Johnson Controls Boosts Performance Of its HomeLink Universal Transceivers
4 January 1999
Automotive Supplier Johnson Controls Boosts Performance Of its Popular HomeLink Universal Transceiver System HOMELINK UNIVERSAL TRANSCEIVER DETROIT -- The HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver from Johnson Controls is an electronic communications device integrated into a vehicle's overhead console or sun visor. It allows a driver to remotely open garage doors, operate door locks, and activate home lighting, safety and convenience systems. [PH] DETROIT, MI USA 01/03/1999Vehicle-integrated communications device succeeds
As a brand-name product that adds value and appeal
DETROIT, Jan. 3 -- More than 4 million vehicles on the road
today have Johnson Controls' HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver on-board -- an
electronic communications device that enables drivers to remotely open garage
doors, operate door locks, and activate home lighting, safety and convenience
systems. Now the company -- a leading supplier of automotive interior systems
-- has added new features to HomeLink that will provide vehicle-owners with
enhanced safety, security and convenience.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990103/DESU008 )
"HomeLink already is established as one of the most successful brand-name
products for both Johnson Controls and the industry overall," said Michael
Suman, group vice president of worldwide advanced sales, marketing and
business development for Johnson Controls. "Now -- in the spirit of continuous
improvement -- we're making it better and adding more value."
The HomeLink Universal Transceiver can be integrated into a vehicle's
overhead console, sun visor, or rear-view mirror. The newest generation of the
product can be packaged with TravelNote(R) by Johnson Controls -- a digital
voice recorder that enables drivers to record, playback and store "reminder
messages." The HomeLink-TravelNote combination is now available in the 1999
Mercury Mountaineer and Villager, and the 1999 Ford Explorer.
Future versions of HomeLink will enable drivers to remotely check vehicle
tire pressures, summon children with short-range paging messages, and
automatically pay for gasoline, highway tolls and other purchases. In
addition, remote keyless entry (RKE) devices could be integrated with
HomeLink. The updated system will have fewer parts; a higher power
range/output; more capabilities as a receiver; "rolling-code" compatibility;
and the capability to be "trained" by remote-control devices in a few seconds.
"HomeLink offers great flexibility and functionality as well as the
opportunity to add features -- and that's why it's so successful," said Suman.
According to Suman, for the 1999 model year, the HomeLink Universal
Transceiver is available as an option on 92 different vehicles worldwide.
"Enhancing HomeLink and combining it with our other brand-name products
addresses the needs of consumers -- who want more convenience, simplicity and
value in vehicle interiors," said Suman.
For several model-year 2001 luxury vehicles, Johnson Controls will
integrate its new PSI(TM) - Pressure Safety Information product with the
HomeLink Universal Transceiver. The tire-pressure monitoring system includes a
radio-frequency transmitter in each tire, receiver circuitry and an in-vehicle
HomeLink display that signals a driver when pressure in any tire falls below
optimum levels. Integrating PSI into the HomeLink system reduces costs because
the electronic unit can be used to provide multiple functions.
Johnson Controls introduced HomeLink in 1995. In its first year on the
market, it was installed as an option on 300,000 vehicles. This year, more
than 2.5 million vehicles will feature the HomeLink Universal Transceiver,
including models from these automakers: Acura, Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler,
Ford, General Motors, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Land Rover, Mitsubishi,
Nissan, Shelby, Toyota and Volvo. The current generation of the product
replaces up to three remote control devices with one compact unit. HomeLink
relies on radio frequency technology, which allows Johnson Controls engineers
to add more functions as needed.
In recent years, Johnson Controls has created a number of strategic
partnerships to ensure that HomeLink is compatible with garage door openers,
power locks, light systems and security products supplied by a wide range of
manufacturers. Here's a look at the company's partners, segmented by product
type:
* Garage door openers: Chamberlain, Craftsman, Genie/Overhead Door,
Lift-Master, and Stanley/Whistler;
* Home-entry locks: Weiser Lock;
* Estate gates: Link, Genie, and Stanley/Whistler;
* Home security systems: ITI, and Westar Security Services;
* Home lighting and automation products: Radio Shack, and X-10; and
* Technology: Microchip.
"Strategic partnerships with home access and control companies have helped
drive HomeLink's success," said Suman. "We expect to add more partners in the
future as we add new features to HomeLink."
The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business of Johnson Controls --
which employs more than 57,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide -- achieved
US$9.3 billion in sales for the 1998 fiscal year. In this model-year, it will
supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles.
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 nonresidential
facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services,
energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls
, founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its
sales for 1998 totaled US$12.6 billion.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A photo of the HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver is
available from David Roznowski at 734-254-5632, and also at
http://www.newscom.com. For access to other Johnson Controls news releases and
additional company information, visit the company's site on the World Wide Web
at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
CONTACT: David Roznowski of Johnson Controls, 734-254-5632.
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 473547.
