Visteon Applies Its Automotive Intellect to All-New Ford Mondeo

The all-new 2008 Ford Mondeo features a wide range of innovative systems and components across Visteon Corporation's (NYSE: VC) core product lines of climate control, interiors and electronics.

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"The all-new Mondeo delivers the advanced technology today's consumer expects and we are proud to support Ford with a range of innovative products," said Michael Enders, Program Director of Visteon's Customer Group. "Visteon's content on the Mondeo has been designed to meet Ford's aim to deliver one of its most technologically-advanced vehicles."

Visteon's technologies on the all-new Mondeo total 107 end-items and include the instrument cluster, rear and front lighting, HVAC unit, compressor and door panels. In the development process, Visteon applied its automotive intellect and expertise to deliver innovations that can be shared across Ford's core architecture to allow for efficient development and testing.

Here is an overview of Visteon content on the new Mondeo:

Advanced Electronics

As a leading global supplier of automotive electronics systems, Visteon offers innovative technologies while delivering style enhancement. The new Mondeo's premium instrument cluster features some of the most advanced driver information technology currently available, such as a TFT (thin-film transistor)-based message center with a user-friendly voice activation function. The cluster interfaces with the voice recognition module and displays the verbal input on a large 256-color TFT display measuring 5.8 inches with WQVGA (400x240 pixel) resolution. Additionally, a comprehensive overview of all major vehicle information, including warning and diagnostics messages and infotainment, is available to assist the driver.

Visteon also supplies a full infotainment package for the Ford Mondeo. Enabling excellent sound quality, the advanced audio system offers a choice of three stereo CD radios, including a new MP3 compatible CD and the CD6 Music system, comprising a dashboard loading 6-disk CD changer. Also available as an option is Visteon's latest generation DVD Family Entertainment System, which can be fully integrated into the vehicle by connecting it to the audio system and integrating the displays into the headrests.

Furthermore Visteon provides Ford with advanced lighting technologies. The distinctive headlamps of the Mondeo are offered with a Halogen Advanced Front (AFS) lighting system that can swivel horizontally by up to 15 degrees, as the driver turns the steering wheel, also offered as an option is a Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) light source. Both systems are equipped with a function that provides extra light for sharp cornering and junctions.

Climate and Interior Expertise

In-depth system expertise and the use of state-of-the art development tools were applied to the Ford Mondeo to optimize the thermal management of the vehicle.

Visteon's variable displacement swash plate compressor offers Ford superior performance and driveability. The compressor is designed to allow multiple applications, even across platforms. As an expert in airflow management, Visteon also has developed a package-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, which allows for more flexible space in the instrument panel. In addition Visteon supplies air conditioning lines, condensers, radiators and climate controls.

Visteon's door panels for the new Mondeo feature high quality, soft touch materials in harmony with the overall interior design and styling, delivering a high level of craftsmanship.

Visteon Corporation 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.