Micro Processor Power Cruise Controls

Cruise Control History and Background

Mr. Hickman had formed a relationship with many O.E.M. customers such as American Motors / Jeep, Chrysler Motors, Chrysler MMC Cars, Mazda, Subaru, Isuzu, Volvo, Renault, and discovered that they were looking for a cruise control for light weight, lesser horse powered vehicles.

Holt Hickman, along with his son, Brad Hickman and Neal Shields, formed Specific Cruise Systems, Inc. in 1979, which could use all of its resources to develop the type of cruise control that the industry desired. Specific Cruise Systems, Inc. built a 72,000 sq. ft. plant solely for the purpose of manufacturing cruise controls.

The engineers for all O.E.M. manufacturers wanted four basic characteristics in a cruise control. SCSI engineered and designed a cruise control with the four basic characteristics which were:

1. They wanted the safest cruise control that could be manufactured. This would require having multiple safety features and many redundant safety features.

2. They also wanted a cruise control without field adjustment. This was of great importance because they wanted to approve the cruise control and know that each cruise control functioned the same for the ultimate consumer.

3. They wanted a cruise control that could be installed easily and efficiently without making adjustments to the vehicle. 4. They wanted an economical tester that could test all functions of the cruise control without the vehicle being driven.

SCS has spent thirteen years, and in excess of $2,500,000 in research and development to manufacture their current "state-of-the-art" cruise control for the lighter weight, lesser horse powered vehicles.

SCS's highlights and accomplishments in the cruise control industry.

- SCS was awarded the contract to manufacture the first electronic cruise control for Chrysler automobiles. The contract was for the Chrysler MMC YD-23 Challenger/Sapporo. In 1984, due to the success of the Challenger/Sapporo program, SCS was awarded the cruise control contract for the SP-27 Pickup, D50 Pickup, Vista, Conquest, and Colt. which were all of Chrysler/Mitsubishi automobiles and trucks.

- Selected by Chrysler Corporation as the supplier for the first electronic cruise control to be installed on their assembly line. This contract was for the T115 Mini Van which required 187,000 units in Model Years 1986,1987, & 1988.

- Chrysler contracted with SCS to design and manufacture, a factory installed cruise control for the newly acquired AMC Premier vehicle.

- Licensed one patent to Fuji Heavy Industry in Japan and are paid a royalty on every Subaru they ship into the United States with cruise control.

- Awarded the contract to manufacture cruise controls for all Ford dealer installed products in the 1984 Model Year.

- Subaru of America awarded SCS the contract for the 1982 Model Year.

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