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Burscheid, Germany – 15 September 2009. Well thought out from three perspectives and implemented in its entirety: Johnson Controls’ re3 concept car brings together extra-ordinary demands on state-of-the-art vehicle interiors in the compact class segment. At IAA 2009, one of the world’s leading suppliers of automotive interior systems, electronics and batteries presents solutions for the future that are all possible right now. In the re3 concept, Johnson Controls displays a product package that is not limited to a single vehicle and satisfies current market demands: reduced weight, easy-to-follow arrangement of systems and modules in the vehicle interior, greater use of modular technology and design flexibility. The focus is on sustainability, with the goal of reducing fuel consumption and emissions while increasing comfort and safety at the same time.
The re3 concept car is showcased with a light, pure, yet simultaneously comfortable and generously spacious vehicle interior containing extraordinary display and control concepts and innovative seating solutions. The use of sustainable materials and unique design approaches ensures a harmonious, personal ambience. The re3 is powered by a powerful, environmentally friendly lithium-ion high energy battery. The name re3 stands for “rethink, renew and respond” and is the development formula adopted by Johnson Controls’ engineers and designers, who have raised their skills to new levels in this new concept car. “The result is a symbiosis between innovative product ideas and process technologies, sustainable material use and the comprehensive implementation of contemporary design concepts,” said Detlef Jürss, Vice President Engineering Seating, Interiors and Systems Europe, Africa and South America.
EcoSpace cockpit structure allows for space and greater freedom of design
EcoSpace is a hybrid cockpit structure using plastic and steel that eliminates half of the traditional cross-car beam. The steel is used on the driver’s side in the form of a tripod, while the plastic is used across the full cockpit width. Air channels and the connection to the airbag are integrated directly into the plastic structure, enabling the automakers to benefit from a weight reduction of up to 26 percent compared to conventional cross-car beams. For the vehicle designers, the use of the EcoSpace concept constitutes a major plus in terms of freedom of design. For instance, they now have total flexibility in designing the space in front of the passenger.
Besides reducing weight, optimizing available construction space was a key focus in the development of the re3 cockpit structure. The goal was to remove as many functions as possible from the cockpit and locate them in more appropriate positions from a functional perspective. As a result, and considering that there are many other conceivable layout options, Johnson Controls was able to create more leg room for the front seat passenger while also creating very spacious storage compartments. As a result, the glove compartment was thus 150 percent larger. To achieve variety of design and give the vehicle interior a stylish appeal, the instrument panel and door panels were made from the same environmentally friendly and visible natural fiber material, giving the surfaces a natural appearance.
A futuristic layout and at the same time suitable for day-to-day use
In the re3 concept car, the electronic control functions and user interfaces that were previously located in the center/tunnel console or the door panels were removed and integrated into an alternative, ergonomically favorable position. The electronic controls, parts of the user interfaces for the infotainment system and all of the controls for the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) functions and other control and comfort functions have now been conveniently integrated into the driver’s right armrest. All of this was intended to achieve a new spatial and design concept.
With its clear formal language, the “functional armrest” is in harmony with the driver’s seat. A high-quality plastic surface allows for a flexible arrangement and the integration of functional elements. The advantages include a closed surface that is easy to maintain while retaining a look of high quality. Functions can be controlled using soft touch buttons and a multicontroller. Improving human machine interaction (HMI) was a key focus in developing the functional armrest, while emphasis was placed on opportunities to create differentiation opportunities in the product design itself.
In the manufacturing process, a product of this nature therefore has to be flexible and easy to manufacture. The armrest is coated using a single process for the creation of functional surfaces. Injection molding permits a high level of individualization: colors and layouts can be freely selected and depend only on the printing process. The mechatronic functions are added to the main supports in advance. The number of switches that will be visible is determined only by the film in the injection molding tool.
Extended instrument cluster ensures greater ergonomics
A striking feature is the novel arrangement of the extended instrument cluster, which combines the instrument cluster, infotainment screen and automatic gear change. The two analog gauges provide spatial depth with a combination of visible chrome elements and high-quality material and light arrangement, therefore satisfying high end-consumer expectations. The driver can configure the touch screen with preferred content. The more ergonomic integration of the visible control unit directed toward the driver makes the infotainment functions and content directly accessible and convenient to use. Two reconfigurable TFT displays of different sizes allow the placement and delivery of information based on the driver’s needs. The 4.3-inch screen is located in the center of the cluster. The other is a high-resolution 7-inch display, located in the right-hand-side of the extended cluster. Information from the on-board computer and vehicle diagnostic system, and the user interfaces for telephone, audio system, navigation, MP3 player and other functions, are presented and managed here.
Convenient use of mobile terminals
The Mobile Device Gateway is an electronic module that integrates mobile devices into the vehicle’s intelligent system. The electronic system uses a Bluetooth interface to integrate information from the mobile device into the vehicle environment. This means that you can use the screen to operate the mobile navigation system or dial the numbers stored in your mobile phone, for example. The devices that you carry can be securely stored in the “e-Bin” compartment, where they can be connected or charged using the appropriate USB connections. The Mobile Device Gateway provides a further concept for the US market with the inclusion of a mobile “e-Commerce” function, which offers drivers the convenience of paying for fuel or parking, for instance, without having to leave the vehicle.
