Visteon and 3M Announce New Technology Collaboration

Visteon Corporation and 3M
announced a global advanced technology collaboration today at a 2008
International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) press conference in Las Vegas.
The companies unveiled a jointly developed demonstration vehicle showcasing
more than 50 technologies designed to enhance the driving experience. The
technologies demonstrate potential commercial applications that could result
from this collaborative arrangement. The vehicle is on display at Visteon's
booth (CP7) during CES, which runs from Jan. 7-10.
(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO)
The collaboration paves the way for the two Fortune 500 companies to
develop consumer-focused original equipment and aftermarket automotive
products that capitalize on the expertise of each company.
Combined, the two companies have years of experience supplying products
and services to the automotive industry. 3M is recognized universally as an
innovator, supplying more than 1,000 products to the automotive marketplace
by
tapping into a broad range of technology platforms. Lighting, optical films
and capacitive sensing technologies are just a few examples of technologies
3M
applies in the automotive space. Visteon, one of the world's largest
automotive suppliers, is known in the automotive industry for its first-to-
market innovations in automotive climate, interior and electronics systems.
The collaboration on this demonstration vehicle is the culmination of
discussions initiated several years ago by the two companies. The initial
discussions between the two companies were intended to learn about one
another's innovation processes.
"From those discussions, we realized we had very similar cultures that
fostered open innovation," said Steve Meszaros, vice president of Visteon
electronics. "From there, we reframed our discussions and began
collaborating
on solution-based products; that is, products that solve a particular
consumer
need."
The companies began to design a solution-based prototype vehicle, taking
into consideration consumer research and mega-trends. The vehicle unveiled
today demonstrates more than 50 innovative technologies. These technologies
are solution based, addressing six social trends: comfort, connectivity,
convenience, health, flexibility (individualism), and sensory. For example,
the vehicle's center stack electronics has the capability to link the user's
personal devices -- such as an iPod(R) or mobile phone -- to the vehicle's
audio system, allowing the vehicle controls to become the user interface.
This
solution addresses the connectivity trend. The two companies plan to unveil
another demonstration vehicle in Europe later this year.
"This relationship is exciting; it brings together two automotive
companies with unique and complementary strengths," said Steve Schreiner,
marketing director, 3M Global Automotive Market Center. "3M and Visteon
intend
to use the demonstration vehicle as a centerpiece in discussions with
automakers about developing technology that addresses social trends and
meets
consumer needs."
Visteon and 3M are able to innovate intelligently because of their
in-depth understanding of both the OEMs who manufacture vehicles and the end
consumers who ultimately purchase vehicles.
This collaborative approach is key to Visteon's electronics strategy.
Visteon strategically aligns itself with leading innovators in the consumer
segment to ensure its products use the latest cutting edge technologies.
"We've worked with Nintendo to bring GameBoy(R) Advanced to the vehicle
and other companies such as Boston Acoustics to bring the industry the best
there is in sound systems," explained Meszaros. "3M is a known innovator in
a
broad range of technologies that can be applied to current customer concerns
and future trends."
Visteon Corporation
Visteon is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers
and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting
products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of products
and
services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van Buren
Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Kerpen, Germany; the company
has
facilities in 26 countries and employs approximately 43,000 people.
About 3M A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen.
Wherever
they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M
to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it,
Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving
customers around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise,
technologies
and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office;
display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security
and
protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more
information, including the latest product and technology news, visit
www.3M.com.

Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command
and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
SOURCE Visteon Corporation

Media, Melissa Andrade of Visteon, +1-734-710-5546, mandrad7@visteon.com, or
Stephanie Sanderson of 3M, +1-651-733-8588, sjsanderson@mmm.com
Source: reuters.com