SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "Commonization" is a
term used within the automotive industry referring to the use of a common
solution for multiple customer groups that share the same requirements in a
particular product area. Making fifty different seat designs when only two or
three are actually needed can be a waste of time and resources. Streamlining
these products into fewer architectures greatly increases quality and lowers
costs.
Through the utilization of common systems, Lear offers a high level of
reusable content across designs. This reduces costs but maintains the
flexibility that automakers require to differentiate vehicle platforms. While
not a specific area of request by consumers, the benefits from commonization
are passed by the automaker to vehicle consumers through cost and quality
improvements.
"The utilization of common systems allows Lear to meet the needs of our
customer base with higher quality products at a lower cost," said Douglas
DelGrosso, president and chief operating officer of Lear. "Commonization is
necessary in this industry to sustain a competitive advantage."
Lear Flexible Seat Architecture (LFSA) is a modular/flexible seat
structure accommodating various vehicle architecture and comfort feature
needs. The backbone of every seat system is the seat structure which is made
up of a cushion frame, a back frame, a seat-back recliner and seat adjuster.
LFSA was incorporated into more than forty seat systems across several
customer platforms beginning in 2005.
Lear's Smart and Passive Junction Boxes form the foundation for a
vehicle's electrical and electronic systems by use of a printed circuit board
design which allows for efficient system changes or upgrades. These highly
reliable and adaptable products reduce vehicle assembly time by reducing the
number of components and optimizing size, weight and cost.
Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA) is one of the world's largest suppliers of
automotive interior systems and components. Lear provides complete seat
systems, electronic products and electrical distribution systems and other
interior products. With annual net sales of $17.1 billion, Lear ranks #127
among the Fortune 500. The company's world-class products are designed,
engineered and manufactured by a diverse team of 115,000 employees at 282
locations in 34 countries. Lear's headquarters are in Southfield, Michigan,
and Lear is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol [LEA].
Further information about Lear is available on the Internet at
http://www.lear.com .
SOURCE Lear Corporation
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CONTACT:
Andrea Puchalsky, Director - Corporate
Communications of Lear Corporation, +1-248-447-1651
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