Tire Pressure Monitoring System From Johnson Controls Available 2001
24 October 2000
Tire Pressure Monitoring System From Johnson Controls Will Be Available January 2001 and on Select 2002 Model Year VehiclesCompany's PSI(TM) tire pressure monitoring system
offers many advantages for consumers, automakers
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Oct. 23 An innovative, radio-frequency
(RF) based tire pressure monitoring system from Johnson Controls
will be available as both a new car option and dealer-installed accessory next
year.
The PSI(TM) Mirror system will debut in January 2001 as a dealer-installed
accessory. The PSI system will launch Summer 2001 as an original-equipment
product in the overhead consoles of select 2002 model-year vehicles.
Johnson Controls' PSI is an RF-based system which provides timely
information on each tire that can be easily monitored by the driver via a
display in either the overhead console, rear-view mirror or instrument panel.
The system provides warning alerts about low tire pressures that can be seen
on the display, or heard via an audible sound. The PSI system can be used with
standard radial tires and extended mobility tires, which often are called "run
flats."
The RF technology provides a better solution than ABS tire monitoring
systems which interpret external data such as the continuous tire rotation
speed to indicate a tire may have a pressure concern.
"Today, it's standard for drivers to receive key vehicle information such
as fuel status, temperature and oil pressure. There's even a variety of
warning lights, and tire pressure is important for maximum vehicle
performance," said Jim Geschke, vice president and general manager of
Electronic Integration for Johnson Controls. "Johnson Controls' PSI system
provides drivers with timely, accurate tire pressure information."
The PSI product uses small transmitters integrated into special tire
valves to send data directly to a receiver integrated within the vehicle
interior. When the system is activated, tire pressures -- accurate within one
pound per-square-inch -- are shown on an electronic display.
"Our company is a leading supplier of automotive interiors and
electronics, and we're committed to providing products that enhance comfort,
convenience and safety for car buyers," Geschke said. "The PSI system offers
superior technology, reliability and ease-of-use when compared to similar
products."
PSI products offer many advantages over competitive technologies. They
provide much more accurate and reliable information, and look like original-
equipment installations, rather than non-integrated "add-ons."
The PSI system can be combined with the receiver from Johnson Controls'
popular HomeLink(R) product, a three-button, programmable electronic
communications system that links vehicles to home security, lighting and
convenience controls. Integrating PSI into the HomeLink system reduces costs
because the electronic unit can be used to provide multiple functions.
HomeLink is installed in more than 10 million vehicles on the road today. It
will be included in 120 different 2001 models and a total of 3.75 million
vehicles manufactured this year by automakers around the world.
Beginning in January, Johnson Controls will market the PSI mirror in North
America as a dealer-installed optional accessory. The mirror and sensors can
be installed in less than 30 minutes. The cost of the system is yet to be
announced.
The Plymouth, Michigan (U.S.A.)-based automotive business of Johnson
Controls -- which employs more than 65,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide
-- achieved US$12.7 billion in sales for the 2000 fiscal year. In model-year
2001, it will supply interior products from more than 23 million vehicles.
