Storage and Security Components to Debut at 2003 SEMA Show in Las Vegas This
Week
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, officials at automotive supplier
Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) announced that the firm has entered into an
agreement with Master Lock Company that will provide consumers with a new line
of security and convenience features for their vehicles. Milwaukee,
Wisconsin-based Master Lock has developed three innovative modules for Johnson
Controls' Railport(TM) Vehicle Personalization System to give motorists new
options to secure personal items in their automobiles.
(Logo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030423/JCILOGO )
The Railport system and the Master Lock modules will be shown at the
Johnson Controls product and technology display booth (#10672) at the
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show at the Las Vegas Convention
Center from Tuesday, November 4 through Friday, November 7. The SEMA event is
the world's largest trade show focused on automotive accessory products,
trends and technologies.
Railport offers consumers the ability to customize the interior of their
vehicles at the point of purchase and throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
Integrated into a vehicle's overhead system, it features flexible docking
technology that provides for the attachment of a variety of modules and
modular devices as they become available.
In the first product concept emerging from the partnership, Master Lock
will provide locking subsystems for storage bins used in the Railport system.
The locking subsystem will allow the secure, convenient storage of small,
lightweight items such as compact discs (CDs), DVDs and a variety of
valuables.
In addition, Master Lock has developed another concept module -- a
removable safe. The Autosafe bin enables users to discreetly place their
valuables out of sight and to secure them in an overhead bin inside the
vehicle. A third concept from Master Lock that was developed for the Railport
system is a Python storage bin. It contains Master Lock's Python security
cable, which can be used as a locking product inside and outside the vehicle.
The Johnson Controls-Master Lock agreement brings together the premier
supplier of automotive interior systems and the world's number one brand of
padlocks and related security products.
"With its reputation of being a leader in high-quality security solutions,
we are extremely proud to be teaming with Master Lock to develop products for
our Railport system," said John Gorton, group vice president and general
manager, product and business development for Johnson Controls. "The three
modules add to the variety of options consumers can choose from to tailor
their vehicle interior to meet their own specific needs and lifestyles."
The alliance with Johnson Controls marks a tremendous opportunity for both
companies, said John Heppner, Master Lock president and chief operating
officer. "This partnership provides new distribution channels for quality
Master Lock products and provides Johnson Controls' customers with additional
desirable features," he said.
The Railport technology gives automakers the opportunity to refresh their
vehicles' interiors without having to wait for traditional mid-cycle or major
model changes. It provides them with the ability to achieve this at reduced
design, engineering and tooling costs. The system also enables consumers to
customize a vehicle interior to meet their unique lifestyles and hobbies.
Master Lock, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the world's largest
manufacturer of padlocks and related security products for automotive, home
and yard, contractors, recreational and commercial needs. For additional
information, visit http://www.masterlock.com . Master Lock Company is an operating
unit of Fortune Brands, Inc., a $6 billion leading consumer brands company.
Headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill., Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO) is included in
the S&P 500 Index.
Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and
facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major
supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-
residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services
including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls
(NYSE: JCI), founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
SOURCE Johnson Controls, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.prnewswire.com/micro/sema2003
http://www.masterlock.com http://www.johnsoncontrols.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030423/JCILOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html
CONTACT:
Debra Lacey of Johnson Controls,
+1-734-254-5735, or Jim Recknagel of Master Lock, +1-414-766-6294
NOTE TO EDITORS: For access to other Johnson Controls news
releases and additional company information, visit the company's
site on the World Wide Web at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com .
Photos of the Railport Vehicle Personalization System can be
requested from Heidi Parent of Johnson Controls at (734) 254-6220
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