MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, December 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Johnson Controls-Saft announced today that it has been chosen as the Lithium-ion battery supplier for Azure Dynamic's Force Drive(TM) integration on the Ford Transit Connect Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). The all-electric van will be in production beginning in late 2010.

"Johnson Controls-Saft is committed to the commercialization of hybrid and electric vehicles," said Ray Shemanski, who leads the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture. "We are proud to be chosen for the BEV and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with both Azure and Ford Motor Company to advance these leading-edge technologies. This partnership is underscored by our investment of more than $600 million in manufacturing and infrastructure development."

Commercial transportation in an urban environment accounts for 12 percent of total miles driven, yet is responsible for 25 percent of total greenhouse emissions. The Transit Connect BEV would eliminate gas costs and enables fleet owners to accurately forecast the cost of doing business. It has a targeted range of 80 miles on all-electric power, and is the first of four electric vehicles Ford plans to build in its global commercial vehicle program.

"We've worked with Johnson Controls-Saft on our Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric delivery and shuttle bus project, and are confident that their batteries offer a light, powerful design with a longer life than most current battery technologies," said Curt Huston, Azure Dynamics Chief Operating Officer. "Both Azure and Ford have existing relationships with Johnson Controls-Saft, bringing further synergies to the project."

In addition to its work with Azure, Johnson Controls-Saft is in production with the Mercedes S-Class hybrid, currently on sale in Europe and the United States. Johnson Controls-Saft also will supply the Li-ion hybrid batteries for the BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid available in 2010 and Ford's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle available in 2012. The Transit Connect BEV will use the same battery technology that is currently installed in the Ford Escape test fleet of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, also supplied by Johnson Controls-Saft.

The Johnson Controls-Saft battery systems, including electronics, electrical and mechanical components, will be assembled at the company's facility in Holland, MI. Azure Dynamics has not announced the manufacturing location for the Transit Connect BEV.

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 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 defense. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialized advanced technologies for the defense and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 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

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 130,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.

SOURCE Johnson Controls-Saft

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