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Johnson Controls, The power behind the battery

19 March 1999

Johnson Controls Auto Batteries Outlast Competition More Than Two to One

    MILWAUKEE, March 18 -- Ten years of real life and independent
lab testing shows that Johnson Controls automotive batteries with
long-life technology outlast the competition. On average, testing verified
that Johnson Controls batteries with long-life technology have a life of
95,000 miles. The batteries produced by the largest competitor average 42,000
miles.
    For the past decade, more than 2,000 Johnson Controls batteries have been
on duty in the toughest scenario any engineers could envision:  taxicabs
running 'round the clock in the desert heat of the Las Vegas strip. (High
temperatures, not cold, shorten lead acid battery life.) Johnson Controls has
been testing its batteries and their competitors' products this way since
1989.  That equates to over 110 million miles of on-the-job training.
    Johnson Controls, the largest automotive battery manufacturer in North
America, makes the AutoZone Duralast, InterState Megatron and Energizer
automotive batteries. In addition, two weeks ago Johnson Controls was selected
to supply all DieHard and PlusStart batteries for Sears, Roebuck and Co.
    While competitors may claim improvements against Johnson Controls
batteries, recent laboratory and fleet testing indicate that's not the case.
    "This serves as confirmation that as more products are added to the
testing mix, Johnson Controls is still getting the same outstanding, long-life
results," explains David Marsh, Director of Marketing.
    The real-world testing in Las Vegas has given Johnson Controls engineers
many opportunities to both enhance existing batteries and develop new
products.
    "We've taken some major steps forward in extending battery life, but we're
not going to stop there, Marsh said.  "We're always looking for things we can
do to raise the bar higher."
    As a result of the valuable data gathered during the years of Vegas taxi
testing, Johnson Controls engineers are continually developing and exploring
new materials, components and assembly processes.  They're especially
interested in tearing down one particular battery -- it lasted an amazing
160,000 miles!
    Johnson Controls commitment to testing is important to its customers as
well. Because of that, we have partners who confidently back these batteries
with two and even over three year free replacement warranties. Why? They're
impressed with the results of Johnson Controls extensive lab and taxi testing.
Our partners' past experience with Johnson Controls has proven again and again
that its products will go the distance.
    Vegas cab drivers know better than to gamble with a battery that isn't
designed for long-life and high-heat conditions.  Because of this testing,
Johnson Controls is helping its customers "get real" by providing consistently
long-lasting, high-quality automotive batteries, tested in the real world.
    Johnson Controls, Inc., with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., is a global
market leader in automotive systems and building controls. Through its
Automotive Systems Group, it supplies seating systems, interior systems and
batteries.  The Controls Group serves the nonresidential buildings market with
control systems and services, and integrated facility management.  Founded in
1885, it operates from more than 500 locations worldwide.  Johnson Controls
securities are listed on the NYSE.  Additional news and information about
Johnson Controls can be found at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com