Johnson Controls' ie:3 concept car makes its European debut / Vehicle demonstrates innovation in seating, electronics, interiors and batteries (mit Bild)

Frankfurt (ots) -

Johnson Controls today showcased its ie:3 concept car for the
first time in Europe at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung
(IAA) in Frankfurt. The ie:3, which refers to "inspired efficiency,"
combines the latest technology in the areas of seating, electronics,
interiors and batteries.

Johnson Controls' ie:3 demonstrates a solution to the challenge of
packaging an energy storage system in a fully electric B-segment
vehicle without compromising comfort. The demonstrator vehicle also
features reduced complexity and mass of individual components and
innovative materials that create a sense of spaciousness in a small
vehicle. The combination of customized interior styling and
electronic connectivity solutions also address an increasingly
younger, urban society.

"The innovations featured in the car are adaptable to markets
around the world, are ready for production and available for 2015
model year vehicles and beyond," said Beda Bolzenius, president,
Johnson Controls Automotive Experience. Innovations and technologies
featured in the Johnson Controls ie:3 demonstrator include:

Optimizing Human Machine Interface (HMI)

- Integrated multi-touch display, easily accessible for driver
and passenger. The nine-inch graphic information display
increases interaction between occupants and the vehicle.
- Combiner head-up display, designed as a standalone unit,
projects key driver information onto an extendable pane in the
driver's field of vision
- Virtual instrument cluster, featuring transreflective display
technology with high-quality graphics on a 6,5 inch module,
displaying data of various driver assistance systems
- Sliding multi-controller, setting the functions of the
infotainment system
- Wireless charging, enabling two mobile devices to be charged
wirelessly and safely without adapters or cables

Next generation lithium-ion automotive battery

- New hard-case prismatic energy cell.
- Innovative cooling loop isolated from the battery compartment.
- Low-profile battery design enabling interior design flexibility.
- Modular, scalable architecture.

Flexible space concept

- Lithium-ion battery with prismatic cell format integrated into
the floor assembly of the vehicle.
- Stadium seat concept with innovative cantilevered design creates
increased versatility for passenger seat and rear seats.

Mass reduction

- Decorative 3-D mesh fabric covers the instrument panel, reducing
weight in the interior.
- Lightweight sound system, featuring a headliner with integrated
audio that enables increased storage opportunities in vehicle
doors.
- Lightweight overhead system and trim.

Unique material application

- PP Thin Film, suitable for interior parts with high
scratch-performance requirements.
- Compressed natural fibers combined with PP Thin Film, provide a
durable surface with strength and reduced mass.
- Long glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic for strength with
reduced mass.
- FaserTec natural fibers, offering eco-friendly benefits and a
slim profile with superior comfort.
- Trim covers from material expert Michel Thierry, which was
acquired by Johnson Controls in December 2010.

Human machine interface designed with consumers' needs in mind

The ie:3 reflects a human machine interface that enables vehicle
occupants to customize applications to their personal needs.
Occupants can interact with all operating controls - from the multi-
touch display to the sliding multi-controller to the virtual
instrument cluster - without having to adjust their sitting position.
The electronics in the vehicle are tailored to the consumer's needs
and meets the demands of today's smart phone generation for style,
operability, convenience and connectivity.

Vehicles features next generation electric vehicle battery
technology

Johnson Controls is expanding its battery cell portfolio to
include a new prismatic design. In keeping with the task of designing
a compact, yet powerful energy store for this concept car, the
company developed an innovative battery system into the floor of the
vehicle. The lithium-ion battery in the ie:3 has an electric storage
capacity of 23.7 kWh (kilowatt hours) and 216 cells that take up very
little room height-wise thanks to their prismatic construction,
making it ideal for installation in spaces with height restrictions.

The innovative design of the battery concept enables a range of
about 100 miles or 160 kilometers per charge. Full battery power is
resumed after six to eight hours of charging. The power pack also
offers a high level of system safety and is well protected in the
event of an accident.

"Johnson Controls launches only technically mature quality
products onto the market that have been tested for extreme
application. We are aiming to produce in series the prismatic cells
before 2013," said Stefan Suckow, managing director at Johnson
Controls-Saft..

ie:3 highlights light-weight solutions and flexible use of space

Johnson Controls has significantly reduced the number of
components in the ie:3, resulting in decreased vehicle mass. The ie:3
design also features reduced complexity and mass with a flexible
seating system, and unique audio system.

The ie:3 seating was designed to be as light as possible without
compromising safety, comfort or the feeling of luxury. The seating
system takes up approximately 25 percent less space than conventional
models. The flexible seating concept is similar to stadium seats that
fold up, creating more legroom and storage space. To reduce materials
used in the vehicle, Johnson Controls sought an alternative approach
to the audio system. Rather than taking the conventional approach to
audio systems by placing speakers in door panels, Johnson Controls
installed transmitters concealed in a lightweight headliner,
optimizing sound and offering additional design freedom in the door
panels.

"The ie:3 concept is an excellent example of Johnson Controls'
design and development capabilities, and demonstrates how we can
enable vehicle personalization for consumers around the world," said
Andreas Maashoff, director of industrial design and craftsmanship,
consumer and market research, Johnson Controls Automotive Experience.

At www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk/press information and pictures are
available regarding the following ie:3 topics

- Human-Machine-Interaction
- Combiner Head-Up-Display
- Flexible Seating System
- Material Application
- Lightweight Audio Integration
- Battery System

and the company´s further IAA-news.

Mediacontacts:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Experience
Ulrich Andree
Tel.: +49 2174 65-4343
E-mail: ulrich.andree@jci.com

Johnson Controls Power Solutions EMEA
Ina Longwitz
Tel.: +49 511 975 1031
E-Mail: ina.longwitz@jci.com