Weight-Saving Door Panel Receives SPE Automotive Award 2012

BURSCHEID, Germany, July 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Central Europe honors Johnson Controls for innovative door panel made of natural fibers

Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating, interiors and electronics, was the recipient of a 14th Automotive Division Award from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Central Europe in the interior systems category. The company won the award for reducing weight and the innovative production process used in the door panels of the new BMW 3 Series.

For the non-visible door panel elements of the BMW 3 Series sedan and sports wagon models, Johnson Controls used raw materials that are renewable and environmentally-sound. The one piece door panel is made from a natural fiber carrier which is directly molded with plastic. This innovative production process makes the door panel 20 percent lighter than conventional components. A groove lamination process is used to apply the fabric or leather trim on the door panel. This process joins the trim in recesses, eliminating the need for an additional component and further reducing weight.

"I am delighted that we were able to impress not only our customers, but also the SPE jury of experts with our innovative door panel," said Achim Hosenfeld, vice president of business development, European OEMs, Product Group Interiors of Johnson Controls, who accepted the SPE Automotive Award.

The success story continues in 2012
SPE is a global society of engineers and scientists with over 38,000 members. A jury of experts conferred the prestigious SPE Automotive Award based on four categories - Interior Systems, Exterior Applications, Applications under the Hood/Chassis, and Electronic Components.

In 2009, Johnson Controls won two awards in the interior systems category, including first place for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class door panel and first place for the rear side panel of the MINI Convertible, which provides a scratch-resistant surface.

Digital images are available online from http://www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk/press.

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.

For more information, please contact:
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