European Investment Bank loan for Johnson Controls: more research for environmentally friendly automotive equipment

Burscheid, Germany (ots) -

The project will also make an important contribution to the
vocational training of adolescents and young adults

Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company with
established core businesses in the automotive, building and energy
storage industries, is strengthening its research and development in
the field of eco-friendly automotive equipment. The European
Investment Bank (EIB) is making a EUR 220m loan available to the
company.

"Johnson Controls highly appreciates this loan from the EIB. It
will enable us to further strengthen our research and development
activities in the field of eco-friendly automotive seating
solutions," said Jean-Philippe De Waele, treasurer Europe, Middle
East and Africa for Johnson Controls.

Johnson Controls is a technological and market leader in the
development of car seats and complete seating systems in particular.
The loan being provided by the EIB will help Johnson Controls advance
its research & development activities. One of the areas that the
company is addressing is reducing the weight of seats by using
lighter materials to further decrease the overall weight of vehicles.
Lighter vehicles will in turn help reduce harmful emissions. The aim
is to help automotive manufacturers comply with increasingly
stringent environmental standards. However, safety aspects also play
an important role for Johnson Controls - the company does not allow
for any compromises in this area. The seats, together with other car
interior components, are intended to be both reliable and durable, as
well as to be produced in a cost-effective manner.

The project will also make an important contribution to the
vocational training of adolescents and young adults, as part of the
loan will support vocational training programs in Johnson Controls'
production plants in Germany. Around 240 apprentices will benefit
from these programs throughout the duration of the project, helping
to safeguard jobs and increase know-how.

"Johnson Controls is one of the industrial enterprises whose
commitment to research and development is well above-average. It thus
makes a crucial contribution to Europe's innovative capability and
competitive strengths. Furthermore, a knowledge-based economy is
dependent on a skilled and competent workforce. The vocational
training aspect is therefore another important element of the funding
that has now been made available," said EIB Vice-President Wilhelm
Molterer, whose responsibilities include the Bank's activities in
Germany.

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 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 Seating
Industriestraße 20-30
51399 Burscheid
Germany

Oliver Herkert
Tel.: +49 2174 65-4348
E-Mail: oliver.herkert@jci.com

Internet: www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk

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