IAA show

Automotive innovations

Johnson Controls is unveiling its latest automotive battery, seating, interiors and electronics innovations at the 64th annual International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany. The 2011 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) runs from Sept. 13-25.

Highlights from the Johnson Controls presentation include:

Expanded seating components product portfolio

Recaro seat
The company is highlighting its expanded seating components product portfolio, featuring products from its recent acquisitions of Keiper, Recaro Automotive and C. Rob. Hammerstein (CRH).

The company’s new product business unit, called Recaro Automotive Seating, will present seating solutions for premium segment cars and commercial vehicles for automakers and the aftermarket.

“Johnson Controls is establishing a best-in-class metal structures and mechanisms organization within its seating components business to serve as the design partner of choice for automakers,” said Johannes Roters, group vice president and general manager of seating components at Johnson Controls Automotive Experience.

High-performance battery technologies

Start-Stop batteries
Johnson Controls is discussing high-performance battery technologies for Start-Stop systems made in Germany. 

According to forecasts by Johnson Controls Power Solutions, the number of Start-Stop vehicles produced in Europe could increase to as much as 70 percent by 2015. Johnson Controls equips the majority of vehicles featuring this environmentally friendly technology.

The battery plays a key role in start-stop systems and is integrated in a complex energy and battery management system. The battery must be able to start the engine reliably every time and is solely responsible for supplying the necessary power to the onboard electronics and electrical equipment, such as the ventilation, radio or navigation system when the system is cycling. The engine only runs when necessary. 

“Johnson Controls Start-Stop batteries demonstrate our commitment to helping the car industry develop sustainable solutions for reducing CO2 emissions,” said Christian Rosenkranz, vice president of product engineering at Johnson Controls Power Solutions EMEA.

Inspired efficiency: ie:3 demonstrator vehicle makes European debut

ie:3 plug in
For the first time in Europe, Johnson Controls is displaying its ie:3 demonstrator vehicle at the IAA. The “ie” in the vehicle’s name stands for “inspired efficiency.” This vehicle exemplifies the company’s combined expertise in the areas of seating, electronics, interiors and batteries to create an innovative, integrated interior concept.

The compact vehicle with an electric motor combines a sustainable drive concept with attractive interior styling that enables interior personalization. Products featured in the ie:3 are available globally for the next generation of vehicles.