Johnson Controls and ASC Make a Hot Vehicle Hotter
1 November 2000
Johnson Controls and ASC Make a Hot Vehicle Hotter In Joint Development of Versatile, Stylish PT Cruiser RECARO EditionLeading suppliers enhance 'retro-styled' vehicle
with an array of consumer-focused innovations
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31 How do you make a hot vehicle, like
DaimlerChrysler's PT Cruiser, even hotter? Johnson Controls and
ASC Incorporated have the answer -- the PT Cruiser RECARO Edition -- a
customized specialty vehicle that debuts at the 2000 Specialty Equipment
Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas (Booth #13832, Silver Hall 1). It
features an array of interior and exterior features that make the popular,
"retro-styled" PT Cruiser vehicle even more exciting and inviting.
Working in partnership, Johnson Controls created the PT Cruiser RECARO
Edition's interior enhancements, while ASC developed its exterior refinements.
The vehicle features RECARO-brand leather-trimmed specialty seats with
unique, seat-mounted back packs; CargoMax(TM), a versatile, integrated cargo
management system from Johnson Controls; an instrument-panel center stack
finished in brushed nickel; door panels and steering wheel covered with
leather; RECARO-badged floor mats and rubber cargo mats; and an optional Onkyo
premium sound system.
Innovative exterior features on the PT Cruiser RECARO Edition include
RECARO badges on the new RECARO Sport grille, front fenders and rear door;
17-inch performance spoked wheels; an Eibach suspension kit; new, side ground
effects; stylized front and rear fascias with running lights; and an optional
Borla exhaust system.
"Seen from the outside or experienced from the inside, the PT Cruiser
RECARO Edition is truly a vehicle that we think sparks emotion in the hearts
of consumers and reflects the strong capabilities of both Johnson Controls and
ASC," said Jeff Steiner, general manager of the Specialty Products Group at
Johnson Controls. "Rather than develop just another concept vehicle, we've
created a special-edition vehicle that can be produced by Johnson Controls,
ASC and an automotive manufacturer within 12 to 18 months," he said.
Steiner characterizes the PT Cruiser RECARO Edition as a vehicle that
combines the look and feel of a European sports touring car, with the
convenience, functions and features desired by those who enjoy active
lifestyles. He said the estimated sticker price of the base package of
features -- about $3,750 -- is affordable, and should excite car buyers and
auto manufacturers.
John Nechiporchik, President of ASC Specialty Vehicles, says many
discriminating car buyers are looking for more fun and versatility from their
vehicles -- and they are willing to spend a little more to attain it.
"Some buyers are looking for more individuality, amenities, a heightened
sense of style and vehicles that are fun to own and drive," he said. "The PT
Cruiser RECARO Edition meets these needs, and offers many exciting and
innovative features."
In creating the PT Cruiser RECARO Edition, the vehicle's designers
leveraged the positive brand images of DaimlerChrysler, ASC, Johnson Controls,
and RECARO. A global leader in specialty vehicle seats, RECARO designs and
manufactures custom and orthopedic seat systems for cars, trucks and racing
applications.
The design team for the innovative vehicle used a uniquely developed PT
Cruiser seat structure to create RECARO-branded seats. Such an approach
enables automakers to offer premium RECARO seat systems at affordable prices.
Seats in the PT Cruiser RECARO Edition feature pull-out thigh bolsters, a
lumbar adjustment, and a fold-flat passenger seat. On the rear panel of the
front passenger seat, an integrated, matching RECARO backpack can be attached
and is included in the package. The PT Cruiser RECARO Edition -- and other
innovative offerings from Johnson Controls -- will be displayed for the
duration of the SEMA event, which runs from October 31 to November 3. Johnson
Controls also is sponsoring a private show for its customers, which will be
held from October 30 to November 1 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Other accessory products from Johnson Controls to be highlighted at SEMA
include the company's PSI(TM) tire-pressure monitoring system; the
AutoVision(R) vehicle-integrated DVD entertainment system; seat-back utility
packages; CargoMax(TM) storage systems; and additional, consumer-focused
products.
Johnson Controls' participation in the SEMA event is being coordinated by
the company's new Specialty Products Group. This unit designs, manufactures
and markets automotive interior accessories to automakers and specialty
retailers in North America.
SEMA is a 3,600-member trade group representing the specialty automotive
aftermarket industry, a market with estimated annual sales for 2000 of
$21.2 billion.
