W.E.T. Automotive Systems Acquires Seat Cooling Technology From Johnson Controls

    WINDSOR, Ontario, Sept. 14 Officials at W.E.T. Automotive
Systems Ltd. announced that the firm has acquired the technical, manufacturing
and commercial rights in North America for ComfortCools(TM) seating
technologies from Johnson Controls.  Terms of the agreement were not
disclosed.
     W.E.T. Automotive Systems A.G. -- based in Odelzhausen, Germany -- is a
leading developer and manufacturer of seat heating products and related
comfort technologies in North America and Europe.  The company's North
American headquarters are in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
    As a result of the arrangement, signed September 12, W.E.T. Automotive has
gained all technical licensing agreements, the ComfortCools product brand name
and commercialization rights.
    ComfortCools technology incorporates one or more fans to create a vacuum
inside the vehicle seat that is capable of drawing compartment air through the
occupant-to-seat contact surface.  The technology removes heat and moisture
and comfortably cools and dehumidifies the occupant's back and thighs, while
keeping clothing dry and preventing wrinkles.  W.E.T. Automotive acquired the
ComfortCools(TM) technology to increase its future sales revenues, expand its
product line and gain new thermal comfort capabilities.
    "The addition of ComfortCools expands our product line with significant
new thermal comfort capabilities and offers future revenue growth
opportunities," said Dr. Peter Paul Moll, chief executive officer of W.E.T.
Automotive Systems.  "Now, Johnson Controls as well as our other customers can
rely on W.E.T. Automotive for leading-edge thermal comfort products for
seating systems."
    ComfortCools technology was developed in 2000 by Johnson Controls through
extensive research using heated thermal mannequins and numerous consumer
clinics.  The system is compatible with current vehicle seat heating devices.
    W.E.T. Automotive Systems A.G., founded in 1968 in Germany, designs and
manufactures climatized seat systems, seat heaters, seat heater control
modules, heated steering wheels, wire harnesses and flat cable harnesses.  The
company operates eight facilities throughout the world and has 2,200
employees.  Annual sales for 2001 were approximately $120 million.  W.E.T.
Automotive has been a supplier for Johnson Controls since 1995.  For more
information on the company, visit the company's website at http://www.wet.de .

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