Johnson Controls launches a host of innovations at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2003 / Engaging all the senses in automotive interiors

Burscheid 28.08.2003 (PROTEXT) - At this year's InternationalMotor Show (IAA), Johnson Controls, one of the world's leadingsuppliers of automotive interior systems, is launching a wholerange of innovative products for all areas of the vehicleinterior. One of the highlights of the company's press conferenceon 10 September, 2003 at 11.00 a.m. in Hall 5.1, Booth B16 willbe the "Sensory" concept, a new approach to product developmentbased on engaging all the senses. In addition, Johnson Controlswill be unveiling new electronics solutions and an expandedrange of electronics solutions as the result of a recentacquisition in this field. Sensory - more emotions in cars "Sensory" is a concept based on engaging all the human sensesthat both intentionally and unintentionally contribute to theemotional appeal of a vehicle. "Sensory" is not a specificproduct. It is more of a guiding principle for developing futureproducts, to enhance the way people perceive and experience thetechnologies and features of automotive interiors. The goal is tocreate added value by making these technologies and productfeatures more in tune with our sensory perceptions. This newdesign approach has the dual advantage of promoting thedevelopment of user-friendly products that can also be adaptedto suit individual needs and preferences, so that driversidentify even more closely with their vehicle interior. Enhanced seating comfort with Leap Automotive Seating What do car seats and office chairs have in common? Well,almost all of us spend a good part of our day sitting in both ofthem. This is why, in cooperation with the office furnituremanufacturer Steelcase, Johnson Controls developed "LeapAutomotive Seating", a seating concept based on the specialergonomic features of an office chair. It automatically adjuststo your individual movements and provides optimal support forthe spine. The seat back and cushion move as one unit, ensuringthe required distance between driver and cockpit is alwaysmaintained. This simplifies overall seat operation andsignificantly increases occupant comfort. Discreet lighting creates pleasant ambience Johnson Controls addresses visual comfort with a new lightingsolution for the rear overhead area. The special feature of thisnew lighting system is that it is seamlessly integrated beneaththe textile surface of the overhead console, making it invisibleto vehicle occupants. When switched on, it produces discreet,pleasant lighting that generates a cosy atmosphere and makes thedriving experience more pleasurable for all occupants. This newlighting solution was developed in cooperation with Philips. Light integration in doors The integration of lighting is just as important in thevehicle's door panels as it is in the overhead area. JohnsonControls will be exhibiting a Smart door panel with translucentsubstrate material and an integrated lighting concept. Theresult is ambient and functional lighting. A range of fabrics andcolors also allows variation in the door panel design to appealto individual tastes. Optimal sound makes the driving experience more pleasurable Audio quality is another important factor in meeting thedemand for more comfort in vehicle interiors. Audio-specialistsat Johnson Controls and Philips Sound Solutions have optimizedthe overall acoustics in vehicle interiors by introducing built-in Flat Speaker Technology. Tiny audio speakers are invisiblyintegrated into the substrate materials, eliminating the need forconventional audio speakers. With the integration of the FlatSpeakers, there is no longer a need for openings in car doorpanels, meaning that less exterior noise penetrates into thevehicle interior. The new technology gives automakers moredesign freedom in the development of future interiors, and at thesame time reduces the overall weight. Further advances in electronics Johnson Controls also focuses on the holistic integration ofelectronic components. As a result of a recent acquisition inthe electronics field, Johnson Controls considerably expandedits range of electronics products and services to include suchinnovations as cockpit instruments for high-end vehicles,electronic park distance control, and sophisticated analogclocks. A hands-free telephone with Bluetooth compatibility andmulti-voice recognition is also being displayed at this year'sshow. Flexibility overhead in the rear Integrated into a vehicle's overhead system, the Overhead RailSystem features a flexible docking technology that provides forthe attachment of a variety of modular devices. In addition toCD/DVD players or a video display, storage bins or first-aidkits can also be integrated. The driver can customize the systemat any time as required and in a number of different ways. Asimple plug-and-play mechanism makes the modules easy-to-installand just as easy to remove again.

However, just as important as the comfort of the driver andfront-seat passenger is the well-being of the occupants in therear of the vehicle. This is made possible by AutoVision, aversatile and easy-to-use entertainment system that can be usedto play both DVD movies and audio CDs. The system provides amore pleasant way to travel for the whole family. The rear-seatpassengers can use AutoVision at any time, without disturbingthe driver or front-seat passenger. Travelers in the rear seatcan watch their favorite video using stereo headphones, leavingthe driver to concentrate on the road. Owners of the new FordFusion+ or the Ford Focus C-Max will soon be able to benefit fromthe advantages of AutoVision, as it is available as an optionfor both models. AutoVision is already available for the RenaultVel Satis, the Opel Zafira and the Omega Caravan as well as forvarious BMW models. Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotivesystems and facility management and control. In the automotivemarket, it is a leading supplier of seating and interior systemsand batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controlsprovides building control components and systems and facilitymanagement services. Johnson Controls (New York Stock Exchange: JCI), founded in1885, has its headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Europeanheadquarters is in Burscheid, Germany. Its sales for 2002 totaled20.1 billion US-Dollars, the Automotive Group alone accountingfor 15 billion US-Dollars of this figure. In the current"Industry Week" business magazine rankings, Johnson Controls hasbeen listed as one of the top 100 best run companies in theworld for the fifth time in succession. ots Original Text Service: Johnson Controls GmbH Internet:http://www.presseportal.de Further information is available from: Johnson Controls GmbH Automotive Group Astrid SchafmeisterIndustriestr. 20-30 51399 Burscheid Tel.: +49 2174 65-3189 Fax: +49 2174 65-3219 E-mail:astrid.schafmeister@jci.com

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