The re3 concept: triple symbiosis between form, function and finesse / Johnson Controls presents new concept car at IAA 2009

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Well thought out from three perspectives and implemented in its
entirety: Johnson Controls' re3 concept car brings together
extraordinary demands on state-of-the- art vehicle interiors in the
compact class segment. At IAA 2009, one of the world's leading
suppliers of automotive interior systems, electronics and batteries
presents solutions for the future that are all possible right now. In
the re3 concept, Johnson Controls displays a product package that is
not limited to a single vehicle and satisfies current market demands:
reduced weight, easy-to-follow arrangement of systems and modules in
the vehicle interior, greater use of modular technology and design
flexibility. The focus is on sustainability, with the goal of
reducing fuel consumption and emissions while increasing comfort and
safety at the same time.

The re3 concept car is showcased with a light, pure, yet
simultaneously comfortable and generously spacious vehicle interior
containing extraordinary display and control concepts and innovative
seating solutions. The use of sustainable materials and unique design
approaches ensures a harmonious, personal ambience. The re3 is
powered by a powerful, environmentally friendly lithium-ion high
energy battery. The name re3 stands for "rethink, renew and respond"
and is the development formula adopted by Johnson Controls' engineers
and designers, who have raised their skills to new levels in this new
concept car. "The result is a symbiosis between innovative product
ideas and process technologies, sustainable material use and the
comprehensive implementation of contemporary design concepts," said
Detlef Jürss, Vice President Engineering Seating, Interiors and
Systems Europe, Africa and South America.

EcoSpace cockpit structure allows for space and greater freedom of
design

EcoSpace is a hybrid cockpit structure using plastic and steel
that eliminates half of the traditional cross-car beam. The steel is
used on the driver's side in the form of a tripod, while the plastic
is used across the full cockpit width. Air channels and the
connection to the airbag are incorporated directly into the plastic
structure, enabling the automakers to benefit from a weight reduction
of up to 26 percent compared to conventional cross-car beams. For the
vehicle designers, the use of the EcoSpace concept constitutes a
major plus in terms of freedom of design. For instance, they now have
total flexibility in designing the space in front of the passenger.
Besides reducing weight, optimizing available construction space was
a key focus in the development of the re3 cockpit structure. The goal
was to remove as many functions as possible from the cockpit and
locate them in more appropriate positions from a functional
perspective. As a result, and considering that there are many other
conceivable layout options, Johnson Controls was able to create more
leg room for the front seat passenger while also creating very
spacious storage compartments. As a result, the glove compartment was
thus 150 percent larger. To achieve variety of design and give the
vehicle interior a stylish appeal, the instrument panel and door
panels were made from the same environmentally friendly and visible
natural fiber material, giving the surfaces a natural appearance.

A futuristic layout and at the same time suitable for day-to-day
use

In the re3 concept car, the electronic control functions and user
interfaces that were previously located in the center/tunnel console
or the door panels were removed and integrated into an alternative,
ergonomically favorable position. The electronic controls, parts of
the user interfaces for the infotainment system and all of the
controls for the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)
functions and other control and comfort functions have now been
conveniently integrated into the driver's right armrest. All of this
was intended to achieve a new spatial and design concept.

Efficient lithium-ion high-energy battery offers sustainability

The expertise of the world leader in the automobile battery
segment comes to the forefront in the re3 concept with the
integration of a lithium-ion high-energy battery for the plug-in
hybrid concept. It is far more powerful than the traditional nickel
metal hydride batteries that are still used in most hybrid vehicles.
The highly efficient, liquid-cooled battery contains 7.6 kWh of
energy and is available for series production. You can drive about 50
km with this battery in pure electric battery mode before the
internal combustion engine kicks in - making it about ten times more
powerful than the batteries in current use. In theory, you could
drive to work in electric mode, charge it while there, and then drive
back again on fully electric power. In this connection, Johnson
Controls has positioned the battery in the tunnel console between the
two front seats for maximum safety.

Slim executive seats optimize passenger communication

In the re3 concept, Johnson Controls has used the super-slim "Slim
Seat", which offers the front passenger a high level of seating
comfort while leaving a generous amount of knee room for the
passenger in the back. This is achieved by using a conventional
backrest structure with a thin layer of seat foam and also Comfort
Shell technology, which individually adapts to the passenger's body
shape. These seats with the characteristic slim profile are made
entirely using a modular structure (MS) in the seat base and back
area. To reduce the risk of whiplash in a vehicle collision, the
seats have been fitted with a crash-active head restraint that
propels forward in the event of a collision.

The developers also focused intensively on the question of how to
break through the traditional communication barrier between front and
rear-seat passengers so as to encourage conversation between the seat
rows. The result was the "Conversational Seating" concept. Added
value for all passengers is provided by the seating arrangement,
which creates a conversational triangle by means of a front passenger
seat that slides backward into the second row using an extended
track, together with fold-away rear seats and a mechatronic release
mechanism. The new seating position not only gives the front
passenger a unique amount of leg room, but also proves highly
practical for interaction with a rear-seat passenger, for instance to
attend to a child more easily.

With the re3 concept, Johnson Controls has created a vehicle that
is simultaneously intelligent and functional while offering
additional space as well as environmentally friendly and
inconspicuously stylish. "Our new concept car can hold its own in
today's difficult market conditions, because it points in innovative
directions in the compact class segment with a range of accessories
and optional equipment that trigger the impulse to purchase, are
sought by consumers and are a way for our customers to differentiate
themselves from the competition," said Detlef Jürss.

A more technically detailed version of the press release and
digital photos are available at www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk/press.

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings
ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By
integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart
environments that redefine the relationships between people and their
surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more
comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and
services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one
million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives
our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our
workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide
to customers. For additional information, please visit
http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

Originaltext: Johnson Controls GmbH
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Further information is available from:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Experience
Industriestr. 20-30
51399 Burscheid Germany

Astrid Schafmeister
Tel.: +49 2174 65-3189
Fax: +49 2174 65-3219
E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com

Ina Longwitz
Tel.: +49 2174 65-4343
E-mail: ina.longwitz@jci.com