Johnson Controls Develops and Manufactures the Seats and Overhead System for the New Chrysler Jeep Commander
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Greater flexibility for the Chrysler Jeep Commander
Burscheid- With the new Chrysler Jeep Commander, the whole family can look forward to off-road tours, because it has three rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven persons simultaneously. The seats have been developed by Johnson Controls, one of the world's leading suppliers of automotive interior systems, electronics and batteries. A special mechanism, has been integrated into the seats of a Jeep for the first time making access to the third row particularly easy and comfortable. Besides this, the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) is also suitable for transporting large and bulky items. With just one simple hand movement, the two rear seat rows can be completely folded away to produce an extended, flat cargo area.
The long version of the new Grand Cherokee, called the Commander, is the first Jeep with up to seven seats. Aside from the variability of the seats - extending from the all-electric operation with memory function to the seat trim covers in fabric, leather or premium leather - a special mechanism in the second row enables effortless access into the third row and additional storage space. A single lever allows the three backrests of the 40-20-40-split second row of seats to be folded forward onto the seat cushions. An integral spring invisible from both sides raises the rear seat cushion against the front seat for smooth entry to the third row.
Safety and storage space
"Not only comfort but also the safety of the passengers in the third row of seats played an important role for us in the development process," said Matthias Berg, Vice President and General Manager DaimlerChrysler Customer Business Unit at Johnson Controls. The company has integrated a release lever into the rear of the backrest to make exiting easier for these passengers. When it is used, the seats in the second row can be simply folded together.
At the same time, the consumers' desire for flexibility has been consistently met. The seats can be stowed away inside the vehicle to provide a flat cargo floor. A lever on the backrest enables the passenger to fold the seats manually forward and lower them into the floor. The head restraints do not have to be removed as a special mechanism ensures that they fold down. The SUV can then be quickly converted into a transporter.
In addition to the seats, Johnson Controls is also responsible for the overhead system. The company has developed the headliner, the overhead console and the optional acoustic parking system module with visual and acoustic signals as well as the sun shade for the sunroof above the second row of seats.
The complete overhead system and seats are assembled at Johnson Controls in Graz, Austria. The plant is located in the DaimlerChrysler supplier park so that closely coordinated production processes and short transport routes ensure optimum delivery to the customers. DaimlerChrysler has been supplying Europe and the markets outside North America with the new Jeep Commander from Graz.
Digital photos are available at johnsoncontrols-press.com.
Further information is available from:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Group
IndustriestraŸe 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 is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions.The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls´ automotive product portfolio also includes seating systems, instrument panels/cockpits, door and overhead systems, interior electronics and electrical energy management. The company also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), founded in 1885, is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The European headquarters is in Burscheid, Germany. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/
