Johnson Controls supplies sporty, elegant seats for the new Ford B- MAX minivan / Seat tracks from Johnson Controls' CRH brand offer a high level of safety (BILD)

Burscheid (ots) -

- Cross reference: Picture is available at
http://www.presseportal.de/galerie.htx?type=obs -

Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating, interiors
and electronics, is supplying the complete seating system for the new
Ford B-MAX minivan.

"Johnson Controls has developed an innovative seating system for
the equally innovative Ford B-MAX that is both sporty and elegant. We
are proud to contribute to the value of this new minivan with our
expertise," said Beda Bolzenius, president of Johnson Controls
Automotive Experience.

Since the Ford B-MAX comes without B-pillars, making it easier to
enter and exit the vehicle, a special solution was required to mount
the seatbelts. Johnson Controls developed front seats for the minivan
with integrated seatbelt mountings, without compromising safety.
Until now, such seats, referred to as integrated belt seats, were
found primarily in sporty coupes and convertibles.

The minivan's passenger seat offers an additional unique feature:
it can be folded over flat, like the split rear seat bench. This
creates additional cargo space and makes it easier to load long
items.

Johnson Controls supplies the seats in either fabric or part
leather with a bicolor design. In addition, customers can select a
premium all-leather version.

Johnson Controls also developed and produces the metal structures
for the front and rear seats. The seat tracks from the company's CRH
brand offer a feature unique in the minivan segment: a permanent
engagement latch. This allows the front seats to be locked into place
after they are adjusted with at least one locking element per track.
This technology which previously had been found only in higher
vehicle segments increases passenger safety.

In January 2012, the company opened a seat plant specifically to
supply the nearby Ford plant where the B-MAX is produced via a just-
in-time process in Craiova, Romania.

Johnson Controls manufactures the minivan's seat components in
Romania, too: the metal components are made in the former C. Rob.
Hammerstein plant in Jimbolia; the foam components for the seat pads
are made in the former Spumotim factory in Timi?oara; and the seat
covers are made in Pite?ti.

With the integration of metal specialist C. Rob. Hammerstein and
the automotive division of foam specialist Spumotim, Johnson Controls
offers key seating components in Romania from a single source.

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