President of Johnson Controls Automotive Experience Receives 2011 Eurostar Award for Acquisition Strategy

FRANKFURT, Germany, September 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Beda Bolzenius honored in "Supplier Division Head" category

- Cross reference: Picture is available via epa european pressphoto agency and can be downloaded free of charge at: http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=19526 -

Beda Bolzenius, vice president of Johnson Controls and president of the company's Automotive Experience business, has been named a recipient of a 2011 Automotive News Europe Eurostar award.

Bolzenius, 55, was recognized in the "Supplier Division Head" category for the company's acquisitions of German seat specialists C. Rob. Hammerstein Group (CRH) and Keiper as well as Recaro Automotive. These acquisitions account for more than $1 billion (U.S.) of sales with major European automakers, including BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche."I am honored to accept this award from Automotive News Europe," Bolzenius said, "This award is a testament to our acquisition strategy and underscores the competitive advantages CRH, Keiper and Recaro Automotive bring to Johnson Controls' automotive seating business."  

In announcing the award, Automotive News Europe Editor-in-Chief Harald Hamprecht pointed to Bolzenius' leadership qualities: "This prize honors outstanding auto executives for their ability to make long-range decisions and then having the courage to see them through. By spearheading these two strategic purchases, Beda Bolzenius has fortified the strong market position of Johnson Controls' Automotive Experience business, proving that he is willing to lead and take action when it is the right time."

This is the 14th year for the Automotive News Europe Eurostar awards. Winners are recognized for their ability to exceed expectations, willingness to make bold decisions and for reaching impressive results in light of challenges. Other recipients of the Eurostar 2011 award include Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn, Dacia Managing Director Jerome Olive and BMW purchasing chief Herbert Diess.

Bolzenius was appointed president of the Johnson Controls Automotive Experience business in 2006. He joined the company in 2004, from Robert Bosch, as the leader of the Johnson Controls Automotive Experience business in Europe.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 154,000 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 200 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 more than 30 million cars per year.

For more information please contact:

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