The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Johnson Controls' Leap Automotive Seat System To Be Displayed at NeoCon World's Trade Fair 2003

Seating product included in luxury vehicle at major office furniture industry event

CHICAGO, June 16 -- The Johnson Controls Leap(R) automotive seat system is on display this week in a luxury segment vehicle at the NeoCon World's Trade Fair 2003.

Automotive interiors supplier Johnson Controls and Steelcase a leading office furniture manufacturer, unveiled this seating system at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, in January. The Leap seating technology addresses the comfort and health needs of all drivers by incorporating Steelcase's patented Live Back(TM) and Natural Glide(TM) technology to offer maximum comfort and increased support, which will provide the consumer with a more enjoyable ride.

The Leap(R) automotive seat system -- which is being showcased in a luxury vehicle at the Steelcase booth -- is the first product developed by Johnson Controls with this Steelcase technology. Used in Steelcase's popular Leap high-performance office chair, the technology is unmatched in its ability to conform to an individual's body shape and seating position, while providing unparalleled comfort. Steelcase is the leading global manufacturer of office furniture environments.

"The Leap automotive seat system uniquely addresses the comfort and health needs of drivers," said Bill Fluharty, vice president of industrial design and market research for the Automotive Systems Group of Johnson Controls. "We are excited about this new technology and believe our customers will be also."

The NeoCon show is the world's trade fair for interior design and facilities management. Each year seminars, forums and special events are held to best serve the design community. Since 1969, NeoCon has brought commercial and residential furnishings manufacturers and design professionals together to receive opportunities to share knowledge, cast visions and inspire one another. This year's event will be held from June 16-18, at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago.

Steelcase Inc., a Fortune 500 company, helps individuals and organizations around the world to work more effectively by providing knowledge, products and services that enable customers and their consultants to create work environments that integrate architecture, furniture and technology. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company has led the global office furniture industry in sales every year since 1974. Its product portfolio includes interior architectural products, furniture systems, technology products, seating, lighting, storage and related products and services. Fiscal 2003 revenue was approximately $2.6 billion. Steelcase Inc. and its subsidiaries have dealers in more than 900 locations, manufacturing facilities in over 50 locations and approximately 16,000 employees around the world. The company's Class A Common Stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol SCS. For more information, visit www.steelcase.com .

Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/gh/cnoc/comp/473547.html