Johnson Controls presents fresh styles for seat systems / Paris Interior Motives Design Awards 2014 (FOTO)

Burscheid, Germany/Paris, France (ots) -

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

Johnson Controls will present current and future trends in
automotive seating design during the Interior Motives Design Awards
2014, which will be held before this year's Paris Motor Show. In
addition to meeting automakers' demands for differentiation, the new
design options cater to vehicle buyers' requirements with regard to
personalization and customization. With this in mind, Johnson
Controls will showcase the "Synergy Seat Gen 3" seating concept in
Paris, along with innovative design approaches for backrests and seat
covers.

During the awards presentation, Johnson Controls, a global multi-
industrial company, will use design prototypes to showcase versatile
styling options for automotive seat covers. Thanks to special haptics
and the materials selected, they are refreshingly different from
traditional solutions. Surfaces with a 3D effect or different
contrasting patterns also enable a variety of designs. For example, a
sporty design uses high-contrast patterns, decorative stitching and
intense colors to achieve a fresh and dynamic look. The world's
leading supplier of automotive seating also will display printed seat
covers that can be personalized by a unique inkjet process.

Seats are the primary design element to differentiate vehicle
interiors

"Seats are becoming a central design element for automotive
interiors. In addition to lightweight construction, increased comfort
expectations and safety guidelines, we are looking at style trends,
colors, shapes and material selection more closely than ever before.
How can the interior reinforce the core brand and help to
differentiate the various models? This and other questions are
considered in the product development process," said Andreas
Maashoff, director industrial design and craftsmanship and consumer
and market research at Johnson Controls Automotive Seating. "We have
a high degree of vertical integration, because we develop and
manufacture all core components for a complete seat system ourselves
at Johnson Controls. From structures to mechanisms and foam to trim
and fabrics, we are able to influence the desired differentiation
through different approaches and to achieve a coherent overall
result."

Strong in design and craftsmanship: The Synergy Seat Gen 3

Johnson Controls demonstrates its extensive capabilities in
seating systems with the Synergy Seat Gen 3. The expressive, three-
dimensional design is implemented using striking framework structures
with light outlines and dark interior zones. The contours are
accentuated and the seat design is highlighted with decorative
stripes and stitching. Emphasizing the concave surfaces reduces the
seat's visible volume to achieve a lightweight effect. This is
continued in the interior seat construction, for example, with an
innovative backrest made of organo sheets. The Synergy Seat Gen 3
offers extensive flexibility in surface design: for instance, the
color, sheen and feel of the shell material can be varied using thin
films applied directly to the seat. Different effects also can be
achieved with lacquer or fabric and leather-covered surfaces.

Unique in the automotive industry: Seat covers printed by an
inkjet process

Johnson Controls is working on a production process to personalize
interiors that is entirely new in automotive production: an inkjet
process for seat covers. The company will present a prototype of this
seat in Paris.

"This manufacturing process can be likened to a paper printer.
Each seat cover version is a single file; and these are printed
successively, so that each seat cover can feature a completely
individual design," said Maashoff.

With this processing method, it will be possible to design and
mass produce each seat as an individual unit. Inkjet-printed fabrics
have been used for posters in fashion and advertising for years. The
challenge for their use in automotive production lies in developing
inks, a printing process, and packaging for the materials that meets
all customer specifications. In addition, colors must not fade after
exposure to sunlight and repeated movements entering and exiting the
vehicle.

"In our market research, we see that customizing and personalizing
the interior design is becoming increasingly important to vehicle
buyers. The seat and its design options are ideally suited to
catering to these needs. Johnson Controls can help automakers
accomplish this without significant additional cost by using
variations in the color, pattern, material, stitching, haptics and
surface effects," said Maashoff.

Digital images are available online from
www.johnsoncontrols-mondial.com.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial
leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000
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 Automotive Experience is a global leader in
automotive seating, overhead systems, floor consoles, door panels and
instrument panels. The company supports all major automakers in the
differentiation of their vehicles through its products, technologies
and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With more than 220 plants
worldwide, Johnson Controls is where its customers need it to be.
Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of Johnson Controls
products, from single components to complete interiors. With its
global capability the company supplies more than 50 million cars per
year.

For more information, please contact:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Industriestraße 20-30
51399 Burscheid
Germany

Automotive Seating
Lars Boelke
Tel.: +49 2174 65-1117
E-Mail: lars.boelke@jci.com

Internet: www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter: @JCseating