Johnson Controls Sponsors Awards at Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2001
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26 -- Johnson Controls a leading global manufacturer of automotive interior systems and batteries, is sponsoring the three interior design awards at the third annual Michelin Challenge Bibendum event. The trophies will be presented during the opening ceremonies of the Challenge, which will be held on Friday, October 26, 2001 at The Automobile Club of Southern California in Los Angeles.
The Michelin Challenge Bibendum is a global forum for showcasing ``clean- green'' technology and creativity in the automotive industry. The event provides a platform for the industry to demonstrate its keen concerns for environmentally sustainable transportation, as well as its understanding of the market demand for safe, practical and comfortable vehicles. Some 64 vehicles will be competing in this event, which runs from October 26 to 29, 2001. In addition to a design competition, the Challenge includes on-track performance testing at the California Speedway in Fontana, as well as a global technology conference in conjunction with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.
``As an environmentally conscious company, we are pleased to be part of an event that promotes the advancement of new technologies that will power the innovative cars of the future,'' said Bill Fluharty, vice president of industrial design and new product strategy - North America for Johnson Controls. ``We fully support the industry as it works to develop future vehicles that minimize the impact on the environment.''
In addition, as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, Johnson Controls:
- Developed the Inspira(TM) thin metal film battery, which is smaller and lighter than the lead-acid batteries used today, and will make cars up to 20 pounds lighter and help them travel farther on every gallon of gasoline;
- Won two environmental awards from the State of Tennessee (Athens plant);
- Became the first company in the state of Delaware to receive a permit under the new Coastal Zone Act -- and decreased waste by an additional 40 percent above the amount required;
- Developed lower weight automotive seating and components which result in improved vehicle fuel economy;
- Increased recycling in its facilities and increased the use of recycled materials in its products; and
- Was named the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Partner of the Year for its work in improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
The automotive business of Johnson Controls, with headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan employs more than 77,000 people worldwide. In fiscal-year 2001, it achieved US$13.6 billion in sales. For the 2001 model-year, it supplied interior products for more than 23 million vehicles.
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services, energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (U.S.A.). Its sales for 2001 totaled US$18.4 billion.