Johnson Controls exceeds 18 million AGM batteries

Technology helps to establish European Start-Stop vehicle market with U.S. adoption on the way

DETROIT--Jan. 14, 2013:  Johnson Controls, Inc., today announced it has sold more than 18 million Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries since the technology launched in 2001, topping 4.5 million annually in Europe.

AGM is the most advanced lead-acid battery and is ideal for Start-Stop systems, which help improve fuel economy in vehicles by 5 to 10 percent.

Over the next five years, Start-Stop vehicles with Johnson Controls' AGM batteries will reduce CO₂ emissions by 12.6 million tons and save more than 1.2 billion gallons of fuel.

"As the world's leading supplier of AGM batteries, Johnson Controls is committed to supplying our customers with the most advanced technology," said Ray Shemanski, vice president and general manager of the Original Equipment Group for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "Our AGM batteries have longer life and provide outstanding performance for vehicles with the most sophisticated power demands, including Start-Stop applications."

Start-Stop vehicle technology has taken off in Europe, with more than 70 percent of the new car build expected to include Start-Stop by 2017, and the global Start-Stop market for new vehicles reaching 35 million annually in that same timeframe. According to recent consumer research commissioned by Johnson Controls, 90 percent of Start-Stop vehicle owners in Europe say they are very satisfied and likely to purchase such a vehicle again.

"Start-Stop vehicles represent a major step forward in the mass commercialization of more energy efficient vehicles," said Shemanski. "To support this growth, Johnson Controls is investing $520 million globally to increase AGM production capacity to support production programs in the U.S., Europe and China."

In addition to producing AGM batteries for global automakers, Johnson Controls supplies the European Aftermarket through its VARTAŽ brand. Boasting three times the cycling durability of a conventional technology battery, and able to deliver an unprecedented energy throughput even in the most demanding conditions, the VARTAŽ AGM battery outperforms all others offering a significantly increased service life.

Other Johnson Controls AGM battery technology characteristics include:

• Glass mat separator consistently maintains the electrolyte around the positive plate to extend life
• Tight-fitting construction exerts uniform, high-pressure on the plates in the battery and reduces the effects of vibration
• Sealed, valve-regulated battery delivers extreme cycle life and high energy throughput