PR Newswire/Les Echos/
News release
JCS-06-09
CONTACTS : Rebecca Fitzgerald
Tel.: (414) 524-2945
Rebecca.K.Fitzgerald@jci.com
Jill Ledger, Saft
Tel.: 33.1.49.93.17.77
Jill.ledger@saftbatteries.com
Yannick.Duvergé, Financial Dynamics
Tel.: 33.1.47.03.68.10
Yannick.duverge@fd.com
Johnson Controls-Saft to supply the battery for Transit Connect Electric
Vehicle
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, U.S.A. - Dec. 1, 2009 - Johnson Controls-Saft announced
today that it has been chosen as the Lithium-ion battery supplier for Azure
Dynamic's Force Drive(TM) integration on the Ford Transit Connect Battery
Electric Vehicle (BEV). The all-electric van will be in production beginning
in late 2010.
"Johnson Controls-Saft is committed to the commercialization of hybrid and
electric vehicles," said Ray Shemanski, who leads the Johnson Controls-Saft
joint venture. "We are proud to be chosen for the BEV and we look forward to
strengthening our partnership with both Azure and Ford Motor Company to advance
these leading-edge technologies. This partnership is underscored by our
investment of more than $600 million in manufacturing and infrastructure
development."
Commercial transportation in an urban environment accounts for 12 percent of
total miles driven, yet is responsible for 25 percent of total greenhouse
emissions. The Transit Connect BEV would eliminate gas costs and enables fleet
owners to accurately forecast the cost of doing business. It has a targeted
range of 80 miles on all-electric power, and is the first of four electric
vehicles Ford plans to build in its global commercial vehicle program.
"We've worked with Johnson Controls-Saft on our Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric
delivery and shuttle bus project, and are confident that their batteries offer
a light, powerful design with a longer life than most current battery
technologies," said Curt Huston, Azure Dynamics Chief Operating Officer. "Both
Azure and Ford have existing relationships with Johnson Controls-Saft, bringing
further synergies to the project."
In addition to its work with Azure, Johnson Controls-Saft is in production with
the Mercedes S-Class hybrid, currently on sale in Europe and the United States.
Johnson Controls-Saft also will supply the Li-ion hybrid batteries for the BMW
7-Series ActiveHybrid available in 2010 and Ford's first plug-in hybrid
electric vehicle available in 2012. The Transit Connect BEV will use the same
battery technology that is currently installed in the Ford Escape test fleet
of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, also supplied by Johnson Controls-Saft.
The Johnson Controls-Saft battery systems, including electronics, electrical
and mechanical components, will be assembled at the company's facility in
Holland, MI. Azure Dynamics has not announced the manufacturing location for
the Transit Connect BEV.
About Johnson Controls-Saft
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, a
world leader in advanced technology batteries for industry with extensive
Li-ion battery expertise.
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 defense. 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
specialized advanced technologies for the defense 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. Saft is listed in the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock
Market. For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com
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 130,000
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/.
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