Weight-saving door panel receives SPE Automotive Award 2012

Burscheid (ots) -

Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Central Europe honors Johnson
Controls for innovative door panel made of natural fibers

Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating, interiors
and electronics, was the recipient of a 14th Automotive Division
Award from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Central Europe in
the interior systems category. The company won the award for reducing
weight and the innovative production process used in the door panels
of the new BMW 3 Series. For the non-visible door panel elements of
the BMW 3 Series sedan and sports wagon models, Johnson Controls used
raw materials that are renewable and environmentally-sound. The one
piece door panel is made from a natural fiber carrier which is
directly molded with plastic. This innovative production process
makes the door panel 20 percent lighter than conventional components.
A groove lamination process is used to apply the fabric or leather
trim on the door panel. This process joins the trim in recesses,
eliminating the need for an additional component and further reducing
weight. "I am delighted that we were able to impress not only our
customers, but also the SPE jury of experts with our innovative door
panel," said Achim Hosenfeld, vice president of business development,
European OEMs, Product Group Interiors of Johnson Controls, who
accepted the SPE Automotive Award.

The success story continues in 2012

SPE is a global society of engineers and scientists with over
38,000 members. A jury of experts conferred the prestigious SPE
Automotive Award based on four categories - Interior Systems,
Exterior Applications, Applications under the Hood/Chassis, and
Electronic Components.

In 2009, Johnson Controls won two awards in the interior systems
category, including first place for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class door
panel and first place for the rear side panel of the MINI
Convertible, which provides a scratch-resistant surface.

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 automakers 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.

Digital images are available online from
www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk/press.

For more information, please contact:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Experience
Industriestraße 20?30
51399 Burscheid Germany
Astrid Schafmeister
Tel.: +49 2174 65-3189
Fax: +49 2174 65-3219
E-Mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com