Johnson Controls to Unveil Innovations in Front of Public in the Biggest Automotive Market in the World

SHANGHAI, April 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Auto Shanghai 2015 Will Showcase Company's Growth Plans in China by Showing Newest Advancements  in Seating, Interiors and batteries 

Global automotive industry trends such as urban mobility, comfort, fuel economy and autonomous driving are propelling Johnson Controls innovations in seating, interiors and batteries that will be presented at the 16th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2015) at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center. 

The company will showcase two vehicle interior concepts at Auto Shanghai 2015 that address global trends. The 2015 Automotive Seating Demonstrator "SD15" and the Automotive Interiors Demonstrator "ID15" display innovative new products that offer enhanced comfort, personalization options and other unique features, which can also be used in autonomous vehicles. Johnson Controls will also showcase its new 12-volt Lithium-ion battery for Advanced Start-Stop vehicles, which will help automakers meet increasing fuel efficiency and emission reduction regulations.

China is the major growth market for Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, which had $8.5 billion (USD) in revenue in in 2014 in China. The company estimates annual revenue in China by 2019 of more than $20 billion.  The company's commitment to growing in China is evidenced by the current construction of a second global headquarters in Shanghai set to open in 2017.

"At Johnson Controls, we are always thinking ahead so our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers and the auto-buying public in China and elsewhere have the right solutions for their vehicles," said Beda Bolzenius, president of Johnson Controls Automotive Experience and vice chairman Johnson Controls Asia Pacific. "Our seating, interior and battery solutions help enhance automakers'  brands and make driving more enjoyable for their customers."

In addition to the debut of SD15 and ID15, highlights of Johnson Controls' 544-square-meter exhibit in Hall 5.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) include:

• Automotive seating systems that enhance comfort, expand personalization and improve performance while achieve lighter weight through products such as the new Loft rear seat, protective FreshPer4mance seat coating, innovative and lightweight magnesium and steel hybrid back frame, as well as a  specifically designed commercial vehicle seat concept for the Chinese market, developed by Johnson Controls and RECARO in cooperation with local joint venture partners
• A new RECARO Sport Seat Platform, an innovative, lightweight and highly modular concept for global OEM sports car manufacturers
• Interior materials and flexible designs for door panels, instrument panels, floor consoles and overhead consoles that increase consumer's perception of value across all segments through mass reduction and enhanced functionality
• A full spectrum of battery systems for conventional, Start-Stop, Advanced Start-Stop, Micro Hybrid, hybrid and electric vehicles that meet the evolving needs of the global market

Auto Shanghai - one of the world's premier automotive exhibitions - opens to the media and industry officials on Monday, April 20. It opens to the public from Saturday, April 25 through Wednesday, April 29. For more information, please visit: autoshanghai.auto-fairs.com.

Johnson Controls' exhibition in hall 5.2, booth 5BJ101 is open to media and invited guests.

About Johnson Controls 

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 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. 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, floor consoles, door panels and instrument panels. We support all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With 220 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.

About Johnson Controls 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 contact:

Johnson Controls GmbH
Industriestraße 20-30
51399 Burscheid

Lars Boelke
Automotive Seating
Tel: +49-2174-65-1117
E-Mail: Lars.Boelke@jci.com

Astrid Schafmeister
Automotive Interiors
Tel: +49-2131-609-3028
E-Mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com

Christian Riedel
Johnson Controls Power Solutions EMEA
Tel: +49-511-975-1094
E-Mail: christian.m.riedel@jci.com

Internet: http://www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk