Innovations in Johnson Controls’ concept car allow more room for storage and facilitate flexible usage * Space for individuals

Burscheid (Germany) 12 September (PROTEXT/ots) -

Cross reference: Picture is distributed via EPA (European PressphotoAgency) and can be downloaded free of charge under:

http://www.presseportal.de/pm/19526/johnson_controls_gmbh/

Johnson Controls, one of the world’s leading suppliers of automotiveinterior systems, electronics and batteries, presents a new interior forthe fast-growing medium SUV segment. During development, the design-ers andengineers paid particular attention to the needs of the target groups: Thedemand for individuality and flexibility plus a harmonious interiorambience were particularly significant factors. New seating solutionsgiving a more spacious feel and allowing more room for storage are beingintroduced along with numerous electronic highlights. Apart from thespecific requirements of the target market, the general mission of JohnsonControls drove the development and production of this concept vehicle:leveraging global synergies and sustainable solutions.

Consumer researchers at Johnson Controls found that drivers of medium-sizedSUVs typically fall, among others, into two main groups: two successfullprofessionals living together and older couples whose children have alreadyleft home. They want a roomy car with sporty appeal that meets theirindividual needs.

New spacious concept thanks to seating innovations

The seating specifications are tailored to these target groups. Becausethese individuals usually travel alone or as a couple, this eliminates theneed for a rear seat to accommodate passengers. “For this reason we set outto make the design of the second row as flexible as possible, to createadditional storage space,“ said Han Hendriks, Vice President IndustrialDesign and Marketing at Johnson Controls. Two innovations made this larger,available space possible: the Slim Seat and the invisible rear-seat row.“The Slim Seat, with its thin seat back, is just as safe and comfortable asany conventional seat. Each Slim Seat, from basic to luxury version, isbased on our tried and tested MS seating structure,“ said Han Hendriks. This means that different safety or comfort features can be integrated inalignment with individual customer preferences - like the active headrestraint or lumbar support, which are both included in the concept car.All simulations on the new seats have been conducted and have met therelevant requirements. Vents in the side wedges and backrest panels of theSlim Seat convey an additional sense of spaciousness.

The second row of seats in the default position is invisible, creatingspace for extra storage. Since luggage is no longer placed on the rearseat, the seating material is also subjected to less wear and tear. Inaddition to more room for large-scale objects, there is now enough spacebehind the first row of seats for pets, too. The rear-seat row unfolds tomake room for two passengers, at the touch of a button. The mechanicalrelease allows the seat cushion to fold down into place.

Plug-in hybrid battery for sustainable driving enjoyment

The new lithium-ion plug-in hybrid battery is integrated into the trunk. Itensures the low-emission running of the vehicle. However, the battery isnot the only sustainable feature. “It was particularly important to us thatthis concept car fulfills the requirements of the 2015 ELV directive thatstipulates 95 percent recyclability,” said Johannes Roters, Group VicePresident and General Manager Europe, Africa, South America AutomotiveExperience at Johnson Controls.

More ergonomic and comfort thanks to innovative electronics

In addition, the theme of ergonomics also played an important role. Ahybrid instrument cluster ensures the best possible human-machine interfaceby reducing the information processing and driver distraction time. Twosmaller segmented displays to the left and right of the instrument clusterallow various types of information to be presented. This information can bechanged by pushing the displays up or down. One display shows fuel tank andtemperature readings while the other displays provide navigation and enginespeed details.

“Developing a functional and harmonious interior requires the know-how andinterplay of all areas of competence. We are proud to be able todemonstrate this in our concept vehicle, which also goes beyondgeographical boundaries”, said Han Hendriks. For instance, our teams in theUnited States developed the center console and the hybrid battery.

The special benefit: nearly all of the products in this concept car areavailable now, and can be integrated in the next generation of vehicles.

You will find the full press release with photos onhttp://www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk.

Further information is available from:

Johnson Controls GmbH

Automotive Experience

Industriestraße 20-30

51399 Burscheid

Germany

Astrid Schafmeister

Tel.: +49 2174 65-3189

Fax: +49 2174 65-3219

E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com

Ina Longwitz

Tel.: +49 2174 65-4343

E-mail: ina.longwitz@jci.com

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity tothe places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies,products and services, we create smart environments that redefine therelationships between people and their surroundings.

Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe andsustainable world through our products and services for more than 200million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings.For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

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