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


MILWAUKEE, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls-Saft will beproviding lithium-ion batteries for BMW's 7 Series ActiveHybrid car,currently being showcased at the Paris motor show. Lithium-ion batteriesare 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter than NiMH batteries used inhybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) on the road today. The lithium-ion cells and modules will be produced at the JohnsonControls-Saft production facility in Nersac, France. The facility, which isthe 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 BMWfor our lithium-ion technology. This contract consolidates our leadingposition in lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles," saidMary Ann Wright who leads the joint venture and is vice president andgeneral manager of Johnson Controls' hybrid battery business. Johnson Controls-Saft is a joint venture that has brought togetherJohnson Controls -- the world's leading supplier of automotive batteriesand a company deeply experienced in integrated automotive systems solutions-- with Saft, world leader in high technology batteries with extensiveLi-ion battery expertise. This contract is the second lithium-ion production contract for JohnsonControls-Saft. Additionally, the company has multiple development contractsunderway for lithium-ion batteries for HEVs and plug-in hybrid electricvehicles.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is the global leader that brings ingenuityto the places where people live, work and travel. By integratingtechnologies, products and services, we create smart environments thatredefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our teamof 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable worldthrough our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment tosustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporatecitizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products andservices 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 andmanufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used inhigh performance applications such as industrial infrastructure andprocesses, transportation, space and defense. Saft is the world's leadingmanufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and ofprimary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group isalso the European leader for specialized advanced technologies for thedefense and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide,Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensivesales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. For moreinformation, visit Saft at http://www.saftbatteries.comSOURCE Johnson Controls