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Speed and Comfort Combined
Johnson Controls partnered with Fiat for innovations in the new Fiat 500
Johnson Controls, the world’s leading supplier of automotive interior systems, electronics and batteries has, along with Fiat Group Automobiles, developed the seating and door panels for the Fiat 500, recently named 2008 Car of the Year. The newly designed seating is an impressive blending of attractive looks and cutting-edge function.The overall process represents a model of efficiency and cooperation that has resulted in a significant reduction in production time. Johnson Controls manufactures the seating for the Fiat in its Bierun plant in Poland, while the Námestovo plant in Slovakia is responsible for producing the door panels. From there, the parts reach the Fiat 500 plant in Tychy near Krakow on a “just-in-time” basis to complete the assembly process.
Customer Benefits
That speed doesn’t short-cut personalization of the seating. Consumers can choose from many fabric and color combinations; in addition, the seat covers are embossed with patterns that have the appearance of decorative stitching. A scratch-resistant surface and soft-touch armrests further enhance visual appeal.But it isn’t a matter of simple beauty, as the seats come with added comfort and safety features. “The fact that the Fiat 500 earned the coveted five-star rating in the Euro NCAP Test is due in no small part to its solid seating, which contributes significantly to the high degree of occupant safety,” says Marzio Raveggi, vice president and general manager of the Fiat Customer Business Unit at Johnson Controls.
The advantages don’t end there. The seats come with a standard airbag and seat-occupancy sensor linked to a seat-belt reminder signal. An easy-entry function also gives passengers easy access to the back seats.
