Detroit Auto Show: Steelcase and Johnson Control Show New Seats

Revolutionary Leap(R) vehicle seat system
to provide the ultimate in driving comfort

    DETROIT and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 5 -- A top, global
automotive supplier and a leading office furniture manufacturer are teaming up
to bring the very best comfort and support technology for office seating to
luxury vehicles. Officials from Johnson Controls and Steelcase
Inc. today unveiled an innovative vehicle seating system -- and
discussed their new working relationship -- in a news conference at the
Johnson Controls product and technology exhibit (room D2-15) in Detroit's Cobo
Center. The event was presented in conjunction with the 2003 North American
International Auto Show.
    
The Leap(R) automotive seat system -- which is being showcased in a luxury
vehicle at the Johnson Controls booth -- is the first product developed by
Johnson Controls with this Steelcase technology. Used in Steelcase's popular
Leap high-performance office chair, the technology is unmatched in its ability
to conform to an individual's body shape and seating position, while providing
unparalleled comfort. Steelcase is the leading global manufacturer of office
furniture environments.
    The Leap automotive seat system redefines traditional seat architecture
and features in three key areas:

    * The Live Back(TM) system literally changes shape to move the way one's
upper and lower spine want and need to move. While a traditional seat back
requires the individual to adjust it, the Live Back system contours to the
individual;
    * An anthropometric pivot optimizes comfort by replicating the natural
pivot point of the human body; and
    * The Natural Glide(TM) system allows the individual to change postures
without affecting his / her reach or visual orientation, and it allows a more
fluid natural motion as the seat bottom glides forward when the seat back
reclines.

    "The Leap automotive seat system harnesses the expertise of two industry
leaders to address the comfort and health needs of drivers," said Jeff
Edwards, group vice president and general manager, North America for the
Automotive Systems Group of Johnson Controls. "With these seats, we believe
automakers will be able to add significant value to their vehicles -- and
truly differentiate them in the marketplace."
    Results of a recent study conducted by Health and Work Outcomes indicate
that Steelcase's Leap chair has a significant impact on the productivity and
health of workers who use the chair with appropriate training. The patented
Live Back and Natural Glide systems specifically contribute to the
productivity levels and health of people, while significantly reducing their
level of discomfort and fatigue while sitting in the Leap chair. These
technologies work together to offer maximum comfort and increased support.
    "Licensing this technology to a leading innovator in automotive interior
systems is another example of Steelcase's commitment to expand its reach to
markets beyond the office furniture industry," said Jan Carlson, Steelcase's
director of product development. "We feel that the benefits of the technology,
and the enthusiasm of our Leap customers, make our partnership with Johnson
Controls an obvious evolution."
    Steelcase Inc., a Fortune 500 company, helps individuals and organizations
around the world to work more effectively by providing integrated
architecture, furniture and technology solutions for the workplace. Founded in
1912, this global company has led the office furniture industry in sales every
year since 1974.
    Its product portfolio includes furniture systems, seating, lighting,
storage, full-height walls, raised floors, modular cabling, electronic
whiteboards, and related products and services. Fiscal 2002 revenue was
approximately $3.1 billion.
    Steelcase Inc. and its subsidiaries have more than 800 local dealer
locations and approximately 17,000 employees worldwide. The company's Class A
Common Stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol SCS. For more information,
visit http://www.steelcase.com .
    Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and
facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major
supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-
residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services
including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls
, founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

    Leap, Live Back and Natural Glide are registered trademarks of Steelcase
Inc.