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Climate-Controlled Seats from Johnson Controls will be Featured

14 October 1998

Climate-Controlled Seats from Johnson Controls will be Featured in Model-Year 2000 Luxury Vehicle

'First-of-its-kind' heating/cooling technology
to enhance comfort, convenience for consumers

    PLYMOUTH, Mich., Oct. 13 -- Automotive interior supplier
Johnson Controls soon will become the first company to produce
seat systems for the original equipment market that feature active temperature
controls for heating, cooling and ventilation. The company is providing the
innovative seats for a model-year 2000 luxury vehicle to be manufactured in
North America. Johnson Controls is integrating technology developed by
Irwindale, California-based Amerigon, Inc. -- called the
Climate Control Seat system (CCS(TM)).
    Lou Kincaid, vice president of engineering for Johnson Controls, says the
seats with the new climate control technology will be available next year as a
luxury option.
    "There has been tremendous interest in these unique seat systems, and a
number of global auto manufacturers are reviewing the technology for inclusion
in their future vehicles," he said. "We're always looking for ways to add
value and innovation to our interior products. These seats will feature
leading-edge technology -- and the first comprehensive temperature controls
for seat systems offering year-round comfort for vehicle passengers."
    The system from Amerigon is the first of its kind to deliver both heating
and cooling, through a uniquely designed compact heat pump that is mounted
inside the seat structure. It is operated with a small switch, which can be
located on a vehicle's seat, center console or door panel. The CCS technology
uses a thermal-electric device that delivers heating, cooling or ventilation.
A small fan circulates cabin air through the thermal-electric device to the
seat surface through perforated leather or cloth fabric covers.
    Johnson Controls, Inc., with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, is
a global market leader in automotive systems and building controls. Founded in
1885, Johnson Controls had sales of US$11.1 billion in 1997 and operates in
more than 500 locations around the world. See http://www.johnsoncontrols.com for more
information.
    The Plymouth, Michigan-based Automotive Systems Group of Johnson Controls
is one of the world's largest suppliers of vehicle interior systems, and is a
major supplier of batteries. In 1998, the company's worldwide operations will
supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles. The Automotive
Systems Group employs more than 54,000 people at 215 facilities worldwide and
achieved $8 billion in sales for the 1997 fiscal year.

    CONTACT:  Dave Roznowski of Johnson Controls, 734-254-5632.
    Company News On-Call:  http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 473547.
    Web site:  http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.