1998 Chevrolet AdVenture Concept

Johnson Controls Helps Define Character of Chevy AdVenture Vehicle

4 January 1999

Innovative, Full-featured Interior from Johnson Controls Helps Define Brand Character of Chevy AdVenture Concept Vehicle

Necessities for active lifestyles -- and much more -- are on-board, as vehicle debuts today in Detroit

DETROIT, Jan. 3 -- The Chevrolet AdVenture concept vehicle promises to "do it all" for active, outdoor "adventurists." Its interior -- designed and produced by Johnson Controls -- offers the ultimate in versatility, range of function, comfort, storage, communications and convenience.

The unique, multi-purpose minivan makes it debut today to automakers worldwide at the 1999 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. (Officials from automotive interior supplier Johnson Controls officially unveiled the AdVenture concept vehicle at the company's NAIAS news conference, scheduled for 4:30 p.m., January 3 at Detroit's Cobo Center, in room D2-15.)

"We worked closely with Chevrolet's brand team to create an exciting, unique interior that targets the 'now generation' -- and offers value-added features for all outdoor-oriented individuals and families," said Nathan Young, group vice president of worldwide new product development, marketing planning and industrial design for Johnson Controls.

Young calls the AdVenture vehicle -- and its interior -- "breakthrough approaches" that could create a totally new vehicle market niche. "It's a multi-dimensional vehicle that's perfect for contemporary lifestyles," he said. "Our successful work on this vehicle demonstrates how important interiors are to brand character -- and the high level of innovation we can bring to differentiate a model."

Inside and out, the Chevy AdVenture has everything active people want -- whether they're heading out to ski, bike, swim, roller-blade, camp or simply picnic in the park.

The vehicle incorporates a wide variety of interior innovations from Johnson Controls, including full-featured RECARO seats; a pull-out bike rack; a slide-out utility table; an on-board video entertainment system; a floor with interlocking rubber overlays; multiple AC and DC power ports; and an array of storage areas for gear and tools.

"Getting there" in comfort and style is the first rule of any outdoor activity. That's why the AdVenture features four, powder-blue RECARO by Johnson Controls seats -- complete with custom leather and cloth covers, power lift and recline functions, thigh-extension cushions, and pneumatic lumbar comfort systems. The seats also provide additional convenience functions, including power ports and tie-down strapping built into each seat back. Occupants can use the electric outlets to "power-up" computers, cell phones or snap-in reading lights.

From ski slopes to bike paths -- and every place in between -- vehicle versatility comes in handy. And the AdVenture interior offers functionality and flexibility from floor to ceiling, and from front to back.

An "easy-to-clean" floor covered with interlocking rubber floor mats offers a fresh, rugged look that can stand up to ice, snow, water and dirt -- and even family pets.

The overhead system comes fully loaded with innovative products from Johnson Controls, including the AutoVision(R) video entertainment system, offering games and movies; the HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver, which remotely controls home security, lighting and convenience systems; and an electronic tire-pressure monitoring system called PSI(TM) - Pressure Safety Information. The videocassette player for the AutoVision system is a snap-in- place, portable unit mounted in the floor console.

For carrying gear safely, the vehicle features a headliner-integrated, rear cargo net that can section off interior space for storage -- or extend to the back of the vehicle to create a separate, overhead storage compartment.

When it comes to being flexible, functional and fun -- the back of the Chevy AdVenture interior may be at the front of the line. It has a pull-out bike rack with a wire basket for extra storage and an integrated, slide-out utility table that can be used for making quick equipment repairs or hosting a "tailgate" party. Both the bike rack and the table are constructed from durable, lightweight aluminum. These devices are attached to the floor of the vehicle, or can be removed and replaced with a third-row, split-bench seat.

The utility table features 110-volt and 12-volt power outlets, headphone and video output jacks, speaker ports, tool holders, and an antenna outlet. Rear-panel areas of the vehicle offer interior wire frames for securing equipment and additional tool storage areas.

"When you look inside the AdVenture, you'll see one of the most versatile, exciting, and full-featured interiors ever created for a mainstream vehicle," said Young.

Fred Schaafsma, vehicle line executive for General Motors, said Johnson Controls designers and engineers helped to drastically change the minivan's brand identity by redesigning the interior.

"The AdVenture concept is a great example of how our partners at Johnson Controls assisted us in extending the brand image of a Chevrolet minivan, by displaying the versatility that's possible in this kind of vehicle," he said.

The Chevy AdVenture will be shown to industry officials and journalists at Johnson Controls' NAIAS technology and product exhibit (room D2-15, Cobo Center) from January 3 to 8.

The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business of Johnson Controls -- which employs more than 57,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide -- achieved US$9.3 billion in sales for the 1998 fiscal year. In model-year 1999, it will supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles.

Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services, energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its sales for 1998 totaled US$12.6 billion.