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Visteon Technology Visible Throughout North American International Auto Show

Global supplier's innovations help automakers differentiate vehicles

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Jan. 14 -- As automakers unveil their new product lineups and concept vehicles this week at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit's Cobo Center, Visteon Corporation's innovative components and systems are helping them differentiate their various makes and models.

Visteon is helping global auto manufacturers meet consumer expectations by supplying innovative interior, climate, electronic and lighting technology on a range of new vehicles -- from economy, mid-sized and luxury vehicles to sport utility vehicles and trucks. Although they may not be immediately visible to consumers who attend this year's auto show, Visteon's contributions to vehicles -- whether it's a family entertainment system or a high-quality heating and air conditioning system -- are helping make driving more enjoyable.

"It's an exciting time in the auto industry," said Jim Orchard, Visteon's president, North American Operations. "Today, automotive competition is based on engineering expertise, knowledge, speed of delivery and focus. The challenge is to understand each customer's design intent and brand image, and quickly apply the findings from our award-winning consumer research and engineering expertise to flawlessly deliver technology."

At the North American International Auto Show, Visteon products are present on concept vehicles serving as the development platforms for future automotive technology, as well as on vehicles already in production. Visteon has also developed a broad range of analog and digital audio systems and family entertainment systems that appear on a variety of vehicles this model year.

Later this year, Visteon will announce a new level of electronics capability and distinction. Not only is Visteon the first supplier of an integrated, factory-installed voice-activated Bluetooth(R) wireless system in automotive production on both sides of the ocean, but Visteon also will move into high-volume production of this system for the North American market. Today, Visteon supplies the MACH(R) Voice Link for automakers in Europe and North America on several vehicles.

The unveiling of the General Motors product line will mark the debut of the Corvette Z06 and a new mid-size Saturn sedan, both featuring Visteon technologies focused on styling and performance. Visteon's High Intensity Discharge projector front lighting, center high-mounted stop lamp and rear lighting systems support the Corvette Z06, while the new mid-size Saturn is equipped with Visteon's hidden antenna module.

The fifth-generation Hyundai Sonata, manufactured in the United States, continues to be engineered to be reliable, appealing to the eye and enjoyable to drive. Visteon's support of the Sonata includes a focus on quality and performance in the climate system, radio and front end module. In 2004, Hyundai posted an impressive improvement in the J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Survey. The automaker achieved a 45 percent improvement in the perceived quality of Visteon's heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems supplied across Hyundai's vehicle lines.

Each year, automakers work with suppliers to develop concept vehicles to advance automotive technology and styling. This year's show will include the unveiling of Ford Motor Company's 2005 Scientific Research Vehicle, which incorporates concepts for future technology. Visteon's work on this vehicle resolved the unique challenge of providing an air cleaner system on the 2.7- liter, twin-turbo diesel hybrid electric vehicle. The challenge Visteon faced was to integrate two mass air flow sensors to function as one and deliver the engine performance consumers expect.

Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service supplier that delivers consumer-driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide and through multiple channels within the global automotive aftermarket. Visteon has about 72,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 200 technical, manufacturing, sales and service facilities located in 25 countries.