Johnson Controls unveils its vision for the premium vehicle market at the 2013 North American International Auto Show

Vehicle owners can customize their driving experience with the latest electronics and interior innovations

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Jan 14, 2013, 07:00 ET

DETROIT, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive interiors and electronics, today unveiled its interior integration concept, called the Bespoke Interior, for customers and media to experience at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This interior showcases Johnson Controls' vision for integrating electronics, interiors and seating into a premium vehicle. The term bespoke is a British expression that describes well-tailored attire. The Johnson Controls Bespoke Interior is an interior tailored for a premium feel.

"Bespoke demonstrates our latest electronic and interior innovations, as well as seating technology and products for the premium crossover utility vehicle segment," said Han Hendriks, vice president, Advanced Product Development, Johnson Controls Automotive Electronics & Interiors. "Key features include an enhanced user experience and advanced technologies, in an environment that is suitable for all regions. This was created using a collaborative design process among our North American, Chinese and European studios."

According to Hendriks, these innovative solutions are shown in the context of an interior to demonstrate the synergies of systems in ways that create opportunities for consumer-preferred features, as well as new design and production capabilities across the entire interior.

With the instrument panel as the focus of vehicle occupants' everyday driving experience, Johnson Controls' innovations in the Bespoke concept deliver increased functionality, design freedom and vehicle connectivity. Johnson Controls' craftsmanship provides enhanced premium leather surfaces, which allow personalization and differentiation in new, stylish ways. In addition, customizable, advanced electronic solutions including a center information display and instrument cluster, improve the driving experience.

The floor console features advancements in storage, lighting and electronics integration. Using low-mass and recyclable materials provides new design and feature differentiation, comfort, craftsmanship and surface finishes. Other benefits of the console include a wireless charging dock for mobile devices; enhanced storage as well as configurability allowing for personalization, storage, and convenience features. In addition, "peel-to-reveal" storage provides new design freedom for accessing the floor console and instrument panel storage. The floor console removable waste bin catches coins, pens or anything else that falls between the seats and the floor console, and is easily removable for cleaning with a click of a button.

New design, comfort and storage opportunities have been added to the door panel, while providing solutions that consolidate the number of parts, simplify assembly and eliminate persistent industry quality issues related to gluing operations. The "zero gap" door panel improves cockpit aesthetics and craftsmanship, while increasing space for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) vent and switches or glove box size by eliminating the gap between doors and the instrument panel. A Compression Hybrid Molding (CHyM) door panel substrate carrier combines natural fibers and injection molding processes to reduce weight, integrate components, and eliminate trim and glue operations.

Also included in the interior integration demonstrator is the new Gen 3 Synergy Seat. Targeted at the premium market, the seat combines eco-friendly materials with advanced technologies and integrates advancements in trim materials and foam formulations to enhance occupant comfort. The seat features a trim application (computer numerical control sewing and custom perforation) that caters to the premium market. It also incorporates a powered headrest and innovative comfort solutions that keep a slim seat profile to save interior space in the cushion and seat back.

This is the 19th year Johnson Controls will be involved in the NAIAS as an event sponsor and exhibitor. Its 10,000-square-foot exhibit in room D2-15 of Detroit's Cobo Center will be open to media and invited guests. A product overview press conference will be held at 6:30 a.m. EST on Monday, Jan. 14.

The NAIAS event – one of the world's premier automotive exhibitions – opens to the media and industry officials on Monday, Jan. 14.

Photos can be downloaded from our online image gallery.

About Johnson Controls:
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2012, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #5 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience:
Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior electronics. We support all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With 240 locations worldwide, we are where our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of our products, from single components to complete interiors. With our global capability, we supply approximately 50 million cars per year.