Johnson Controls to Showcase Latest Seating, Interiors, Electronics and Battery Innovations at 2011 IAA

BURSCHEID and HANNOVER, Germany, August 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- RECARO Automotive Seating's Premium Segment Seating Solutions and new Metals Portfolio to be Introduced Along With ie:3 Demonstrator Vehicle

At the upcoming Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) in Frankfurt, Johnson Controls will unveil its latest automotive battery, seating, interiors and electronics innovations. The company will highlight its expanded seating components product portfolio, featuring products from its recent acquisitions of Keiper, Recaro Automotive and
C. Rob. Hammerstein (CRH). Johnson Controls' ie:3 demonstrator vehicle, featuring innovative interior and battery technologies, will make its European debut.

Johnson Controls also will present Recaro Automotive Seating and its new metals portfolio. With the recent acquisitions of Keiper, Recaro Automotive and CRH, Johnson Controls is now a global leader in the design and production of metal components and complete automotive seating systems. The company's new product business unit, called Recaro Automotive Seating, will present seating solutions for premium segment cars and commercial vehicles for automakers and the aftermarket.

"Johnson Controls is establishing a best-in-class metal structures and mechanisms organization within its seating components business to serve as the design partner of choice for automakers," said Johannes Roters, group vice president and general manager of seating components at Johnson Controls Automotive Experience.

Johnson Controls to discuss high-performance battery technologies for Start-Stop systems made in Germany

Reductions in consumption and lower emissions are high on the list of automotive industry specifications. Beginning in 2012 EU regulations will require that maximum levels of CO₂ emissions for new passenger cars will be limited to 130 g/km. Innovative Start-Stop systems are a key part of efforts to meet these targets. According to forecasts by Johnson Controls Power Solutions, the number of Start-Stop vehicles produced in Europe could increase to as much as 70 percent by 2015.

The battery plays a key role in start-stop systems and is integrated in a complex energy and battery management system. The battery must be able to start the engine reliably every time and is solely responsible for supplying the necessary power to the onboard electronics and electrical equipment, such as the ventilation, radio or navigation system when the system is cycling. The engine only runs when necessary. This is one of the key reasons why automakers use specially designed high-performance batteries for vehicles with Start-Stop technology.

Johnson Controls equips the majority of vehicles featuring this environmentally friendly technology. Conventional starter batteries are unable to cope with the demands of the technology for long, because the almost constant stop-and-go of city traffic puts an incredible strain on the battery. "Johnson Controls Start-Stop batteries demonstrate our commitment to helping the car industry develop sustainable solutions for reducing CO₂ emissions," said Christian Rosenkranz, vice president of product engineering at Johnson Controls Power Solutions EMEA.

Inspired efficiency: Johnson Controls' ie:3 demonstrator vehicle to make European debut

Johnson Controls will debut display its ie:3 demonstrator vehicle  for the first time in Europe at the IAA. The "ie" in the vehicle's name stands for "inspired efficiency." This vehicle exemplifies the company's combined expertise in the areas of seating, electronics, interiors and batteries to create an innovative, integrated interior concept.

The fully electric ie3 features Johnson Controls-Saft's next-generation, low-profile lithium-ion battery pack. It is a unique, self-contained system that was integrated easily into the vehicle in a small space under the floor. The new prismatic format cell achieves greater packaging efficiency in spaces with height restrictions, and enables a target 100-mile range, while using less space in the vehicle.

The compact vehicle with an electric motor combines a sustainable drive concept with attractive interior styling that enables interior personalization. The reduction in the complexity and mass of selected components, effective space utilization and the use of unique materials with optimized human-machine interface (HMI) create a sense of spaciousness never before seen in the compact vehicle segment and enable a high degree of design freedom. Products featured in the ie:3 are available globally for the next generation of vehicles.

Pictures are available via epa european pressphoto agency and can be downloaded free of charge at: http://ots.de/VuuuU

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 154,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience

Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior electronics. We support all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With 200 locations worldwide, we are where our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of our products, from single components to complete interiors. With our global capability we supply more than 30 million cars per year.

About Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the global leader in lead-acid starter batteries and advanced lead-acid batteries for Start-Stop vehicles. Our 35 manufacturing facilities supply more than one third of the world's lead-acid batteries to major auto makers and aftermarket retailers. Through our innovations we are building the advanced battery industry for more fuel-efficient and sustainable vehicles. Our commitment to sustainability is evidenced by our world-class technology, manufacturing and recycling capabilities.

For more information, please contact:

Johnson Controls GmbH    
Automotive Experience                
Ulrich Andree
Tel.: +49-2174-65-4343
E-mail: ulrich.andree@jci.com

Johnson Controls Power Solutions EMEA                    
Ina Longwitz
Tel.: +49-511-975-1031
E-Mail: ina.longwitz@jci.com

SOURCE Johnson Controls Automotive Experience