MILWAUKEE, April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, Inc., (NYSE: JCI) received bronze at the internationally-known 2011 Edison Best New Product Award for its VARTA Start-Stop batteries in the category Energy and Sustainability: Sustainable Power Systems Segment. The distinguished awards – named for well-known U.S. inventor Thomas Alva Edison – were announced at an April 5 ceremony at The Capitale in New York City.  

"It is a great honor for Johnson Controls to receive this prestigious recognition among our peers," said Mary Ann Wright, vice president of Technology and Innovation for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "Innovation in science and technology is critical if we are going to achieve long-term, game changing advances in energy-efficient vehicle technology."

Johnson Controls is the leading provider of Start-Stop batteries through its VARTA brand. Start-Stop systems turn off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, adding up to 5 percent to 12 percent in fuel economy and emission reductions depending upon the level of Start-Stop functionality in the vehicle.

"Start-Stop systems require the addition or modification of some of the vehicle's electrical components but with very little, if any, impact on what a consumer will pay for the vehicle," said Jorge Guillen, vice president of Johnson Controls Global Start-Stop business. "Our Start-Stop batteries are enabling automotive manufacturers to meet stringent near-term CO2 emissions requirements without the prohibitive cost of alternative technologies."

VARTA Start-Stop batteries enable drivers to use the Start-Stop system more aggressively, such as stopping more often or leaving the engine off for longer periods of time, without concern of affecting the life of the battery.

"We are providing our customers with a proven, reliable technology that is clearly the performance leader in the industry," said Guillen.

Johnson Controls supplied approximately 3 million VARTA Start-Stop batteries in Europe in 2010. The company expects the market to continue to grow rapidly in Europe, and to also begin to take shape quickly in the United States and China.

"We expect that by 2015, more than 35 million Start-Stop vehicles will be produced annually around the world," said Guillen. "To match this rapidly increasing demand we have announced more than $350 million in investments globally over the next couple of years."

In addition to its manufacturing leadership, Johnson Controls is also working closely with its customers to educate the industry on Start-Stop applications. In 2010, the company launched a training and education program in Europe under its VARTA Start-Stop brand to ensure that the industry is aware of new procedures related to vehicle jump start, battery replacement type, and electronics reset after a battery replacement.

"The automotive battery has been around for more than 100 years with minimal technology advancements," said Wright. "In the past few years we've seen significant growth in innovation and technology in this space that would truly make Thomas Edison proud. It's only fitting that this award is in the name of one of our country's greatest innovators."

The ballot of nominees for the Edison Best New Product Awards is judged by roughly 2,000 members of the not-for-profit Marketing Executives Networking Group (MENG), an organization comprising America's top marketing professionals and academics.  In a comprehensive peer-review process, the nominees are judged on Marketplace Innovation, Marketplace Success, Technological Innovation, Market Structure Innovation, Societal Impact, and Design Innovation.  

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 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, Inc.