Johnson Controls and Michelin Show Importance of Tire Pressure Monitoring
15 April 1999
Johnson Controls and Michelin Demonstrate the Importance of Tire Pressure Monitoring at California Speedway PSI -- Pressure Safety Information System Slated for Integration
in Model-Year 2001 Luxury Models
LOS ANGELES, April 15 -- With the help of Michelin North
America, officials from Johnson Controls today demonstrated to
automakers and members of the news media the importance of tire pressure
monitoring, and the benefits of the company's PSI(TM) -- Pressure Safety
Information -- system. Johnson Controls hosted the group today as part of
"Feel the Pressure", a ride-and-drive event at the California Speedway in
Fontana, California.
PSI is an innovative, tire pressure monitoring system that enhances
vehicle safety, tire performance and driver convenience. It is likely to be
the first system of its kind in a production vehicle when it debuts in several
2001 luxury models.
The PSI system includes a radio-frequency transmitter in each tire,
receiver circuitry and an in-vehicle electronic display that signals a driver
when pressure in any tire falls below optimum levels. Loss of tire pressure is
indicated with an audible signal or an alert message on a visual display.
"Our PSI product offers improved vehicle performance and a significant measure
of safety and peace of mind for drivers," said Michael Suman, group vice
president of advanced sales, marketing and development -- worldwide. "When
used in conjunction with zero-pressure tires, such as Michelin's ZP tires, the
technology also may reduce the need for a conventional spare tire. This
approach would reduce vehicle cost and weight, and create additional trunk
cargo space."
For a low-cost solution, PSI can be integrated with the HomeLink(R)
Universal Transceiver from Johnson Controls, a programmable electronic
communications system that links vehicles to home security, lighting and
convenience controls. Integrating the product into the HomeLink system reduces
costs because the electronic unit can be used to provide multiple functions.
PSI also is available with a low-cost stand-alone receiver. The PSI
display can be included in overhead console displays for compass/temperature
units and trip computers, as well as in sun visors.
Suman says PSI can easily be packaged in a wide variety of vehicles.
Recent studies in the United States -- conducted by the Society of Automotive
Engineers -- show that low tire pressure causes about 260,000 accidents
annually. Another finding is that 75 percent of tire failures each year may be
preceded by slow air leaks or inadequate tire inflation.
According to Suman, Johnson Controls' own market research indicates that
80 percent of consumers believe a low tire pressure warning system is an
important or extremely important vehicle feature. In the study, many consumers
expressed a strong desire to purchase a system like PSI.
The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business of Johnson Controls
employs more than 57,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide. In 1999, it will
supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles. The automotive
business achieved US$9.3 billion in sales for the 1998 fiscal year.
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and
facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major
supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For nonresidential
facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services,
energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls
, founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its
sales for 1998 totaled US$12.6 billion.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A photo of the PSI(TM) -- Pressure Safety Information
system -- can be obtained by calling Dave Roznowski at 734-254-5632, or by
visiting http://www.newscom.com.
CONTACT: David Roznowski of Johnson Controls, 734-254-5632.
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/467538.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 473547.
