2007 Detroit Auto Show - The Clear Solution Overhead System - a Versatile Concept From Johnson Controls - Expands Its Leadership in Overheads Market

Leading-edge Product Is Unveiled Today at the 2007 North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 7 -- Johnson Controls , an industry leader in developing overhead systems for vehicles, today unveiled its latest interior roof product that offers expanded performance and versatility for consumers and automakers alike. The company's Clear Solution Overhead System, a new concept that provides a high-performance, trim solution, was created in response to the growing market for ever-larger glass roofs integrated into vehicles.

With many new features, outstanding craftsmanship and the opportunity to reduce waste in making overhead systems, the product is ideal for cars, crossover-utility vehicles, minivans, trucks and sport-utility vehicles. It's ready for production in 2010 across all vehicle segments.

Today, Johnson Controls officials unveiled the Clear Solution Overhead System at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan. It is on display at the company's product and technology exhibit in room D2-15 of Cobo Center.

The Clear Solution Overhead System is a new approach that brings more flexibility in product design and content. It features a multi-piece headliner with integrated side curtain airbags and cross-car consoles that make the most of overhead space while bringing additional light into the interior. The trim enables component integration, including safety, lighting and entertainment systems at consumer-use points inside the vehicle.

There are many advantages for automakers that include the Clear Solution Overhead System in their models. They include advanced design flexibility, the opportunity to differentiate automakers' vehicles, reduced production waste, increased craftsmanship, optimized value performance, and the addition of new features. The system also reduces the number of parts in the assembly process.

"Our Clear Solution Overhead System is innovative because it provides all of the enhancement features car buyers want inside together with dramatic views of the world outside the vehicle," said Byron Foster, who leads Johnson Controls' North American interiors business. "It provides automakers with differentiation opportunities because it is the most versatile, full-featured overhead system in the industry."

The Clear Solution Overhead dramatically reduces waste, by using less purchased material vs. traditional headliner products. It is cost-effective in a number of ways. The integration of airbags simplifies vehicle assembly. By producing the front header using Johnson Controls' CrafTec(TM) technology, multiple components are made all at one time. Customers will experience additional savings by reducing assembly time, indirect labor and logistics related to fewer parts.

Johnson Controls' family of CrafTec processes create highly crafted interior trim components by combining multiple materials in a single piece.

The company also can offer upscale content within the Clear Solution Overhead System. In the one-piece front header, cost performance is maintained while an opportunity is created for segment differentiation and flexibility. The three-dimensional vinyl/TPO visors can provide outstanding craftsmanship, value and contours not possible using traditional methods. Over the second row area, Johnson Controls' Targa console can include integrated individual seat lighting for passengers, as well as a rear-seat entertainment system. It is styled to both enhance a feeling of spaciousness and maintain interior content that consumers want in their vehicles.

"This product allows parts to be molded directly into the overhead system, reducing the number of overall parts in the assembly," said Foster. "Our innovative CrafTec processes, which broaden the design possibilities and functionality of this system, are a significant benefit that nobody else in the industry offers today."

Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise. Johnson Controls has 136,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations serving customers in 125 countries. Founded in 1885, the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/ .