KERPEN, Germany, October 2 /PRNewswire/ --

Visteon Corporation's (NYSE: VC) electrically driven air conditioning compressor is featured in BMW's hybrid demonstration vehicle, first presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO )

Applying its proven expertise in compressors with its electrical and electronic capabilities, Visteon has developed this unique solution for use with hybrid vehicles. The compact lightweight compressor is the result of innovative electric motor and power electronics designs that are integrated into the compressor housing.

Visteon's compact solution fits into the package space of a belt-driven compressor used in conventional powertrains. This enables vehicle manufacturers to minimize the complexity of integrating the electric compressor into hybrid derivatives, and to provide full thermal occupant comfort in hybrid vehicles -- also during engine-off modes.

The modular approach allows the same basic packaging dimensions for the electric motor and power electronics to be designed for either 120V DC or 288V DC applications, making Visteon's compressor suitable for mild (lower voltage) or full/plug-in hybrid (higher voltage) applications. The modularity also extends to the mechanical portion of the compressor and allows a second design for alternative refrigerants, such as R744, to be utilized with the modular electric motor and power electronics.

Producing approximately 9 million units a year, Visteon is the third largest supplier of air conditioning compressors for the global passenger and light commercial vehicle market. Visteon's broad portfolio comprises a range of compressor types and displacements tailored to the different needs of vehicle programs and platforms. At the top line of this portfolio, the electrically driven compressor is available to automotive manufacturers who want to provide their customers with full thermal occupant comfort in hybrid vehicles. Visteon will start series production end of 2009.

Other Visteon technologies for hybrid applications include battery cooling modules, a hybrid cooling system, and air induction with emission controls for current and upcoming hybrid vehicles.

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 38,500 people.

Visteon news releases, photographs and product specification details are available at www.visteon.com

Web site: http://www.visteon.com

Jonna Christensen, +44-1268-701094, jchris18@visteon.com, or Jim Fisher, +1-734-710-5557, jfishe89@visteon.com, both of Visteon Corporation; Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO, AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org, PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com