Think Audi's interior is 'better' than Ford's?

[G35stilez]

Think again...


Recently we discussed a company called Johnson Controls in my Marketing class. I was extremely surprised to find out what they did and for whom.

Johnson Controls designs and manufacturers entire cockpits/interiors for auto manufacturers. Those included are:

# Alfa Romeo
# Audi
# BMW
# Citroen
# DaimlerChysler
# Fiat
# Ford
# General Motors
# Jaguar
# Honda
# Lancia
# Land Rover
# Mazda
# Mitsubishi
# Nissan
# Opel
# Peugeot
# Porsche
# Renault
# Rover
# Saab
# Seat
# Skoda
# Smart
# Suzuki
# Toyota
# Vauxhall
# Volvo
# VW


So next time you go to hate on Ford's interior, remember, they aren't the ones making it...

http://johnsoncontrols.com/asg-intro...nyOverview.asp


Enjoy.

[Setec Astronomy]

I wouldn't be surprised if Johnson Controls had bought out a bunch of other (interior) manufacturers. Auto manufacturers outsourced a lot of stuff even before outsourcing was a well known term. I'll never forget the first oil change on my mother's '88 Olds...when I saw the "Made In Japan" sticker on the starter. FWIW, the auto company gives companies like Johnson Controls specifications, and has design approval, so it's not really like the exact same interiors are being put in all those cars, just like Goodyear doesn't put station wagon tires on F1 cars, I'm sure the Porsche interiors that Johnson Controls does are different than a "Ford" interior.

Good point though, about how one supplier can make for all those cars...kind of like the things we hear about the actual mfrs. of base material used in detailing chemicals being very few in number.

[4830Deuce]

Just because they are the same company dosent mean that the same materials are used, and more design and quality is put in to the nicer cars they do...

-justin

[MorBid]

Somehow, as hard as I try, I can't see the interior of a Ford comparing to that of an Audi

[Scottwax]

Originally Posted by 4830Deuce

Just because they are the same company dosent mean that the same materials are used, and more design and quality is put in to the nicer cars they do...

-justin

The interior of GM trucks and SUVs are laid out nicely but except for the Escalade, the material selection has a cheap appearance.

[Fskof]

Johnson Controls designs and manufacturers interiours to the car maufactures specs and wants. The final product is still up to the car company. Problem with the American companies is that they have to many consultants, accountants and bean counters that decide whats best for the car's bottom line.

[Corey Bit Spank]

I think Ford's recent interiors are very nice.

[SpoiledMan]

Originally Posted by Scottwax

The interior of GM trucks and SUVs are laid out nicely but except for the Escalade, the material selection has a cheap appearance.

I got lit up for posting something similar months ago. I guess the truth hurts?

[drewski59]

Originally Posted by Corey Bit Spank

I think Ford's recent interiors are very nice.

The F150 is nice. The new Fusion is full of dull, hard plastics however.

It all depends on the car company, and how much $$ they want to spend and how nicely they want to finish it.

Audis, IMHO, are still unmatched in material quality and fit/finish.

[Mitchubishievo]

Lexus is number one on my list.

[Autoeng]

I worked for JCI for 10 years. Almost all ASG (automotive seat group) design work takes place in Plymouth, MI. The car manufacturer comes in with their design which JCI quotes. If they win the contract then they redesign for manufacturability and cost targets and get the manufacturers buyoff.

JCI also has a battery division, HVAC controls division and a division that works at Cape Canaverel on the space program but I never knew what they did. I think something to do with facilities management.

[Corey Bit Spank]

Originally Posted by Mitchubishievo

Lexus is number one on my list.

The IS350's is nothing to yaya about.