Johnson Controls presents EcoClimate - the first seat with natural air and moisture transfer

Pleasant seating climate without fans

Burscheid, Germany (ots/PROTEXT) 12.11.2002 - The newlydeveloped EcoClimate seat from Johnson Controls, one of theworld's leading suppliers of automotive interior systems,features a ventilation system that works without the use of fans.Breathable materials inside the seat absorb moisture, thuskeeping the body cool in summer temperatures and enhancingseating comfort considerably. EcoClimate is the first seat onthe market to feature this kind of system, providing a cost-effective alternative to seats with active cooling systems. Itwas designed especially for entry level cars and vehicles in thesmall to lower medium segments.

Unlike seats with active cooling systems, there are no fansintegrated into EcoClimate seats. Seat ventilation is achievedsolely through the combination of breathable and absorbentmaterials in the seat cushions and backrest. When driving insummer temperatures, these materials cause moisture and heat tobe transferred from the driver into the seat and then releasedagain into the interior. The unpleasant feeling of sweating inone's seat, despite air- conditioning, is now a thing of thepast. As soon as the occupant gets out of the car, EcoClimategradually releases the absorbed moisture into the air,completely regenerating itself in the process. EcoClimate is ableto absorb 30 percent more heat than conventional seats and itsmoisture absorption rate is 300 percent higher.

The difference is on the inside From the outside, EcoClimatedoesn't look any different from other vehicle seats, and itsweight and the space it requires are also similar. Comfortperformance criteria such as seat pressure distribution, firmnessand the height of the seat remain unchanged. A variety ofupholstery fabrics or perforated leather can be selected for theseat covers. Optional seat heating can be integrated into theseseats regardless of the material chosen. The lifecycledurability of EcoClimate seats is not affected by its moisture-absorbing properties; it is comparable with that of conventionalseats. The EcoClimate seat will be available as driver,passenger, or rear seat. As a complement to air conditioning,the seat makes a tangible contribution to the comfort of bothdriver and passengers, improving seat climate even when the airconditioning is not turned on.

Tests and consumer studies set the standards The engineers atJohnson Controls developed the EcoClimate seat with the help ofspecial testing methods. For example, for climate and comforttests they designed a special dummy that is similar to humans inshape and temperature. This dummy was used to test variousmaterials and material combinations for both comfort andmicroclimatic properties. However, the actual driver had the lastword. Johnson Controls initiated a consumer study in May 2002 inSeville, in the hot climate of Spain. The test subjects firstdrove in an air-conditioned Small segment car with aconventional seat, and then in the same model with EcoClimate,without being informed about the seat switch. The test showedthat the subjects did perceive the difference and definitelypreferred the EcoClimate seat.

A photo of the EcoClimat seat can be obtained athttp://www.johnsoncontrols- press.com/GB/gb_img.asp Further pressmaterial and photos of Johnson Controls are available in theinternet under www.johnsoncontrols-press.com andwww.johnsoncontrols-presse.de in English, French and German.

Johnson Controls, Inc. is one of the world's leadingsuppliers of automotive interior systems and facility managementand control. In the automotive market, it is one of the largestmanufacturers of seating and interior systems as well asautomotive batteries. For non-residential facilities, JohnsonControls provides building control systems and services, energymanagement and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls(New York Stock Exchange: JCI), founded in 1885, has itsheadquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The European headquartersis in Burscheid, Germany. Its sales for 2002 totaled 20.1billion US-Dollars, the Automotive Systems Group aloneaccounting for 15 billion US-Dollars of this figure. In thecurrent "Industry Week" business magazine rankings, JohnsonControls has been listed as one of the top 100 best runcompanies in the world for the fifth time in succession.

ots Original Text Service: Johnson Controls GmbH Internet:http://www.presseportal.de

Further information is available from:

Johnson Controls GmbH European Headquarters AstridSchafmeister Industriestraße 20-30 51399 Burscheid

Tel.: +49 2174 65-3189 Fax: +49 2174 65-3219

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