Monday, January 10, 2005

Consumer's eye

High-tech tweaks make driving a bit easier

Airless tires drop need to monitor pressure and seating concepts add comfort.

By Anita Lienert / Special to The Detroit News

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DETROIT - Making life easier for consumers was the theme Sunday as two auto suppliers unveiled new technologies at the 2005 North American International Auto Show.

French tire maker Michelin showcased an IBot wheelchair equipped with Tweel airless tires, which fuse a tire and a wheel into a single component. The Tweel promises to dramatically improve life for all kinds of people, from those who use wheelchairs to car and truck buyers.

The Tweel is not likely to hit the market for up to 15 years and will probably cost more than conventional tire-and-wheel assemblies, according to Michelin.

With the experimental Tweel, you would never have to worry about maintaining the proper air pressure - a real benefit, considering that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that three out of four vehicles on the road today have at least one underinflated tire.

Johnson Controls Inc., which has operations in Plymouth, introduced three seating concepts.

The FastForward Seating System folded the second- and third-row seats flat in a Nissan Quest minivan with the push of a button.

"We did studies that found consumers are confused about the seats in minivans and SUVs," said Bill Fluharty, Johnson Controls' vice president of industrial design. "They don't want to fold and tumble and grab multiple handles."

During the demonstration, the seats folded flat, but not into the floor, and almost too quickly. Asked about the safety of such speedy operation, especially around children, Johnson Controls engineers said the system would be slowed down for production use. The concept also featured storage bins at the feet of second-row passengers and in the cargo area. No manufacturer has bought the entire system yet.

Johnson Controls also showed off the Genus concept seat, which packages under-seat mood lighting, an extended seat cushion for better thigh support and a plastic seat structure that's cheaper and lighter than steel.

Finally, the parts maker debuted a sophisticated new interior on its Ikanos concept SUV that was inspired by the harmonious design of Starbucks and Panera Bread stores.

The interior features CrafTec, a process that improves fit-and-finish and gives the cabin a precision look. Designers can combine fabrics, foams and finishes in a custom-fit way.

In addition, the instrument panel on Ikanos powers up in an entertaining sequence, running through a rainbow of colors.

You can reach Anita Lienert at ConsEye@aol.com.