Visteon and 3M Unveil New Demonstration Vehicle Targeted at Growth Markets

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Visteon Corporation (OTC: VSTO) and 3M (NYSE: MMM) today introduced a new technology demonstration vehicle targeted at consumers in global growth markets such as Asia, Eastern Europe and South America. Technologies demonstrated on this vehicle include Visteon innovations in electronics, lighting, interiors and climate, as well as an array of 3M products and solutions.

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The vehicle was unveiled during a media event at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Visteon's exhibit is located in the Central Plaza (CP20), outside the Las Vegas Convention Center. CES runs through Sunday, Jan. 9.

"Together, Visteon and 3M conducted extensive research to better identify the mobility wants and needs of today's consumers in growth markets," explained Tim Yerdon, Visteon global director of innovation and design. "New automotive solutions were born from these findings and integrated into this technology demonstration property to share with automakers, so they can consider implementing these technologies in future models."

Representatives from both companies observed drivers in target markets and how they interacted with their vehicles, then entered in dialogue regarding their driving experience. Workshops were also held to gauge the consumer's sense of perceived quality. Output from this research resulted in an outline for the Growth Market Project, yielding a compilation of technologies considered by target consumers as having high value and quality, and designed to reflect local needs.

"While this project encompasses all product areas at Visteon, we elected to unveil this demonstration vehicle at CES for its unique implementation of cockpit electronics technologies," explained Yerdon. "CES is the premier electronics-based event where Visteon can engage customers, technology partners and suppliers in a single venue."

Local Visteon experts in various growth regions provided insights to ensure that the project's styling, design and features appeal to emerging market consumers while offering maximum customization. The modular design offers consumers a vehicle with key features that can be tailored to meet their driving needs and preferences. For instance, the instrument panel can be full-size for improved styling, or two-thirds of normal size to increase available storage space.

Dr. Steven Vander Louw, global technical director, 3M Automotive Division, stated, "We're pleased to be a part of this exciting project. The research and analysis portion of 3M and Visteon's ongoing collaborative relationship leverages the strengths of both companies, and results in more relevant applications of technologies to target markets."

For more information about this technology demonstration concept, visit: www.visteon.com/innovate/growthmarket.

This is the second major collaboration between Visteon and 3M on technology demonstration vehicles. The initial project in 2008 yielded two solution-based retrofitted prototype vehicles that addressed six social trends: comfort, connectivity, convenience, health, flexibility (individualism) and sensory. Read more about Visteon and 3M technologies at www.visteon.com/innovate/xwave.

About Visteon

Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, electronic, interior and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Chelmsford, UK; the company has facilities in 26 countries and employs approximately 26,500 people. Learn more at www.visteon.com.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms -- often in combination -- to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

SOURCE Visteon Corporation