Visteon and 3M Unveil Consumer-Inspired Automotive Technology

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Visteon Corporation and 3M
introduced a demonstration vehicle featuring technologies designed to answer a
number of previously unarticulated desires of automotive consumers. The
vehicle features more than 50 innovative technologies addressing six social
trends: comfort, connectivity, convenience, health, flexibility
(individualism), and sensory.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO )
The vehicle was unveiled today at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in
Las Vegas at Visteon's exhibit, located in the Central Plaza, CP7, outside the
Las Vegas Convention Center. CES runs through Jan. 10.
"Together, Visteon and 3M analyzed global megatrends based on third-party
research regarding various socio-economic patterns," explained Steve Meszaros,
vice president, Visteon electronics. "We used these findings, along with some
in-depth consumer research, to develop new automotive solutions that support
drivers and passengers."
For example, market analysts from both companies sought consumers who were
driving vehicles from the target segment, observed their interactions with the
vehicle, and then engaged the consumers in dialog regarding their driving
experience. Such research was done on a global basis.
Visteon Designer Royce Channey and 3M Marketing Manager Tracy Morisi
explained that many people thought the interiors of their vehicles was too
dark. As a solution, the companies designed ambient lighting technologies to
brighten the interior, using colors that conjure a feeling of health and
wellness.
Another product solution is Visteon's Integrated Center Panel, featured as
part of the sensory category, which ties together many of the vehicle's
technologies. It is the place where climate, audio and multimedia controls are
stylishly packaged for easy user interaction. This ultra-thin, twisted helix-
shaped touch panel uses field-effect switches to enable a clean, "dead-front"
look in situations when the center panel buttons do not need to be visible.
When a user's hand nears the panel, the vehicle senses it and the buttons
automatically illuminate to show an extremely user-friendly human-machine
interface (HMI). When a user pushes one of the buttons to select a function,
the switch is actuated and gives haptic feedback -- a tactile vibration like a
pulse -- to lend a more natural button feel and let the user know his or her
command is being processed.
"The focus on sensory technologies in this vehicle reflect people's desire
for more enjoyment and sensation from products -- consumers want to experience
their products," explained Meszaros.
A good example of Visteon's consumer-focused innovation is in the
integration of portable media devices. Visteon offers connectivity
technologies that integrate personal devices such as iPods(R), mobile phones
and other devices via both wired USB and wireless Bluetooth(R) connections.
This integration allows consumers to operate the portable devices by using the
vehicle's audio system and controls.
To address the marketplace need to display more information within the
vehicle in unique and novel ways, 3-D technologies from 3M have been
incorporated into the instrument panel cluster. The use of 3-D has improved
the driver experience by utilizing eye catching turn-by-turn navigation
graphics on the driver cluster. 3-D technologies are also displayed in
badging, enhancing not only the driver experience but also reinforcing OEM
brand image.
Automotive designers want to hide functional elements of the vehicle to
provide a unique look and feel without compromising visual clarity of displays
and lighting effects. 3M transmissive optical films have been used on the IP
to provide a sleek black panel that does not compromise design and function.
The increased use of LCD screens within the automotive segment has presented
additional challenges to automotive designers related to reflection, screen
brightness and privacy. 3M has incorporated several different Vikuiti brand
optical films to address these needs.
John Horn, vice president, R&D for 3M's Industrial and Transportation
Business, stated, "3M's collaboration with Visteon has produced some unique
applications of pre-commercialized technologies. 3D, films and lighting, for
example, are being used to enhance the driving and riding experience in
surprising ways -- all geared to consumer delight."
"Visteon is well-positioned to use our automotive intellect to help
manufacturers design cars that both excite and assist drivers and passengers
in cost-effective and innovative ways," added Meszaros. "There is clearly
enormous opportunity for companies that are able to drive their development
pipeline by anticipating and responding to market trends."
The two companies plan to unveil a similar demonstration vehicle in Europe
later this year. Demonstration vehicle technologies categorized by trend:
* Comfort:
* Acoustic insulations
* Family entertainment system
* Optical display films
* Connectivity:
* Wireless communications; e.g., Bluetooth(R)
* Wireless charging
* Convenience
* Windshield projecting
* Capacitive parking aid
* Sensory
* 3-D driver information cluster
* Exterior and interior lighting
* 3D virtual image film
* Center stack electronics
* Health
* Cabin air filtration
* Safety and security films
* Flexibility
* Flat light solutions

Read more about the Visteon and 3M technologies at
www.visteon.com/innovate.
About Visteon
Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs,
engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and
lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of
products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van
Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Kerpen, Germany; the
company has facilities in 26 countries and employs approximately 43,000
people.
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever
they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M
to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it,
Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving
customers around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies
and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office;
display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and
protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more
information, including the latest product and technology news, visit
www.3M.com.
Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command
and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
"iPod is a trademark of Apple Corporation"
SOURCE Visteon Corporation

Melissa Andrade of Visteon Corporate Communications, Mandrad7@visteon.com,
+1-313-378-5935; or Stephanie Sanderson of 3M Corporate Communications,
sjsanderson@mmm.com, +1-651-733-8588