Rear-view Mirrors will Serve as Communications Devices,
Thanks toAdvanced Techn New Product - First of Its Kind for Automotive Aftermarket - Is Used to Request Help, Access Messages, Get Directions
from moneynet.com
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Rear-view mirrors are about to go "high-tech,"
thanks to a new product developed jointly by Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) and
HighwayMaster Corporation (Nasdaq: HWYM). Engineers at the companies have created an
innovative product for the automotive aftermarket -- an electronically enhanced rear-view mirror
that can be used to summon roadside assistance, get directions, receive messages and more.
Johnson Controls -- the world's largest supplier of automotive seating and interior systems -- is
exhibiting prototypes of the unique mirror at the 1998 North American International Auto Show
in Detroit. By next September, consumers will be able to purchase the high-tech mirror systems
-- which include trunk-mounted electronic control units -- at retail cellular communications
stores.
The mirrors feature Johnson Controls' patented AutoLink(R) intelligent communications
technology. AutoLink-based devices link vehicles to a 24-hour-per-day, national network that
can provide roadside help, emergency response, Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation
support, theft notification, vehicle diagnostics, remote "unlocking" help, Internet access, and
interactive messaging and information services. Vehicle drivers or passengers will activate the
availablecommunications functions by using voice commands or by pushing buttons on the face
of the mirror. The mirrors also offer a compass and outside temperature "read-out" display.
HighwayMaster, based in Dallas, Texas, is providing the extensive, private wireless network for
AutoLink products, as well as advanced switching services, throughout the United States and
Canada. The company -- a leader in network communications systems and technologies --
currently operates the world's largest, private, enhanced-cellular network.
Gentex Corporation (Nasdaq: GNTX), a leading automotive mirror supplier based in Zeeland,
Michigan, will manufacture the mirrors. The company is integrating the AutoLink technology into
a special version of its Night Vision Safety(TM) automatic-dimming mirror.
"The AutoLink-based mirror is the first system of its kind for the aftermarket," said Michael
Suman, vice president of advanced sales, marketing and product development for Prince, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls. "It's destined to have strong market appeal,
because it offers valuable functions and addresses convenience and security needs that are very
important to consumers."
Last year, Prince and HighwayMaster launched development of AutoLink, initially with products
that could be featured as optional equipment on new vehicles. Automakers now can include the
technology as part of an integrated, compact overhead display developed by Prince. In future
new-vehicle applications, AutoLink could be integrated into the rear-view mirror.
The AutoLink technology has advantages over competing systems -- in its array of functions;
broad geographic coverage area that includes the United States and Canada; affordable price;
and low operating costs. It also offers enhanced fraud protection, as all calls are routed through
an AutoLink communications center and must pass security checks.
"We expect AutoLink products to achieve significant market penetration for both original
equipment and aftermarket applications," said Bill Saunders, president and chief executive
officer for HighwayMaster. "Integrating AutoLink into the rear-view mirror is an excellent
strategy because it's a user-friendly location and every vehicle on the road today has a rear-view
mirror."
A firm, suggested retail price for the AutoLink-based mirror system has not yet been
established. The buyer would be required to purchase the mirror system hardware, and pay a
monthly network service fee. According to Johnson Controls officials, the actual price of the
mirror system may be established at approximately $750 -- but would vary with the terms of the
buyer's network contract agreement.
HighwayMaster develops and operates intelligent wireless private network solutions for a
number of applications, including the long-haul trucking and automotive industries.
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.Prince -- a wholly owned subsidiary
of Johnson Controls located in Holland, Michigan -- is a leading provider of automotive interior
systems and electronics.
For further information about AutoLink products and technologies, visit the AutoLink site on the
World Wide Web at autolink.princecorp.com.
For access to other Johnson Controls news releases and additional company information, visit
the company's site on the World Wide Web at johnsoncontrols.com.
Photographs and captions to accompany this story is available from Wieck Photo Database by
calling 972-392-0888, or on the World Wide Web at media.wieckphoto.com.
SOURCE Johnson Controls
-0- 01/04/98
/CONTACT: Jeff Steiner of Johnson Controls, 734-254-5932/
/Company News On-Call: prnewswire.com or fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 473547/
/Web site: johnsoncontrols.com
autolink.princecorp.com
(JCI HWYM GNTX)
CO: Johnson Controls; HighwayMaster Corporation ST: Wisconsin, Texas, Michigan IN: AUT
TLS SU: PDT |
