Groundbreaking Technology for Automotive Seating at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show

Revolutionary Leap(R) Vehicle Seat System To Provide the Ultimate in Driving Comfort

TOKYO, Oct. 23 -- A top, global automotive supplier and a leading office furniture manufacturer have teamed up to bring the very best comfort and support technology for office seating to luxury vehicles. Officials from Johnson Controls and Steelcase Inc. will display their innovative vehicle seating system at Johnson Controls' booth W408 in the West Hall at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show. The event takes place from October 24 to November 5 at the Nippon Convention Center.

The Leap(R) automotive seat system is the first product developed by Johnson Controls using patented 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 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 of North America / Japan for the Automotive Group of Johnson Controls. "With these seats, we believe automakers in Asia and around the world will be able to add significant value to their vehicles -- and truly differentiate themselves in the marketplace."

The Leap automotive seat system redefines traditional seat architecture and occupant comfort 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
     with minimal affect upon 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.

At the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, Johnson Controls recently introduced another variation of its Leap automotive seat system. It featured adjustable lateral support bolsters with variable directional control along with a slimmer, more streamlined design that comes with combination woven/velour fabric. The Leap system will provide consumers with all of the functions and features they expect from a premium seat, including seat cushion inclination; seat height and longitudinal adjustment; and seat back inclination and height of the head restraint that can be varied electrically.

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 it 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.

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 2003 revenue was approximately $2.6 billion.

Steelcase Inc. and its subsidiaries have more than 900 local dealer locations and approximately 16,000 employees worldwide. The company's Class A Common Stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol SCS. For more information, visit www.steelcase.com .

Johnson Controls, together with its joint-venture partners, operates 33 facilities in Asia, including manufacturing operations, and engineering and technical centers in China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. The company has approximately 9,200 employees in the region.

Currently, Johnson Controls supplies interior products for more than 110 vehicle models produced in Asia. Its customers include such Asian-based automakers as Daewoo, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Proton, Tata and Toyota. The company also helps its North American and European customers - including Audi, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Land Rover, Mercedes- Benz, Peugeot, Renault, Volkswagen and Volvo - as they expand their presence in Asia.

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.