GENEVA, March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Siemens VDO Automotive designed and
delivered seamless cockpit and center console for the new Range Rover luxury
sport utility vehicle (SUV) breaks new ground in the use of innovative
manufacturing techniques and new materials. Delivered directly to the
assembly line at Land Rover's Solihull, Great Britain plant from Siemens VDO
Automotive's Holford, Great Britain facility, the cockpit and entire center
console arrives as a ready-to-install module consisting of a complete wiring
harness and more than 300 individual parts.
Siemens VDO Automotive spent four years developing the functional, elegant
cockpit, taking a clear, strict geometric design direction and adhering to the
highest level of quality and precision workmanship. Equally luxurious and
authentic materials were selected, so even in the large cockpit areas of the
more sophisticated vehicle models are covered with leather, while the consoles
use real wood and aluminum-finished plastic pieces to give the interior a more
sophisticated look.
To achieve such a high-profile complete cockpit and remain consistent with
the vehicle's luxurious style, Siemens VDO Automotive refined manufacturing
methods, which allowed for the innovative use of non-traditional materials.
For example, the leather used throughout the new Range Rover's cockpit is
augmented by a foam backing of synthetic material on polyurethane basis, as
opposed to the traditional method of simply being glued onto the components.
This thickness of this foam layer can be varied to optimize cushioning effects
and enhances the feel of the material.
Siemens VDO Automotive also provides an innovative solution to withstand
the thermal stress the cockpit's wood paneling with integrated vents is under
during maximum sun exposure. To ensure the material does not crack, even
after prolonged, intensive exposure of the desert sun, the wood is secured to
a console made of temperature-proof magnesium, as opposed to a conventional
synthetic material carrier. In addition, the veneer is comprised of more than
20 paper-thin, individually bonded, varnished and polished wood layers to
ensure the color does not fade.
Along with being elegant and luxurious, the Range Rover cockpit also is
functional and ergonomic. Siemens VDO developers worked closely with project
teams at BMW in Munich and Land Rover in Gaydon to design a combination
instrument that provides perfect readability and has an illumination that
harmonizes with the cockpit's night design. Controls are easily accessible
and off-road functions, such as the gear reduction or the hill descent
control, are located on especially large and comfortable switches that are
easily and safely reached while even in extreme off-road situations.
The variable design of the Siemens VDO Automotive complete cockpit and
console module allows for a large number of equipment and design variations.
For the first time in the history of the Range Rover, customers now have the
opportunity to determine their own design. Consoles made of wood, metal or
plastic can be combined with different types of leather or finishes and with
the addition of technical differences, Siemens VDO Automotive can assemble
more than 300,000 different, customized variations upon request.
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global
electronics and engineering company. It employs more than 450,000 people in
193 countries and reported worldwide sales in excess of $72.7 billion in
fiscal 2001 (10/1/00 - 9/30/01).
The United States is Siemens' largest market, with 77,000 employees and
sales of more than $18.9 billion in fiscal 2001. Siemens is a leading
provider of advanced technology solutions in the information and
communications, medical, power, automation and control, transportation and
lighting sectors, and leverages its global network of innovation and
unparalleled technological heritage to deliver business results for Siemens'
customers around the globe. For more information about Siemens in the U.S.,
go to http://www.usa.siemens.com .
Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive
electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering
gasoline and diesel powertrain systems, safety and chassis systems, body
electronics and interior and infotainment. Worldwide sales reflecting partial
fiscal year 2000/2001 totaled $5.0 billion.
On Jan. 1, 2002, Siemens Automotive Corp. and VDO North America merged to
form Siemens VDO Automotive in the United States. Additional information can
be found on the company's website at http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com .
SOURCE Siemens VDO Automotive
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Related links:
http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com
CONTACT:
David Ladd of Siemens VDO Automotive,
+1-248-209-5822, david.ladd@at.siemens.com
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