Membership Benefits	Join AeA	Get Involved	Policy Priorities	Contact Us	Site Map
Press Archive

Johnson Controls-Saft Announces Second Lithium-Ion Hybrid Battery Production Contract

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, October 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Johnson Controls-Saft will be providing lithium-ion batteries for BMW's 7 Series ActiveHybrid car, currently being showcased at the Paris motor show. Lithium-ion batteries are 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter than NiMH batteries used in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) on the road today.

The lithium-ion cells and modules will be produced at the Johnson Controls-Saft production facility in Nersac, France. The facility, which is the world's first production facility for lithium-ion batteries for HEVs, opened in January 2008 and is scaleable as demand increases.

"Johnson Controls-Saft is delighted to announce this contract with BMW for our lithium-ion technology. This contract consolidates our leading position in lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles," said Mary Ann Wright who leads the joint venture.

Johnson Controls-Saft is a joint venture that has brought together Johnson Controls -- the world's leading supplier of automotive batteries and a company deeply experienced in integrated automotive systems solutions -- with Saft, world leader in high technology batteries with extensive Li-ion battery expertise.

This contract is the second lithium-ion production contract for Johnson Controls-Saft. Additionally, the company has multiple development contracts underway for lithium-ion batteries for HEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defence. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. For more information, visit Saft at http://www.saftbatteries.com

SOURCE Saft