Johnson Controls Moves to Dissolve Advanced Battery Joint Venture With Saft

"Johnson Controls and Saft have a fundamental disagreement about the future direction and appropriate scope of the joint venture," said Alex Molinaroli, president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "The industry is evolving rapidly and the investments needed to achieve market leadership require us to do more than the joint venture has done or can do."

Johnson Controls believes that as vehicle power train technologies continue to evolve and new markets emerge for advanced batteries, the company must have access to multiple alternative technologies and be able to flexibly participate more broadly across the energy storage space.

"This action reaffirms our strategic commitment to the advanced battery industry," said Molinaroli. Today’s filing does not affect Johnson Controls-Saft’s current contracts, production orders or program launches.

"We are confident we will continue to provide our customers with quality products that meet and exceed their needs. Our commitment to our customers and this market is not changed. All of this activity reflects our long-term commitment to be a leader in the advanced battery space," said Molinaroli.

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 142,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings, automotive batteries and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #1 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list.

Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the global leader in lead-acid starter batteries and advanced lead-acid batteries for Start-Stop vehicles. Our 35 manufacturing facilities supply more than one third of the world’s lead-acid batteries to major auto makers and aftermarket retailers. Through our innovations we are building the advanced battery industry for hybrid and electric vehicles.

www.johnsoncontrols.com.