Johnson Controls Names Microchip Technology, Futaba, and Big Lake Transport, As Associate Sponsors for 2003 Champ Car Auto Racing Season

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Feb. 24 -- Three of Johnson Controls' business partners are extending their relationship with the company. Microchip Technology Inc., Futaba, and Big Lake Transport have signed on as associate sponsors with Johnson Controls Motorsports for the company's sponsorship of Lansing, Michigan-based Rocketsports Racing's participation in the Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Microchip Technology is an associate sponsor, the second consecutive year for Futaba and the first year for Big Lake Transport.

"We are glad that Futaba, Big Lake Transport, and Microchip Technology have decided to become associate sponsors of Johnson Controls Motorsports for the 2003 racing season," said Bob Ellis, vice president of marketing and communications for Johnson Controls. "We rely on these partners daily for their contributions to the success of our business, and it's a pleasure to see their commitment carrying over into our motorsports program."

Chandler, Arizona-based Microchip Technology plays an important role in supplying components for Johnson Controls' HomeLink(R) Wireless Control System - an electronic communications device that enables drivers to remotely activate gates, garage doors, entry door locks, home lighting, security systems and other radio frequency (RF) convenience products. In addition, Microchip provides microprocessors for some of Johnson Controls' PathPoint(R) Compass products.

Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the popular PICmicro(R) field- programmable RISC microcontrollers, which serve 8- and 16-bit embedded control applications, and a broad spectrum of high-performance linear and mixed- signal, power management and thermal management devices. The Company also offers complementary products including interface devices; microID RFID devices; serial EEPROMs; KEELOQ(R) security devices and dsPIC digital signal controllers. This synergistic product portfolio targets thousands of applications and a growing demand for high-performance designs in the automotive, communications, computing, consumer and industrial control markets. The Company's quality systems are ISO 9001 (1994 version) and QS9000 (1998 version) certified. Microchip is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona with design facilities in Mountain View, California and Bangalore, India; semiconductor fabrication facilities in Tempe and Chandler, Arizona and Puyallup, Washington; and assembly and test operations near Bangkok, Thailand. Microchip employs approximately 2,950 people worldwide, and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and the Americas. More information on the Company can be found at www.microchip.com .

Futaba supplies display screens for Johnson Controls' PathPoint Compass and Trip Computer, which is integrated into the overhead console of vehicle interiors.

Futaba Corporation is recognized as a world leader in the production of Flat Panel Vacuum Fluorescent Displays (VFD), VFD modules, Field Emission Displays (FED) and Industrial and Hobby Radio Control Systems. Futaba's subsidiary company, Trans Tron Ltd (TTL), is a world-class contract manufacturer providing electronic assemblies for leading Automotive and Industrial OEM's in North America.

The world comes into contact with Futaba products every day in applications such as electronic readouts on automotive instrumentation, appliance controls, audio/video equipment, business machines, point-of-sale terminals, and remote controls for industrial, commercial and hobby industry.

Big Lake Transport, Inc. (BLT) operates 150 power units serving the United States, Canada and Mexico. With headquarters in Charleston, Missouri since 1969, this privately held carrier specializes in "just-in-time" deliveries. Most recently, BLT was ISO 9001:2000 registered. The company has served Johnson Controls since 1988, continually growing to become the company's largest truckload carrier. Visit its web site at www.biglaketransport.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.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For access to other Johnson Controls news releases and additional company information, visit the company's web site on the World Wide Web at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com . For more information about Johnson Controls Motorsports, please visit http://www.rocketsportsracing.com .