Johnson Controls develops a lightweight seating system and innovative floor console for the second generation of the Kia cee'd (PHOTO)

Burscheid (ots) -

- Cross reference: Picture is available at epa european pressphoto
agency (http://www.epa.eu) and http://ots.de/VuuuU -

- Optional electrically adjustable driver's seat is unique in the
compact car segment

Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating, interior
systems and electronics, is supplying the complete seating system,
floor console and headliner for the new Kia cee'd.

"We are pleased to equip the second generation of the Kia cee'd
with important interior components and to contribute to the success
of this model," said Joris Janssen, general manager Europe for
Johnson Controls Automotive Experience's Kia customer business unit.
"The interior of the first generation Kia cee'd was of very
high-quality. However, the second generation sets new standards in
design, comfort and quality for the compact class. We are proud to
contribute to the high standards regarding functionality and quality
with our high- quality seats, our stylish floor consoles and the
headliner."

Johnson Controls has developed an especially lightweight seating
system for the Kia cee'd that contributes to the vehicle's
sustainability. The system is for comparable versions up to 5.7 kg
lighter than the previous model - very lightweight in comparison to
seats in current vehicles.

Johnson Controls' engineers achieved this weight reduction without
sacrificing safety by using a lightweight metal structure of high-
strength, thin-walled steel for the front and rear seats. A Keiper
Taumel 2000 is used as a backrest adjuster in the front seats. The
modular rear seat structure is particularly innovative. For the first
time, Johnson Controls replaced thick-walled seat pipes with
wafer-thin metal frames made of high-strength steel. This adds
stability to the split rear seat system.

In addition to the mechanical version front seats with adjustable
lumbar support, the Kia cee'd offers an optional electronically
adjustable driver's seat with a tilt adjuster - a unique feature for
a vehicle in the compact class. Five motors provide the movement in
this driver's seat.

The model, developed exclusively for the European market, is
manufactured in Kia's Zilina plant in Slovakia. Johnson Controls also
produces the seating system in Zilina and delivers it to the customer
via a just-in-time process. Different versions of the Kia cee'd seat
covers are offered in fabric, part leather and full leather.

Interior offers numerous design details

Contributing to the differentiation of the Kia cee'd's various
equipment lines, Johnson Controls also supplies all versions of the
floor console. Despite its length of 3.9 ft (1.2 m), the component is
a single-piece structure with no visible separation lines. The floor
console comes in several versions to support the differentiation of
the equipment lines. The high number of versions requires flexibility
from Johnson Controls' Slovakian plants in Namestovo (injection
molding) and Zilina (assembly).

In the basic version, the floor console is equipped with a
mechanical parking brake lever, an upholstered armrest and an open
double depression for the cupholder. As in the previous model,
standard equipment also includes a storage compartment with
electronic connections for USB, AUX and iPod integrated into the
front of the console.

In the higher trim levels, the armrest is leather-wrapped and the
cupholder has a tambour door. In addition, the parking brake lever
has been replaced with a switch for an electric parking brake. The
center armrest, which can be adjusted vertically, and air vents
integrated into the rear of the floor console increase passenger
comfort.

The premium appearance of the interior design is reflected in
details like the high-quality soft touch surfaces and chrome
elements, but also in the applications either in metal or piano
finish on the floor console. As a result, the new Kia cee'd can offer
a high-quality interior with features that are usually found only in
higher vehicle segments.

More environmentally friendly headliner with less weight

When designing the headliner, Johnson Controls considered acoustic
properties, visual effect, pleasant haptics and low weight. A
multilayer composite is used for the substrate, which provides
improved stiffness in minimal space. Recycled polyurethane foam is
used as a spacer instead of the usual injection molded structures.
Both technologies save weight, reducing fuel consumption and
emissions.

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

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.

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

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