Johnson Controls honored for being the most innovative supplier of automotive interiors

PLYMOUTH, Mich. and BURSCHEID, Germany, May 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating, seating components and automotive interiors and electronics, has received the Automotive Innovations Award 2013 in the Interiors category. Last night, the renowned Center of Automotive Management in Bergisch Gladbach, and consulting and auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, honored the most innovative automakers and suppliers in Frankfurt.

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“The Automotive Innovations Award 2013 recognizes the immense innovative capabilities of Johnson Controls,” said Andreas Eppinger, group vice president Technology Management, Johnson Controls Automotive Seating. “Automotive seating is technically very complex. At Johnson Controls, we are continually working on innovations in the fields of safety, comfort and sustainability,” said Eppinger.

“When it comes to door panels, instrument panels or headliners, we offer our customers both innovative and lightweight components that save weight and reduce consumption. In doing so, we rely on renewable and particularly environmentally friendly raw materials,” said Han Hendriks, vice president Technology & Innovation, Johnson Controls Automotive Electronics & Interiors.

The Center of Automotive Management and PricewaterhouseCoopers analyzed the innovations made public by the award winners for degree of innovation and benefits, and asked automakers to name the most innovative companies in the respective fields for the five supplier categories.

Key criteria for awarding Johnson Controls the prize in the Interiors category were, for example, numerous innovations in the field of lightweight construction, highly flexible and space-saving seating systems as well as interior components (e.g. door panels) made of renewable raw materials.

“Johnson Controls prevailed in the Interiors category thanks to its high degree of innovation and practical, environmentally-friendly solutions,” said Professor Stefan Bratzel, head of the Center of Automotive Management.

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.

About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 168,000 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. In 2013, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

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SOURCE Johnson Controls