At the 2011 North American International Auto Show, Johnson Controls Showcases Automotive Interiors and Batteries That Translate Globally

DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its experience, global footprint and product portfolio, Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) will showcase how its automotive seating, interiors, electronics, and batteries "translate globally" at the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at Cobo Center in Detroit. The global fluency theme will be highlighted in the exhibit, as the company displays its newest components and systems, as well as future technologies and concepts.

For the 16th year, Johnson Controls will have a major NAIAS presence, as an event sponsor and exhibitor. Its 10,000-square-foot exhibit in room D2-15 will be open to journalists and invited guests. In the company's exhibit area, a press conference focusing on its global product innovations will be held at 7 a.m. on Monday, Jan 10.

"In today's competitive automotive environment, vehicle interior and battery solutions that are efficiently tailored to the new global market are more important than ever," said Beda Bolzenius, president for Johnson Controls Automotive Experience. "The North American International Auto Show provides us with an opportunity to showcase our innovations that will delight our customers, help them differentiate their vehicles and deliver sustainable results around the world."

An overview of some of the products, technologies and concepts that Johnson Controls will showcase at the 2011 NAIAS event include:

• The ie3 demonstrator vehicle, a five-passenger prototype that balances eco-friendly materials with stylish, affordable and innovative seating, interior, electronic and battery solutions, while delivering increased space, reduced weight and improved comfort for the global market;
• Flexible and sustainable seating solutions;
• Electronic innovations, including a connected center stack and enhancements to the company's HomeLink product;
• Current- and future-generation batteries for conventional cars and trucks; advanced lead-acid batteries for start-stop vehicles; and advanced energy storage solutions for hybrid and electric vehicles; and
• Other industry innovations in instrument panels, door panels, overhead consoles and more.

The NAIAS event – one of the world's premier automotive exhibitions – opens to the media and industry officials on Monday, Jan. 10. It will open to the public from Saturday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 23.

For the 15th consecutive year, Johnson Controls will serve as the host sponsor of the AutoWeek Design Forum. The one-day event will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13 at the College for Creative Studies A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education in Detroit. The event brings together automotive and design enthusiasts from varied backgrounds - students, car industry professionals, and designers. It recognizes and celebrates design as the ultimate differentiating factor that drives consumers' interest and purchase decisions. At 9:15 a.m., Michael Warsaw, vice president, industrial design for Johnson Controls Automotive Experience, will participate in a design panel and will speak about the inspiration behind design.

About Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 137,000 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 more than 200 plants 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, advanced lead-acid batteries for Start-Stop vehicles and Lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric 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 hybrid and electric vehicles. Our joint venture, Johnson Controls-Saft, is the first company in the world to produce lithium-ion batteries for mass production hybrid vehicles. Our commitment to sustainability is evidenced by our world-class technology, manufacturing and recycling capabilities.

SOURCE Johnson Controls