Lear-Donnelly Overhead Systems Creates OASys
2 March 1999
Lear-Donnelly Overhead Systems Creates OASys(TM), Premium Audio Headliner for Tomorrow's Vehicles SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 1 -- A revolutionary advancement in
vehicle audio systems will be music to the ears of automakers and vehicle
owners as a new speaker system is unveiled today by Lear-Donnelly Overhead
Systems, L.L.C. (LDOS).
OASys(TM) is an innovative sound reproduction system that incorporates a
network of flat panel sound zones intended to replace almost all of the
traditional cone speakers found in today's vehicles. OASys is integrated into
the vehicle's headliner, is compatible with traditional audio electronics, and
only requires a subwoofer to augment very deep bass sounds.
OASys is no thicker than today's vehicle headliner. By fully integrating
the sound zones within the confines of the vehicle's headliner, the listener
is enveloped in a sound field that is precise and personalized. The OASys
system has been designed to provide the most accurate reproduction of the
original acoustic performance.
"OASys is another example of the many new products to be introduced by
LDOS," said Richard Perreault, President and CEO of LDOS, a 50-50 joint
venture between global automotive suppliers Lear Corporation and Donnelly
Corporation. "It has extensive evolutionary opportunities that will benefit
the technical innovations currently under development at LDOS and our parent
companies -- Lear Corporation and Donnelly Corporation.
"Initial interest in this technology concept has been strong," Perreault
added. "We are responding to inquiries from auto manufacturers for
availability of production-ready modules as early as the 2003 model year."
OASys offers vehicle designers the opportunity to reclaim valuable space
currently occupied by traditional speakers in instrument panels, door panels
and package shelves for other features or functions. Additional benefits
include overall weight reduction, greater styling flexibility and potential
for improvements in vehicle acoustics. It is anticipated that these benefits
will be achieved without compromising occupant safety. The system is being
developed with recyclablity and serviceability in mind.
The integration of sound zones into the overhead system creates
opportunities for reduction in complexity and warranty. As an overhead
systems module, OASys would be delivered to the automaker's assembly plant
fully assembled and tested, assuring greater reliability and quality of the
vehicle's total acoustic package.
Overall, OASys provides an enhanced audio performance for consumers, while
offering greater flexibility to designers and vehicle manufacturers.
Lear-Donnelly Overhead Systems (LDOS) is a 50-50 joint venture between
automotive suppliers Lear Corporation and Donnelly Corporation. LDOS supplies
overhead systems and components to the automotive industry and is a global
leader in innovative product design and manufacturing. Formed in 1997, LDOS
is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, USA.
Lear Corporation , a Fortune 500 company based in Southfield,
Michigan, USA, is one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, with 1998
sales of $9.1 billion. The company's world-class automotive interior products
are designed, engineered and manufactured by more than 60,000 employees in
over 200 facilities located in 28 countries. Information about Lear and its
products is available on the Internet at http://www.lear.com.
Donnelly Corporation is an international automotive supplier
dedicated to serving customers around the globe with industry-leading
components and systems in automotive mirrors, windows, door handles, and
interior trim and lighting. Through its various product lines, Donnelly is a
supplier to every major automotive manufacturer in the world. The company has
been based in Holland, Michigan, USA since 1905, and today has approximately
5,500 employees in 14 countries worldwide. In addition, Donnelly is
nationally recognized as a leader in the application of participative
management principles and systems. Additional information is available on the
company's website at http://www.donnelly.com.
Fact Sheet
Lear-Donnelly Overhead Systems, L.L.C.
A joint venture company, with 50-50 ownership by automotive suppliers Lear
Corporation and Donnelly Corporation, focused on supplying overhead systems to
the automotive industry. Lear-Donnelly Overhead Systems (LDOS) is a global
leader in design, engineering, and process and product innovation.
KEY FACTS
* began operations November 1, 1997, producing headliners, sun visors,
lighting and overhead consoles from a combination of existing Lear and
Donnelly facilities.
* is a product-focused automotive supplier with research, design,
engineering, testing and manufacturing capabilities.
* employs more than 1,200 people worldwide with six facilities in NAFTA
and Europe.
* is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, USA.
* has seen sales increase from $171 million in 1998 to approximately
$245 million in booked business by 2002.
KEY MANAGEMENT
* Richard Perreault, President/CEO
* Tim O'Keefe, Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer
* Charles Scholfield, Vice President of Marketing and Business
Development
ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
Lear-Donnelly (LDOS) is a product-focused company that designs, engineers
and manufactures automotive overhead systems and components worldwide. The
company organization includes:
* Research and Development
* Design and Development
* Program Management
* Marketing and Business Development
* Manufacturing
* Finance and Administration
MANUFACTURING SITES AND TECHNICAL CENTERS
Lear-Donnelly (LDOS) has six facilities -- five manufacturing sites and
one product development center -- located in North America and Europe. The
joint venture also has access to selected manufacturing sites and development
centers at both parent companies, providing LDOS with a worldwide presence.
KEY COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS
Lear-Donnelly (LDOS) is one of the leading independent automotive
suppliers of fully integrated overhead systems and components for vehicles,
including:
* Overhead system modules
* Headliner components
* Sun visor components
* Lighting and switch components
* Overhead console systems
* EcoLiner(TM) recyclable headliner
* OASys(TM) overhead audio system
* ZClip(TM) fastening system
WORLDWIDE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
Lear-Donnelly (LDOS) currently employs, or has access to, all of the
primary technology or processes used in the manufacture of overhead system
components on a worldwide basis. The company has developed and patented a
number of component fastening features that enhance the benefits of overhead
system modularization.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Lear-Donnelly (LDOS) is a leader in integrating driver information
electronics, lighting, navigation (GPS) and audio features and functions into
vehicle overhead systems.
CURRENT CUSTOMERS
Through Lear-Donnelly (LDOS) parent organizations, every major vehicle
manufacturer worldwide has access to LDOS overhead systems or components.
