Philips FDS Puts Flat Panel Display Technology
Behind the Wheel
30 March 2000
Philips FDS Puts State-of-the-Art Flat Panel Display Technology Behind the Wheel
SAN JOSE, Calif.--March 29, 2000--
Philips FDS to Supply JCI with Advanced AMLCD Products to Create
Unique Vehicle Rear-Seat Entertainment Systems
Philips Flat Display Systems (FDS), one of the world's largest suppliers of active and passive matrix liquid
crystal displays and a business group of Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands, today announced it is
cooperating with Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), a leading automotive interiors supplier, to provide
entertainment options featured in top-selling sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and minivans.
As part of the non-exclusive relationship, Philips FDS will supply the cutting-edge AMLCDs for Johnson
Controls' AutoVision(R) rear-seat entertainment system. Along with Philips FDS displays, several other Royal
Philips divisions will provide the consumer electronics components for this entertainment system.
Today's agreement highlights Philips FDS' continued efforts to move displays beyond the traditional market --
notebook computers -- and address new and emerging display-centric markets such as the automotive sector. In
fact, industry experts predict that non-traditional display applications will eventually outpace computer notebook
growth. "Philips FDS' ability to provide advanced display solutions for automotive entertainment applications --
and even auto-navigational instrumentation -- demonstrates the company's success in moving beyond the
traditional display-commodity market," said Matt Medeiros, Philips FDS' chairman and CEO. "Furthermore,
Philips' display technology leadership and innovation ensures our ability to continue to deliver the highest
performance, value-rich displays on the road today."
According to Medeiros, the automotive industry has seen an increase in consumer demand for increasingly
sophisticated transportation that provides advanced, value-added features for increased comfort and enjoyment
while behind the wheel. Philips is uniquely positioned to address this entertainment segment of the automotive
market due to its broad portfolio of enabling display and consumer electronics technologies.
"Our Peer Partnering(TM) strategy focuses on aligning with companies like Philips to bring world-class
technologies to vehicle interiors," said Jim Geschke, vice president of electronics integration for Johnson
Controls. "These relationships will enable Johnson Controls to provide an entire array of automotive interior
electrical and electronics content without adding hundreds of engineers and investing millions. We are eager to
tap Philips' tremendous consumer electronics suite and provide intelligent integration solutions to our customers."
Johnson Controls' AutoVision rear-seat entertainment systems come standard with a Philips FDS high
resolution, seven-inch AMLCD. Capable of full-motion video, the display delivers a wide viewing angle and
superior resolution capabilities in a sleek and compact design. Integrated into the overhead, seat back or floor
console, the display allows for easy viewing of movies or video games anywhere in the vehicle rear
compartment. AutoVision also features an optional Philips digital versatile disc (DVD) drive or video cassette
player, which is removable for security and utilization outside the vehicle. Utilizing the core competencies of the
company's multiple technology divisions, AutoVision also features several other Philips components, including
wireless IR headphones, remote controls and semiconductors.
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 (NYSE:JCI), founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. Its sales for 1999 totaled US $16.1 billion.
Philips Flat Display Systems (FDS) manufactures and markets state-of-the-art flat panel displays including
passive and active matrix LCD and Polymer LED products. A full line of display panels are available for desktop
monitor, industrial, automotive, telecommunications, hand-held and medical system applications. Through its joint
ventures -- LG.Philips LCD and Hosiden and Philips Displays (HAPD) -- Philips FDS is one of the world's
largest AMLCD manufacturers. Philips FDS is part of Philips Components, a division of Royal Philips
Electronics of the Netherlands. Philips FDS is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. and maintains facilities
throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Visit Philips FDS website for more information at
www.flatdisplaysystems.philips.com.
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's
largest, with sales of EUR 31.5 billion in 1999. It is a global leader in color television sets, lighting, electric
shavers, color picture tubes for televisions and monitors, and one-chip TV products. Its 226,900 employees in
more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer electronics, domestic appliances,
components, semiconductors, medical systems, and IT services (Origin). Philips is quoted on the NYSE
(symbol: PHG), London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges.
News from Philips is located at www.news.philips.com. |
