The digital natives generation wants to stay connected in the car through the Internet, smartphones and apps

Burscheid, Germany (ots) -

Johnson Controls conducted a survey of approximately 2,800 young
people in Germany, Great Britain, China and the U.S.

Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive interiors and
electronics, conducted a survey to find out what "digital natives"
expect from the car of the future. Approximately 2800 young people
were surveyed in Germany, Great Britain, China and the United States.
Their key desire: to stay connected to the digital world while
driving, too.

"To this generation, a car is a place where they are largely cut
off from the Internet and mobile communications," said Andreas
Maashoff, director of Industrial Design & Market Research. "Digital
natives are almost always online, reachable and in communication -
whether at home, the office, university or on the go. They want a car
that also keeps them connected to the digital world."

Digital natives were born post-1980. They have grown up in a world
of digital technologies, where life without the Internet,
smartphones, tablet PCs and MP3 players is inconceivable. These
devices are an expression of this generation's lifestyle. This
generation has three key requirements of the car of the future:
connectivity, access to information and voice control.

The findings of the Johnson Controls' survey revealed that digital
natives want to be able to easily connect and use their devices, such
as smartphones and tablet PCs, in their vehicle, too. It's important
to them that they can wirelessly connect their digital devices to the
vehicle's main onboard computer and charge them while driving.

Another priority for those surveyed was easy access to information
in the vehicle, such as location-based services that link information
from the navigation system and Internet to the current location they
are driving through. An example is when running short on fuel,
automatically being led to a gas station in the area that offers the
best prices.

Digital natives want to be able to operate their vehicle like a
smartphone and receive real-time information on all car systems,
drawing their attention to service or repair needs. They also want
touch displays that allow them to download special apps - for
controlling the air-conditioning system or saving fuel - which can be
adapted to suit their personal preferences. As safety is also an
important factor, digital natives want to be able to control all
functions and devices they use using voice commands. Many of those
surveyed suggested using technologies that read e-mails or messages
from social networks while driving.

This generation tends to buy small or medium segment vehicles. "In
order to reach this target group, we must focus on applying more
innovations in the lower vehicle segments from the outset," said
Andreas Maashoff. "In the ie:3 concept vehicle, Johnson Controls
shows how it addresses the needs of digital natives through human-
machine interface."

Examples of the technology that appeal to digital natives include
a nine-inch multi-touch display with information graphics and a
Combiner Head-up Display, which projects key information on an
interface in the driver's field of vision. The ie:3 concept car also
features wireless charging in the floor console that can charge two
mobile end devices wirelessly and safely.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial
leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 162,000
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 interior 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 is a global leader in automotive seating,
overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior
electronics. We support all major makers in the differentiation of
their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced
manufacturing capabilities. With 240 locations worldwide, we are
where our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort
and style of our products, from single components to complete
interiors. With our global capability we supply approximately 50
million cars per year.

For more information, please contact::

Johnson Controls GmbH Automotive Experience
Industriestrasse 20-30
51399 Burscheid Germany

Oliver Herkert
Tel.: +49 2174 65-4348
Fax: +49 2174 65-3219
E-Mail: oliver.herkert@jci.com