Johnson Controls Honored With 'Supplier of the Year' and 'Concept Interior of the Year' Awards

BURSCHEID, Germany, June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Leading automotive supplier receives two awards at Automotive Interiors Expo 2012 in Stuttgart, Germany

Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive interiors and electronics, received two awards at the Automotive Interiors Expo 2012 in Stuttgart. An independent jury of 14 international automobile journalists voted the company 'Supplier of the Year'. In addition, the company's ComfortThin seating concept, developed with Harrison Spinks Ltd., was voted best interior concept of the year.

"We are very proud to have won these awards, especially among a field of our leading competitors," said Beda Bolzenius, president Johnson Controls Automotive Experience. "Awarded by a jury of leading automotive journalists, they confirm our consistent focus on technology and innovation."

The jury cited Johnson Controls´ acquisition strategy and focus on technology as the reasons for recognizing the company with the 'Supplier of the Year' award. With the recent acquisitions of Keiper, Recaro Automotive Seating and C. Rob. Hammerstein, Johnson Controls has integrated leading technology companies into its automotive seating and seating components segment.

"These transactions have enabled Johnson Controls to secure a strategic and technological competitive edge for the vehicle seating business and thus strengthen its market position," said Dean Slavnich, chairman of the judging panel of the Automotive Interiors Expo Awards 2012. "Further confirmation of the company's innovative strength can be found in the ComfortThin seat developed with Harrison Spinks Ltd., which we recognized with the 'Concept Interior of the Year' award."

By integrating the pocket spring technology of luxury mattress manufacturer Harrison Spinks Ltd. into its seats, Johnson Controls has developed a totally new vehicle seating concept. Offering the same comfort for all occupants, regardless of their size, the backrests are up to 20 percent thinner and lighter than conventional polyurethane foam backrests. Thanks to its thin profile, the ComfortThin seat creates approximately 35 millimeters of extra knee and leg room for rear seat passengers, especially in smaller vehicles.

Alternatively, with the same amount of space, a vehicle fitted with ComfortThin seats can be shortened by 35 millimeters amounting to weight savings of approximately 4.5 kg in the bodyshell of a lower medium segment vehicle.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 162,000 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 240 locations 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 approximately 50 million cars per year.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like more information:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Experience
Industriestraße 20-30
51399 Burscheid
Germany
Ulrich Andree
Tel.: +49-2174-65-4343
Fax: +49-2174-65-3219
E-mail: ulrich.andree@jci.com