PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, is proud to be the seating sponsor of the first-place award-winning EcoCAR 2.

Johnson Controls Automotive Seating supplied the seats for Ohio State University’s EcoCAR 2 vehicle.

As the vehicle’s seating sponsor, Johnson Controls conceptualized, designed and built eco-friendly seats that showcase its innovative and sustainable products.

“EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future,” is a national competition established by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors that challenges students from 15 North American universities to reduce the environmental impact of a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, donated by GM, without compromising performance, safety and consumer acceptability.

The Ohio State team, which included 35 undergraduate and graduate students, placed first place overall in the competition.

“Johnson Controls is proud to be the seating sponsor for this outstanding program and to provide the team with innovative, eco-friendly seats,” said Jeff Williams, group vice president and general manager Global Complete Seat, Johnson Controls Automotive Seating.

“We congratulate the team and remain committed to supporting the next generation of vehicle designers,” he said.

In addition to winning the overall award, the team won in 21 individual categories, including the Static Consumer Acceptability Presentation award. The Ohio State team won first place in this category in part because of the environmentally friendly, custom seats Johnson Controls provided for their vehicle.

Key features of the Johnson Controls seats, which were designed specifically for Ohio State’s EcoCAR 2, include:

• recyclable polyester fabric
• eco-thread stitching
• eco-adhesive lamination
• natural dyes to create a customized printed design
• lightweight, soy-based foam
• bio-plastic side and back panels
• a tablet accessory attachment that easily connects portable consumer electronic devices to the back of the front-seat headrests for viewing by rear-seat passengers

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. In 2014, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #12 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.  

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience:
Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels. 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.

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SOURCE Johnson Controls