2005 NAIAS: New FastForward Seating System from Johnson Controls

Innovative Product Offers Fastest People-to-Cargo Conversion in the Industry, and Delivers Enhanced Comfort for Occupants

DETROIT, Jan. 9 -- When it comes to delivering enhanced flexibility and functionality for vehicle interiors, the all-new FastForward Seating System from Johnson Controls is unmatched in the global automotive industry. This innovative solution -- which brings new levels of comfort, versatility and cargo-carrying capabilities to sport-utility vehicles, crossover vehicles and minivans -- is being unveiled this week at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Engineers and designers at Johnson Controls created the FastForward Seating System in response to growing consumer demand for vehicles with interior environments that can be reconfigured quickly and easily to carry passengers, transport cargo, and stow a wide variety of items.

FastForward Seating provides consumers with many options for modifying their vehicle interiors. Second- and third-row seats can be used in the upright position for transporting as many as six passengers. In addition, these seats can be folded flat automatically in only 10 seconds, with the simple push of a button located either on a key fob or in the rear area of the vehicle.

Permanent tubs for storing cargo are located on the floor, in front of the second-row seats and behind the third-row seats. These tubs can hold cargo both when the seats are in an upright position or folded flat -- an industry first for fold-flat seating systems. In addition, consumers do not have to remove any seats from their vehicle to gain additional cargo space.

FastForward Seating provides high levels of occupant comfort in virtually every seat location, thanks to Johnson Controls' Open Seating(TM) technology. By applying this technology, the company can deliver the comfort and styling reflected in industry-leading front seats to all seating positions. Open Seating features Johnson Controls' proprietary contour presentation technology, which enables rear seats to provide outstanding contour and lateral support. The seats, which are thin and well-styled, offer enhanced comfort via broad distribution of back pressure, as well as increased lateral support that matches the support provided by front-row bucket seats.

According to officials at Johnson Controls, the FastForward Seating System is available now for integration into 2008 model-year vehicles.

"FastForward Seating is the latest reflection of our commitment to innovate in order to surprise and delight consumers, and provide world-class products to automakers," said Brian Kesseler, group vice president and general manager, North America for Johnson Controls. "This solution emerged from our consumer research, which strongly indicates that people want interiors that are comfortable, multi-functional and versatile, while offering increased storage options."

For automakers, the FastForward Seating System enables continuity in design from the front seats to second- and third-row areas. The seats are simple to integrate into a vehicle body, while keeping all-wheel-drive systems intact, and requiring only modest floor-pan alterations for various vehicle platforms. FastForward Seating also features best-in-class components.

The FastForward Seating System is being displayed this week at Johnson Controls' NAIAS product and technology exhibit in room D2-15 at Cobo Center in Detroit.

Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is the largest 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.