New Audi A3 Features Preh Climate Control System and Multifunction Steering Wheel Switches

March 28, 2012 - PRLog -- NOVI, Mich. – Preh’s latest climate control system, featured on the new Audi A3, meets Audi’s desire for maximum comfort and ease of operation, said Nick Lontscharitsch, president of Preh, Inc.

Developed at Preh's headquarters in Bad Neustadt, it forms a visual link between the "floating-style” cockpit and center console in the interior.  Not only was the control system implemented in black-panel appearance, but as a special challenge, it needed to be designed for a very low and wide space, Lontscharitsch said.

The climate control system is available in two models – a manual climate control and a fully automatic system with a two-zone temperature control.  Both versions are equipped with the option for heated seats, positioned on side buttons that can be easily operated by the driver and front passenger. Beyond ease of use, Preh was also charged with developing the climate control software, providing for perfect climate comfort in the A3 interior.

A distinguishing feature of the climate comfort control is the sensing of the interior cabin temperature by means of a fanless temperature sensor. This was designed by Preh engineers so it could be easily hidden for optimum performance, and integrated into the control system design.

Vehicles ordered without air conditioning are equipped with a heating control system which also carries the Preh mark. Other Preh products in the A3 include the steering wheel multifunction switches and gear selection paddles offered as an option.

About Preh
Founded in 1919, Preh is a globally operating group of enterprises with more than 2,800 employees. Headquartered in Bad Neustadt a.d. Saale, Germany, Preh’s development and production competencies focus on vehicle interior control systems, sensor systems, electronic control units and assembly systems for the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers.

Apart from the parent manufacturing and development center in Bad Neustadt, Preh oversees manufacturing facilities in Portugal, Mexico, Romania and China, as well as a customer support center in Novi/Detroit, U.S.A.  Since the end of June 2011, the Joyson Group of Ningbo/China holds 74.9 percent of Preh GmbH shares, while the remaining 25.1 percent are held by the Deutsche Beteiligungs AG and Preh management.  The company achieved revenues of about €410 million in 2011.  For more information, please visit: www.preh.com.