Johnson Controls-Saft to Supply Advanced Batteries to the Beijing Electric Vehicle Company

SHANGHAI, April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Johnson Controls-Saft, a global leader in the development and manufacture of advanced lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles, will supply the complete battery system for two electric vehicle platforms, which will be launched by the Beijing Electric Vehicle Company (BEVC), a subsidiary of Beijing Automotive Industry Company (BAIC). BEVC and BAIC have plans to manufacture 150,000 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2015.

"The electric vehicle market in China represents a tremendous growth opportunity for the automotive industry," said Ray Shemanski, who leads the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture and is vice president and general manager of Advanced Battery Systems for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "While this electric battery system is the first China-specific product designed and developed by our advanced battery team in China, it leverages our proven technology currently in production in Europe and the United States, and indicates the potential of a quickly growing China market."

The Johnson Controls-Saft electric battery system will power the C30 and M30 electric vehicles, which are initially launching in an evaluation fleet of 2,000 units beginning later this year. The C30 is an A0 segment subcompact hatchback while the M30 is a small cross-over vehicle based on the same platform. Both vehicles have been adapted with an electric powertrain by BEVC.

"This fleet will provide critical and early customer usage and feedback information to support full product launch to consumers in 2012," said Dr. Dazong Wang, President of BAIC. "We look forward to working with Johnson Controls-Saft and other key component suppliers to meet our goal of producing 150,000 HEVs and BEVs vehicles by 2015."

The C30 and M30 can travel more than 100 kilometers on a single charge. Johnson Controls-Saft is supplying the complete battery system, which consists of 106 prismatic lithium-ion cells, the battery management system and integrated battery package to accommodate the existing vehicle platform.

About Johnson Controls-Saft

Johnson Controls-Saft is a joint venture that has brought together Johnson Controls -- the world's leading supplier of automotive batteries and a company deeply experienced in integrated automotive systems solutions -- with Saft, a world leader in advanced technology batteries for industry with extensive Li-ion battery expertise.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 142,000 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. In 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #1 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defence. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and space industries and world leader in lithium-ion satellite batteries. Saft is also delivering its lithium-ion technology to new applications in clean vehicles and renewable energy storage. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 19 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock Market.

    For more information, visit Saft at http://www.saftbatteries.com

    CONTACTS: Rebecca Fitzgerald, Johnson
              Controls
              +1-414-418-4450
              [email protected]


              Jill Ledger, Saft
              +33-1-49-93-17-77
              [email protected]

SOURCE Saft Groupe