At 2005 North American International Auto Show, Johnson Controls Unveils Advanced Battery Solution for Hybrid-Electric Vehicles

Nickel-metal-hydride battery with best-in-class, prismatic design reflects firm's capabilities for serving growing HEV segment

DETROIT, Jan. 11 -- When it comes to providing outstanding power-storage solutions for hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), Johnson Controls has the technology, products and manufacturing resources to get the job done. Reflecting this theme, the company is unveiling a model of its latest battery technology at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit -- a prismatic, nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery that delivers best-in-class power performance as well as excellent system-packaging efficiency. The 7.2-volt, 7.0 Ah (ampere-hour) module targets current and future generation HEVs requiring high-performance, efficiently packaged prismatic batteries.

The advanced battery from Johnson Controls is among the dozens of innovations being highlighted in the company's NAIAS product and technology exhibit in room D2-15 at Detroit's Cobo Center.

Johnson Controls, the largest supplier of automotive interior systems and batteries, manufactures and distributes more than 80 million batteries annually. It is the world's largest producer of power-storage devices for passenger vehicles and other applications. The NiMH cell was developed using technologies from its Varta Battery Automotive Business in Europe. Johnson Controls acquired Varta in October 2002.

In addition to the all-new prismatic NiMH battery, Johnson Controls also has a cylindrical NiMH cell in its product lineup. Both types of battery- packaging options are used in today's HEVs. Johnson Controls also supplies high-power prismatic NiMH batteries that are utilized in hybrid-electric bus applications in Europe.

"HEVs represent a small but rapidly growing part of the modern-day automotive market," said Lou Senunas, vice president of advanced battery and hybrid technology for Johnson Controls. "With our technological strengths, long-term experience, and manufacturing capacity, we are well-positioned to charge forward as a key supplier of battery technology and products to the emerging HEV segment."

According to Senunas, Johnson Controls brings an array of capabilities to its battery customers. "We offer industry-leading expertise in complete systems integration including thermal and battery-system management in addition to power conversion and control electronics."

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.