needs and lifestyles of a vehicle owner
throughout the person's life;
* A Safety and Comfort Concept Interior integrated into a luxury sedan,
offering an advanced occupant-position sensing system; self-adjusting comfort
seat technology; anti-whiplash rear seats; and an anti-drowsiness system that
wakes up a dozing driver with vibrations from a massaging seat;
* The Electronics Concept Vehicle, a year-2000 Ford Expedition outfitted
with an integrated DVD video system; an electronic conversation mirror; a
rear-vision system for use when backing up; and other advanced electronics for
enhanced entertainment, safety and security;
* An Acoustics Concept Minivan, a virtual acoustics laboratory on wheels
that simulates the interior sound quality of a vehicle, based on different
types of driving conditions and acoustics product applications;
* A Truck Interior Concept, which is being used to demonstrate Johnson
Controls' products and technologies for personalizing and customizing
vehicles.
The kick-off event for Johnson Controls' participation in the NAIAS is a
news conference scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 9, 2000 at 5 p.m. in room D2-15 at
Cobo Center in Detroit. Senior officials from the automotive supplier will
discuss the company's latest concepts, technologies and products. Johnson
Controls also will host executives from The LEGO Company and a major automaker
as plans to offer the LEGO(R) PlaySeat(TM) to the public are announced.
The LEGO(R) PlaySeat(TM) activity center is an innovative, rear-seat
system that features a LEGO play surface, writing and drawing desktop, two
power ports, holders for juice boxes and cups and a storage compartment for
LEGO bricks, writing materials, books and other toys.
For the fourth consecutive year, the company is sponsoring a one-day
design symposium associated with the Detroit Auto Show -- the NAIAS Design
Forum. Coordinated by AutoWeek magazine, the conference will be held on
Thursday, Jan. 13 at Cobo Center. The annual event, which is designed to
promote innovation, attracts top designers and engineers from the automotive,
fashion, furniture and retail industries.
Johnson Controls also is among the corporate cosponsors of the Fourth
Annual Automotive Awards program presented by American Woman Motorscene
magazine. At an awards ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 12, automakers will be
honored for outstanding products in 10 categories.
The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business of Johnson Controls --
which employs more than 65,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide -- achieved
US$12.1 billion in sales for the 1999 fiscal year. In model-year 2000, it will
supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles.
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market 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 1999 totaled
$16.1 billion.
