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Unique Cargo Storage System from Johnson Controls Offers Consumers Increased Convenience, Flexibility

31 October 2000

Unique Cargo Storage System from Johnson Controls Offers Consumers Increased Convenience, Flexibility 
Company's advanced CargoMax(TM) System
enables efficient use of vehicle trunk storage space

    LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31 Johnson Controls has
created a cargo organizer for vehicles that offers an affordable, convenient
way to prevent spills, breakage and other unpleasant surprises in the trunk
space. The company's CargoMax(TM) System helps assure that a variety of
packages stored in vehicle trunks are organized and stay quietly "in-place."
    It is the first automotive interior product sold by the Specialty Products
Group of Johnson Controls. The Specialty Products Group designs, manufactures
and markets automotive interior products to the dealer accessory, specialty
retail and niche vehicle markets. CargoMax is available now as an optional,
dealer-installed feature on 2001 model-year vehicles produced by Ford,
Infiniti, Nissan and Saab.
    Johnson Controls -- the world's leading supplier of automotive interior
systems -- will unveil the latest generation of CargoMax Systems this week at
the 2000 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas
(Booth #13832, Silver Hall 1).
    Created by a product design team at Johnson Controls, the unique CargoMax
storage system meets stringent automotive quality standards for durability and
performance. It features high plastic container walls and fold-out divider
panels that separate trunk space into squares. CargoMax opens and locks into
place in one easy motion. The product is just two inches high when folded,
storing flat when more space is needed. Up to 300 pounds of luggage can be
loaded on top of the cargo system when it is folded down.
    The CargoMax product also can be removed easily for cleaning, for gaining
access to the spare tire, and for moving CargoMax between vehicles in the
household. Six hooks on the inside of the cover hold plastic grocery bags
securely, and a spill tray is integrated underneath for added protection.
Versatility is another important attribute of the product -- which can be used
to store sports equipment, beach equipment, auto accessories, tools and
groceries.
    "CargoMax is an outstanding product that offers consumers greater
convenience, flexibility and performance in car interiors," said Jeff Steiner,
general manager of the company's Specialty Products Group. "Car buyers have
sought versatile storage solutions for a number of years -- and we've
responded with a system that maximizes efficient use of trunk space and is
very simple to use."
    Among the 2001 vehicles that feature CargoMax as a dealer-installed option
are the Infiniti Q45 and i30 sedans; Nissan Altima and Maxima sedans; Saab 9.5
sedan and 9.5 wagon. An original-equipment version of CargoMax is available on
the 2001 Ford Econoline E-Traveler van. Several other vehicles are expected to
feature the product in the near future.
    CargoMax is suitable for installation in a variety of cars, minivans and
sport-utility vehicles.
    At the SEMA show, Johnson Controls is highlighting a wide range of its
products, including the AutoVision(R) vehicle-integrated DVD entertainment
system; the PSI(TM) Mirror tire-pressure monitoring system; seat-back utility
packages; and additional, consumer-focused products. Also on display is the PT
Cruiser RECARO Edition, a concept specialty vehicle jointly developed by
Johnson Controls and ASC Incorporated.
    Johnson Controls' participation in the SEMA event is being coordinated by
the company's new Specialty Products Group.
    SEMA is a 3,600-member trade group representing the specialty automotive
aftermarket industry, a market with estimated annual sales for 2000 of $21.2
billion.
    The Plymouth, Michigan (U.S.A.)-based automotive business of Johnson
Controls -- which employs more than 65,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide
-- achieved US$12.7 billion in sales for the 2000 fiscal year. In model-year
2000, it will supply interior products for more than 23 million vehicles.
    Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and
facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major
supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential
facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services,
energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls
, founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
(U.S.A.) Its sales for 2000 totaled US$17.1 billion.

    NOTE TO EDITORS:  Photos of the CargoMax(TM) System can be obtained by
calling Bill Dawson at 734-254-5925. For access to other Johnson Controls news
releases and additional company information, visit the company's site on the
World Wide Web at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
    CONTACT:  Bill Dawson, 734-254-5925, or Debbie Lacey, 734-254-5735, both
of Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Company News On-Call:  http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 473547
    Web site:  http://www.johnsoncontrols.com