High-quality interiors for new cult model, Fiat 500
Italian small car with seating and door panels developed and produced by Johnson Controls
Burscheid, Germany - 6 March 2008. When the new Fiat 500 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor launched over 50 years ago by celebrating European-wide success, it will be partially thanks to Johnson Controls. After all, the world's leading supplier of automotive interior systems, electronics and batteries has developed with Fiat Group Automobiles the seating and door panels for the cult vehicle recently named "Car of the Year 2008." The newly designed seating impresses with its attractive looks and solid construction. Furthermore, the combined efficiency of a total of three manufacturing plants in Poland and Slovakia has reduced the production times involved in supplying the Fiat plant in Tychy.
Collaboration between Fiat Group Automobiles and Johnson Controls in the area of seating and door panels goes back as far as 1998 and recently included the Grande Punto and Bravo series. Johnson Controls manufactures the seating for the current redesign of the Italian small car legend in its Bieru�" plant in Poland, while the Námestovo plant in Slovakia is responsible for producing the door panels. From there, the parts reach the Fiat 500 plant in Tychy near Krakow on a "just-in-time" basis. In doing so, the increased verticalization of all production processes is beneficial for the delivery of the seating and door panels. Due to the direct manufacturing of the metal frames by the Siemianowice plant in Poland and, for the first time, direct supply of the door panels to the Fiat 500 production plant in Tychy, with no need for any subcontractors, Johnson Controls has been able to support Fiat Group Automobiles in streamlining production processes and supply channels. This has led to minimal delivery times.
The time frame for developing and designing the two interior components was tight. But thanks to the increased use of virtual design programs, Johnson Controls has succeeded in shortening the prototype phase for the door panels. In addition to the wide range of designs available, the benefits of this product include its scratch-resistant surface and soft-touch armrests.
High degree of personalization in the upholstery and built-in seat airbagThe high degree of personalization in the seating is also impressive. Consumers can choose from many different fabric and color combinations; in addition, the seat covers are embossed with patterns that have the appearance of decorative stitching. These seats produced by Johnson Controls not only look smart but also come with added comfort and safety features. "The fact that the Fiat 500 earned the coveted "five-star" rating in the Euro NCAP Test is due in no small part to its solid seating, which contributes significantly to the high degree of occupant safety," said Marzio Raveggi, Vice President and General Manager of the Fiat Customer Business Unit at Johnson Controls. Furthermore, the seats come with a standard airbag and seat occupancy sensor for the acoustic seat-belt reminder signal. The easy-entry function also gives passengers in the second row of seating easy access to their seats.
Digital photos are available at www.johnsoncontrols.com.Further information is available from:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Experience
Industriestr. 20-3051399
BurscheidGermany
Astrid Schafmeister
Tel.: +49 2174 65-3189
Fax: +49 2174 65-3219
E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com
Ina Longwitz
Tel.: +49 2174 65-4343
E-mail: ina.longwitz@jci.com