Lear Corporation: Technology, Innovations Demonstrate Industry Leadership

TOKYO (PROTEXT) - Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA) is the creativeforce behind thousands of automotive innovations, with moreinvented every day. By designing from the inside out, Lear canensure that all components -- from overhead storage systems toself-aligning seat head restraints and sophisticated cabincommunication systems -- work together. The resulting harmoniousdesign 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 innovationsat the company's exhibit at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show. Theseinnovations include both products and processes, tapping thecreative talents of Lear's worldwide employees and the tools thathelp bring those creations to fruition. Dual Voltage Smart Power Junction Box Lear's Dual Voltage Smart Junction Box is a multifunctionaland centralized unit that combines the signal and power for theupcoming dual voltage architecture. The increasing consumerdemand for new power functions is driving the need for efficient,high voltage distribution systems in vehicles. The dual voltagearchitecture maintains the current 12-volt power needed for loadssuch as the vehicle's incandescent lamps and small power motorsand actuators, while deploying the 42-volt power bus for the new,high power demanding loads such as electro-magnetic valves andelectrically heated catalytic converters. The introduction of thetwo voltage systems increases the efficiency of the wholeelectronic and electronic distribution system, and optimizessize, weight and cost. The Dual Voltage Smart Junction Box also provides newtechnical solutions using higher voltages, such as the use ofsemiconductors optimized for 42 volts that replace conventionalelectromechanical relays and the integration of the DC/DCconverted into the Smart Junction Box. LSZ Light Switching Center The LSZ Light Switching Center replaces multiple powerswitches with an electronic module, with software replacing othermodules. This offers full diagnostics on bulb functions, shortcircuits or defects, while reducing the number of wire harnesses,connectors and bulbs. The Center's advantages include the abilityto easily replace defective bulbs, longer bulb-life because thesupply voltage is limited, the elimination of fuses and reducedbrightness of daytime running lights. All functions arecontrolled by software, so that changes can simply be coded intothe software. MultiView(TM) System Lear's exclusive MultiView(TM) System uses display technologythat permits computer graphics to overlay conventional analoggauges. The system Lear is displaying features one display areaon the instrument panel that offers the driver an option ofviewing two different displays -- one with analog gauges andanother with computer graphics - or a third one that combineselements of both. MultiView can reduce reducing overallinstrument cluster package size and the need for additionaldisplays. The award-winning MultiView System allows the driver -- at thetouch of a button -- to change the display of analog gauges suchas speedometer and tachometer to a digital display of map ornavigation data, for example. Or, as a third option, the drivercan superimpose the digital display on top of the analog display,making both readily accessible. The information is viewed throughone convenient display location, which allows the driver tomaintain optimum eye contact with the road while accessing neededinformation. ProTech(TM) Self-Aligning Head Restraint System Lear's exclusive ProTech(TM) Self-Aligning Head RestraintSystem significantly reduces the occupant's risk of neck injuryduring a low-speed rear impact. It uses a balancing system thatallows the acceleration and velocity between the head and theupper torso to be as low as possible. During the early stage ofthe rear impact, the force of the impact presses the occupantagainst the seat back, then the head restraint moves up andforward to support the head and reduce the potential forwhiplash. ProTech can reduce the risk of injury by up to 80percent compared with standard seat frames. OASys(TM) Overhead Audio System Lear's OASys(TM) overhead audio system is revolutionizingautomotive audio. OASys uses small, thin-profile sound zones inplace of large, heavy traditional cone and coil speakerscurrently positioned in door and instrument panels. Thistechnology transforms the entire headliner into a speaker withexcellent ambiance and enveloping sound qualities, logicallyfocusing the sound at occupants' ears rather than their knees.Its 17-mm thick profile does not impinge on headroom clearanceand even can incorporate ducts for heating, air conditioning andventilation. OASys has multi-channel capability and adaptability,and uses typical audio signal processing. OASys provides automotive manufacturers an opportunity toreclaim valuable packaging space in the door and instrumentpanels, eliminate the noise paths into the vehicle interior andachieve total vehicle weight savings. Lear can deliver OASysfully assembled and pretested, resulting in a reduction invehicle complexity as well as warranty issues. Convenience Systems Special displays showcase the innovative storage systemsdesigned to meet consumer demand for greater flexibility andaccessibility. A fold-away convenience system for sedans featuresa collapsible storage bin that can be stored in a controlledenvironment or can folded away to offer full use of the truckarea. A removable grocery carrier can carry multiple packages andcan be secured for storage while driving. Lear's removable coolerprovides easy packing and cleaning. Another convenience system on display offers glidingcompartmentalized storage for easy loading and unloading ofpackages and an integrated cooler. An optional hook systemprovides 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 bornbetween 1946 and 1964 -- will be over the age of 45. As thesebaby boomers mature, they inevitably will face varying degrees ofphysical limitations and will need to find ways to adjust to theaging process. To help automakers prepare for the boomers' challenges, Learcreated the TransG(TM) concept vehicle. TransG stands fortransgenerational, the transition of baby boomers into the maturepopulation. Lear designers gave the TransG a wide assortment ofinterior features based on research and development intoautomotive interiors that will meet the wants of the maturingbaby boomers' changing lifestyles while providing transparentenablers to accommodate their changing physical needs. On display at the Tokyo Motor is the TransG's innovative seatsystem. The seat swivels outward to a 45-degree angle, offeringthe occupant easy entry and exit the vehicle. The six-way powerseat is controlled by electronic wireless remote technology thatreplaces ungainly wires, reducing assembly time and cost. The TransG's four-point seat belt system is easy to reach andbuckle, more comfortable than a traditional three-point seat beltand, in the event of an accident, more evenly disperses energy tohelp reduce occupant injury. The belt system also featuresintegrated air collars that inflate to protect the neck and headduring a crash. The TransG's cushion restraint device deploysupward on impact, lifting the occupant at the knees. Thisimproves occupant safety by preventing the occupant from slidingunder 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 developmentdiscipline Lear employs to turn a market opportunity into stylishand functional products that consumers want and need in theirvehicles. TransG is a visible demonstration of the application ofLear's PVI Method to a specific market segment -- baby boomers asthey enter their senior years. Lear's six pillars of PVI begin with Consumer Research todefine consumer preferences based on extensive testing, focusgroup studies and physical measurements. The second pillar,Industrial Design, interprets consumer data to conceptualize andcreate unique solutions to meet the demands of tomorrow'sautomotive interior components and systems. That is followed byEngineering, where Lear engineers develop new products that meetthe needs of both Lear's customers (automakers) and consumers,focusing on safety, modularity, low mass, comfort andconvenience. The fourth pillar is Technical Analysis in which specialistsprovide analytical and developmental expertise to assess theperformance, longevity and function of each component or system. The PVI Method's final two pillars are Manufacturing ProcessDevelopment and Validation. The former focuses on the evolvingmanufacturing processes to produce superior components as well asto 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 CorporationWorld Headquarters and Technology Center in Southfield, Michigan(USA). There, products are tested and certified to meet thegovernment specifications and the individualized needs andrequirements of Lear's customers. Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA), a Fortune 200 companyheadquartered in Southfield, Michigan (USA), is one of theworld's largest automotive suppliers, with 1998 proforma sales ofmore than $12 billion. The company's world-class products aredesigned, engineered and manufactured by more than 100,000employees in over 300 facilities located in 33 countries.Information about Lear and its products is available on theInternet 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 KarenStewart- Spica, Director Corporate Communications, +248-447-1651,fax +248-447-5944, email, kstewart@lear.com, both of LearCorporation Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991020/DEW018-a

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