Efficient lithium-ion high-energy battery offers sustainability
The expertise of the world leader in the automobile battery segment comes to the forefront in the re3 concept with the integration of a lithium-ion high-energy battery for the plug-in hybrid concept. It is far more powerful than the traditional nickel metal hydride batteries that are still used in most hybrid vehicles. The highly efficient, liquid-cooled battery contains 7.6 kWh of energy and is available for series production. You can drive about 50 km with this battery in pure electric battery mode before the internal combustion engine kicks in – making it about ten times more powerful than the batteries in current use. In theory, you could drive to work in electric mode, charge it while there, and then drive back again on fully electric power. In this connection, Johnson Controls has positioned the battery in the tunnel console between the two front seats for maximum safety.
Slim executive seats optimize passenger communication
In the re3 concept, Johnson Controls has used the super-slim “Slim Seat”, which offers the front passenger a high level of seating comfort while leaving a generous amount of knee room for the passenger in the back. This is achieved by using a conventional backrest structure with a thin layer of seat foam and also Comfort Shell technology, which individually adapts to the passenger’s body shape. These seats with the characteristic slim profile are made entirely using a modular structure (MS) in the seat base and back area. To reduce the risk of whiplash in a vehicle collision, the seats have been fitted with a crash-active head restraint that propels forward in the event of a collision.
The developers also focused intensively on the question of how to break through the traditional communication barrier between front and rear-seat passengers so as to encourage conversation between the seat rows. The result was the “Conversational Seating” concept. Added value for all passengers is provided by the seating arrangement, which creates a conversational triangle by means of a front passenger seat that slides backward into the second row using an extended track, together with fold-away rear seats and a mechatronic release mechanism. The new seating position not only gives the front passenger a unique amount of leg room, but also proves highly practical for interaction with a rear-seat passenger, for instance to attend to a child more easily.
Seat coverings reduce weight by 68 percent
The seat styling is another Johnson Controls innovation, which is an adaptation of the tape technology used in the sports shoe industry. The innovative process utilized for the seat pads is intended to further individualize the interior. Virtually any pattern can be applied to the seat surface efficiently in this way. This process is suitable not only for decorative purposes, but also as a replacement for seams. In the re3 concept the seats are covered with a light “ultraleather” – a high-quality vinyl material that looks and feels like leather but is 68 percent lighter. To round out the interior as a whole, Johnson Controls has also improved the appearance of the headliner in the re3 concept car and provided a harmonious interior lighting system. The pattern from the seats is repeated on the headliner. Ambient light accents are provided in locations such as the door pockets, glove compartment, roof console and instrumentation.
With the re3 concept, Johnson Controls has created a vehicle that is simultaneously intelligent and functional while offering additional space as well as environmentally friendly and inconspicuously stylish. “Our new concept car can hold its own in today’s difficult market conditions, because it points in innovative directions in the compact class segment with a range of accessories and optional equipment that trigger the impulse to purchase, are sought by consumers and are a way for our customers to differentiate themselves from the competition,” said Detlef Jürss.
Image download for press purposes only:
| re3 Overall The re3 concept offers more room in less space, more amenities and more fuel efficiency. Photo: Johnson Controls |
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| re3 Interior re3 is the development formula for the new concept car by Johnson Controls and stands for “rethink, renew, respond”: rethink – shifting the paradigm of what a car in the compact class segment should be; renew – providing a sustainable interior; and respond – fulfilling manufacturer requirements and complex consumer needs. Photo: Johnson Controls |
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| re3 Seating The front passenger seat slides backward into the second row using an extended track, to facilitate conversation between front and rear seat passengers for example. Photo: Johnson Controls |
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| re3 Display Integrated into the extended cluster are two reconfigurable displays that allow the placement and delivery of information based on the driver’s needs. Photo: Johnson Controls |
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| re3 HMI In the Johnson Controls re3 concept car, the controls were integrated into the functional armrest instead of the center stack. When developing the armrest, the focus was on optimizing human-machine interaction (HMI). Photo: Johnson Controls |
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| re3 SeatWing The functional armrest enables design flexibility and integration of controls such as HVAC. Music management is also within easy reach of the driver and passenger. Photo: Johnson Controls |
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| re3 EcoSpace The EcoSpace cockpit structure enables more space and design freedom in the vehicle interior. Photo: Johnson Controls |
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| re3 OHSystem Johnson Controls has visually enhanced the headliner of the re3 concept car and integrated harmonious interior lighting. Photo: Johnson Controls |
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| re3 OHConsole An overhead console with functional film reduces part count and complexity. Photo: Johnson Controls |
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| re3 DoorPanel To achieve variety of design and give the vehicle interior a stylish appeal, the instrument and door panels were made from the same environmentally friendly and visible natural fiber material, giving the surfaces a natural appearance. Photo: Johnson Controls |
Further information is available from:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Experience
Industriestr. 20-30
51399 Burscheid
Germany
Astrid Schafmeister
Tel.: +49 2174 65-3189
Fax: +49 2174 65-3219
E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com
Ina Longwitz
Tel.: +49 2174 65-4343
E-mail: ina.longwitz@jci.com
Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
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