Lear Corporation: Technology, Innovations Demonstrate Industry Leadership

TOKYO (PROTEXT) - Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA) is the creative force behind thousands of automotive innovations, with more invented every day. By designing from the inside out, Lear can ensure that all components -- from overhead storage systems to self-aligning seat head restraints and sophisticated cabin communication systems -- work together. The resulting harmonious design is a hallmark of Lear innovation and technology. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991020/DEW018-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991020/DEW018-b) Lear is showcasing some of its latest technology innovations at the company's exhibit at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show. These innovations include both products and processes, tapping the creative talents of Lear's worldwide employees and the tools that help bring those creations to fruition. Dual Voltage Smart Power Junction Box Lear's Dual Voltage Smart Junction Box is a multifunctional and centralized unit that combines the signal and power for the upcoming dual voltage architecture. The increasing consumer demand for new power functions is driving the need for efficient, high voltage distribution systems in vehicles. The dual voltage architecture maintains the current 12-volt power needed for loads such as the vehicle's incandescent lamps and small power motors and actuators, while deploying the 42-volt power bus for the new, high power demanding loads such as electro-magnetic valves and electrically heated catalytic converters. The introduction of the two voltage systems increases the efficiency of the whole electronic and electronic distribution system, and optimizes size, weight and cost. The Dual Voltage Smart Junction Box also provides new technical solutions using higher voltages, such as the use of semiconductors optimized for 42 volts that replace conventional electromechanical relays and the integration of the DC/DC converted into the Smart Junction Box. LSZ Light Switching Center The LSZ Light Switching Center replaces multiple power switches with an electronic module, with software replacing other modules. This offers full diagnostics on bulb functions, short circuits or defects, while reducing the number of wire harnesses, connectors and bulbs. The Center's advantages include the ability to easily replace defective bulbs, longer bulb-life because the supply voltage is limited, the elimination of fuses and reduced brightness of daytime running lights. All functions are controlled by software, so that changes can simply be coded into the software. MultiView(TM) System Lear's exclusive MultiView(TM) System uses display technology that permits computer graphics to overlay conventional analog gauges. The system Lear is displaying features one display area on the instrument panel that offers the driver an option of viewing two different displays -- one with analog gauges and another with computer graphics - or a third one that combines elements of both. MultiView can reduce reducing overall instrument cluster package size and the need for additional displays. The award-winning MultiView System allows the driver -- at the touch of a button -- to change the display of analog gauges such as speedometer and tachometer to a digital display of map or navigation data, for example. Or, as a third option, the driver can superimpose the digital display on top of the analog display, making both readily accessible. The information is viewed through one convenient display location, which allows the driver to maintain optimum eye contact with the road while accessing needed information. ProTech(TM) Self-Aligning Head Restraint System Lear's exclusive ProTech(TM) Self-Aligning Head Restraint System significantly reduces the occupant's risk of neck injury during a low-speed rear impact. It uses a balancing system that allows the acceleration and velocity between the head and the upper torso to be as low as possible. During the early stage of the rear impact, the force of the impact presses the occupant against the seat back, then the head restraint moves up and forward to support the head and reduce the potential for whiplash. ProTech can reduce the risk of injury by up to 80 percent compared with standard seat frames. OASys(TM) Overhead Audio System Lear's OASys(TM) overhead audio system is revolutionizing automotive audio. OASys uses small, thin-profile sound zones in place of large, heavy traditional cone and coil speakers currently positioned in door and instrument panels. This technology transforms the entire headliner into a speaker with excellent ambiance and enveloping sound qualities, logically focusing the sound at occupants' ears rather than their knees. Its 17-mm thick profile does not impinge on headroom clearance and even can incorporate ducts for heating, air conditioning and ventilation. OASys has multi-channel capability and adaptability, and uses typical audio signal processing. OASys provides automotive manufacturers an opportunity to reclaim valuable packaging space in the door and instrument panels, eliminate the noise paths into the vehicle interior and achieve total vehicle weight savings. Lear can deliver OASys fully assembled and pretested, resulting in a reduction in vehicle complexity as well as warranty issues. Convenience Systems Special displays showcase the innovative storage systems designed to meet consumer demand for greater flexibility and accessibility. A fold-away convenience system