Johnson Controls begins production of batteries for Start-Stop vehicles in China

SHANGHAI, April 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls is expanding its manufacturing operations in China by beginning production of advanced lead-acid batteries for Start-Stop vehicles to help automakers meet increasingly strict fuel economy and emission regulations.

"We're excited to announce the delivery of our first batch of locally-manufactured batteries to power Start-Stop vehicles for local and global automakers in China," said Kenneth Yeng, vice president and general manager, Johnson Controls Power Solutions China.

The global Start-Stop market for new vehicles could reach 49 million annually by 2020. In China, the company predicts 40 percent of all new vehicles will be Start-Stop in this time frame.

"Start-Stop is the best technology to help automakers meet increasingly strict environmental regulations while saving consumers money, as it requires minimal changes to the vehicle and costs significantly less than hybrid or electric vehicles," said Lisa Bahash, group vice president and general manager Original Equipment, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.

Regulators in China, Europe, Japan and the United States are putting aggressive fuel economy and carbon emission reduction targets in place for the 2015-2021 time period.  Start-Stop has emerged as one of the preferred technologies for meeting these targets by enabling 5 percent fuel economy savings over a conventional vehicle.  The technology automatically shuts off the engine when the car is idle and restarts it when the driver's foot leaves the brake pedal. During this time, the vehicle's electrical systems – from entertainment to lights – use energy from an advanced lead-acid battery rather than the gas-powered engine, thus saving fuel.

"Johnson Controls is the world's leading provider of batteries for Start-Stop vehicles and we plan to continue to invest in bringing advanced technologies, technical capabilities and capacity to the country in collaboration with our customers," added Yeng.

The company recently began making Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) at its facility in Changxing, China for use in Start-Stop vehicles. Johnson Controls also has plans to localize production of Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries to support demand for fuel-efficient Start-Stop technology as part of the company's complete portfolio of energy storage products. In addition, the company debuted its 12V Lithium-ion battery for Advanced Start-Stop vehicles at the 16^th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition going on this week. The 12V Lithium-ion battery can increase fuel economy efficiency by up to 8 percent.

China represents the major growth market for Johnson Controls.  The company's commitment to growing its business in China is evidenced by its building of a second global headquarters in Shanghai, which will open in 2017.

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About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company's 170,000 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. Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability dates back to its roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through its growth strategies and by increasing market share, Johnson Controls is committed to delivering value to shareholders and making its customers successful. In 2014, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #12 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.  

About Power Solutions

Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the world's largest manufacturer of automotive batteries, supplying approximately 140 million every year to automakers and aftermarket retailers.  The company's full range of lead acid and Lithium-ion battery technology powers nearly every type of vehicle for our customers- including conventional, Start-Stop, Advanced Start-Stop, Micro Hybrid, hybrid and electric. Johnson Controls' recycling system has helped make automotive batteries the most recycled consumer product in the world. Globally, 15,000 employees develop, manufacture, distribute and recycle batteries at more than 50 locations. For more information, please visit http://www.JohnsonControls.com/PowerSolutions or follow @JCI_BatteryBeat on Twitter.

SOURCE Johnson Controls

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