Maximum Seating Comfort in "Truck of the Year" Volvo XC90

BURSCHEID, Germany, February 3, 2016 --

Seat covers and padding for the "rolling living room" 

After the home and office, the car is the place where we spend much of our time. As the global leader in automotive seating, Johnson Controls is a trailblazer when it comes to comfort and individualisation in the design of car interiors. A successful example of this can be found in the Volvo XC90, recently named "Truck of the Year" at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The vehicle features seat covers and paddings supplied by Johnson Controls, which contribute to the award-winning comfort and interior design of this "rolling living room," as this SUV has been called.

"We congratulate our Swedish customer Volvo for its 'Truck of the Year' award in North America, given to the XC90 in January at NAIAS in Detroit," says Tony Malila, vice president & general manager Customer Group Volvo at Johnson Controls Automotive Seating. "We're particularly pleased as a supplier that the jury of automotive journalists highlighted not only the design, safety features and handling of this SUV, but also its outstanding comfort, which we contributed to through the seat padding and coverings. As the world's leading manufacturer of automotive seating components and systems, we were able to draw upon our in-house resources and vertically integrated capabilities allowing us to provide optimal support to the customer."

The target set by Volvo was very high, representing a challenge for Johnson Controls to showcase its expertise in terms of individualisation. The demand of the Swedish premium car manufacturer was that these seats, made with top-quality materials, should offer excellent comfort to all its customers. The focus is not only on the driver and front passenger but the seats of the second and third rows are also geared toward maximum comfort. Optional seats featuring integrated child booster cushions are also available for the second row.

The SUV must also provide the utmost support and comfortable seating on demanding terrain too, which is why even the extended leg-supporting surface is furnished with side bolsters. Additional massage functions and electric lumbar support maximize the seating comfort.

"For car manufacturers as well as their suppliers, individualization is a growth market that offers great potential for differentiation," said Andreas Maashoff, director of industrial design and craftsmanship at Johnson Controls Automotive Seating. "We recognized this early on and offered our customers an extensive portfolio in terms of styling trends, colors, forms and materials." Here, seat padding and coverings are important elements, in addition to the company's expertise in seat structures, which all enable it to design the "consummate seating experience."

About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 150,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and seating components and systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience
Johnson Controls Automotive Experience is a global leader in automotive seating components and systems. The company supports all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through its products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With more than 200 locations worldwide, Johnson Controls is where its customers need it to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of Johnson Controls products, from single components to complete seat systems. With its global capability the company supplies more than 50 million cars per year. Johnson Controls pursues a spin-off of its Automotive Experience business. Following the separation, which is expected to take effect October 1, 2016, the Automotive Experience business will operate as the independent, publicly traded company Adient. Bruce McDonald will serve as the chairman and CEO of the new company. Beda Bolzenius will serve as president and COO.