for sedans features a collapsible storage bin that can be stored in a controlled environment or can folded away to offer full use of the truck area. A removable grocery carrier can carry multiple packages and can be secured for storage while driving. Lear's removable cooler provides easy packing and cleaning. Another convenience system on display offers gliding compartmentalized storage for easy loading and unloading of packages and an integrated cooler. An optional hook system provides a convenient way to secure groceries or other items. TransG(TM) Seat System In 2005, 1.7 billion of the world's baby boomers -- those born between 1946 and 1964 -- will be over the age of 45. As these baby boomers mature, they inevitably will face varying degrees of physical limitations and will need to find ways to adjust to the aging process. To help automakers prepare for the boomers' challenges, Lear created the TransG(TM) concept vehicle. TransG stands for transgenerational, the transition of baby boomers into the mature population. Lear designers gave the TransG a wide assortment of interior features based on research and development into automotive interiors that will meet the wants of the maturing baby boomers' changing lifestyles while providing transparent enablers to accommodate their changing physical needs. On display at the Tokyo Motor is the TransG's innovative seat system. The seat swivels outward to a 45-degree angle, offering the occupant easy entry and exit the vehicle. The six-way power seat is controlled by electronic wireless remote technology that replaces ungainly wires, reducing assembly time and cost. The TransG's four-point seat belt system is easy to reach and buckle, more comfortable than a traditional three-point seat belt and, in the event of an accident, more evenly disperses energy to help reduce occupant injury. The belt system also features integrated air collars that inflate to protect the neck and head during a crash. The TransG's cushion restraint device deploys upward on impact, lifting the occupant at the knees. This improves occupant safety by preventing the occupant from sliding under the seat belt. People-Vehicle-Interface(TM) Methodology (PVI(TM) Method) Lear's exclusive People-Vehicle-Interface(TM) Methodology -- or PVI Method(TM) for short -- is the innovation development discipline Lear employs to turn a market opportunity into stylish and functional products that consumers want and need in their vehicles. TransG is a visible demonstration of the application of Lear's PVI Method to a specific market segment -- baby boomers as they enter their senior years. Lear's six pillars of PVI begin with Consumer Research to define consumer preferences based on extensive testing, focus group studies and physical measurements. The second pillar, Industrial Design, interprets consumer data to conceptualize and create unique solutions to meet the demands of tomorrow's automotive interior components and systems. That is followed by Engineering, where Lear engineers develop new products that meet the needs of both Lear's customers (automakers) and consumers, focusing on safety, modularity, low mass, comfort and convenience. The fourth pillar is Technical Analysis in which specialists provide analytical and developmental expertise to assess the performance, longevity and function of each component or system. The PVI Method's final two pillars are Manufacturing Process Development and Validation. The former focuses on the evolving manufacturing processes to produce superior components as well as to bring products to market faster. Increased recyclability, while reducing cycle time and costs, also is important. Validation is conducted at Lear's recently expanded, state-of- the- art testing facility that is part of the Lear Corporation World Headquarters and Technology Center in Southfield, Michigan (USA). There, products are tested and certified to meet the government specifications and the individualized needs and requirements of Lear's customers. Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA), a Fortune 200 company headquartered in Southfield, Michigan (USA), is one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, with 1998 proforma sales of more than $12 billion. The company's world-class products are designed, engineered and manufactured by more than 100,000 employees in over 300 facilities located in 33 countries. Information about Lear and its products is available on the Internet at http://www.lear.com . ots Original Text Service: Lear Corporation Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: Leslie A. Touma, Vice President - Corporate Relations, +248-447- 7760, fax +248-447-1722, email, ltouma@lear.com, or Karen Stewart- Spica, Director Corporate Communications, +248-447-1651, fax +248-447-5944, email, kstewart@lear.com, both of Lear Corporation Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi- bin/prnh/19991020/DEW018-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi- bin/prnh/19991020/DEW018-b PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467 Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/518304.html or fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 518304 Web site: http://www.lear.com Subscribers please note that material bearing the slug "PROTEXT" is not part of CTK's news service and is not to be published under the "CTK" slug. Protext is a commercial service providing distribution of press releases from clients, who are identified in the text of Protext reports and who bear full responsibility for their contents. PROTEXT