2007 Detroit Auto Show - Johnson Controls Delivers Unique Seating, Other Interior Systems for All-New GMC Acadia Crossover Sport Utility Vehicles

Flexible seats and other innovations enhance cabin appeal for GMC Acadia

DETROIT, Jan. 7 -- The new 2007 GMC Acadia crossover sport- utility vehicle (SUV) from General Motors is among the many cars and trucks on the exhibit floor at this year's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) that feature interior content designed and manufactured by Johnson Controls. This vehicle offers a wide range of cabin innovations from Johnson Controls, including "Smart Slide" second-row seating; third-row seats with Open Seating(TM) technology; a full-featured overhead system; electronics; cargo-management system; battery; and more.

Johnson Controls served as the interior integrator for the 2007 GMC Acadia, which is among the highly touted new models on the NAIAS main exhibit floor at Detroit's Cobo Center.

As a major supplier of automotive batteries, seating, interior systems and electronics, Johnson Controls was sourced to supply a wide array of systems and components for the Acadia: all three rows of seats, and the overhead system; cargo system; battery; and advanced vehicle electronics, including the instrument cluster, and Johnson Controls' HomeLink(R) Wireless Control System.

"The GMC Acadia is a great vehicle with outstanding interior appeal, functions and features," said Jeff Williams, group vice president and general manager of the Johnson Controls automotive experience business in North America. "Car buyers increasingly are influenced by automotive interiors, which makes me confident that this new General Motors model is destined to be a winner in the marketplace."

Johnson Controls collaborated with General Motors to develop the innovative Smart Slide feature for the second-row seats, which is being offered as standard equipment in the new SUV. It enables quick, easy movement of the seats to provide access to the third-row area.

Engineers have developed this system to achieve the lowest possible effort for easy, single-hand operation, while delivering significantly improved ingress/egress space. The seat can be moved easily by pivoting the second-row seat cushion up and forward, while sliding the seat back forward toward the front seats. The Smart Slide feature works independently on a 60/40 split bench seat, as well as captain's chairs. An additional benefit of Smart Slide is the four inches of fore-aft travel offered for the second-row seats. This can help accommodate passengers with long legs seated in either the second or third row, or provide increased storage space.

The 2007 GMC Acadia is among the first production vehicles to feature the Johnson Controls Open Seating(TM) technology. When the third row of seats is deployed, it offers comfort and styling similar to front- or second- row seats. When the third-row seat is stowed, a significant amount of cargo- storage capacity is gained.

Open Seating seats have comfort-enhancing side bolsters that fold completely flat when the seat is stowed. The seats deploy or stow away easily with one fluid motion, to create a zero-degree, fold-flat load floor, creating best-in-class cargo room.

"Consumers expect comfort no matter where they're sitting in a vehicle, and Open Seating helps to satisfy this important expectation, while not compromising the needs for cargo space," said Williams.

Overhead systems supplied by Johnson Controls for the new General Motors vehicles include headliners, sun visors, and overhead console. The vehicle also features the Johnson Controls HomeLink(R) Wireless Control System. It can be used to remotely operate garage doors, estate gates, rear and front door locks, home security and lighting systems, and other convenience and safety devices.

As previously announced, Johnson Controls also supplies seating, interiors, and electronics content for the Saturn Outlook. This vehicle -- featuring a wide range of interior innovations from Johnson Controls -- is on display at the company's NAIAS exhibit in room D2-15 at Cobo Center.

Seating and overhead systems for the GMC Acadia are manufactured in Delta Township, Michigan by Bridgewater Interiors. The company is a minority-owned joint venture between Johnson Controls and Epsilon Technologies, LLC.

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/ .