Johnson Controls’ batteries power Chevy Malibu’s 2014 Start Stop vehicle

Johnson Controls, the world’s leading supplier of automotive batteries, is providing its advanced Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery technology to power Chevrolet’s 2014 Malibu featuring Start Stop technology.

The technology will increase the 2014 Malibu’s fuel economy by an estimated 5 percent. In a Start Stop system, the car’s engine will shut off when the driver comes to a stop or idles. Johnson Controls’ AGM battery will power devices during the stop mode and quickly restart the engine when the driver’s foot releases the brake pedal.

“AGM technology is better equipped than traditional batteries to power the deep cycling needed for frequent starts and stops,” said Ray Shemanski, vice president and general manager of the Original Equipment Group for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “With 5 percent fuel savings, drivers will see immediate economic benefits with Start Stop at a competitive price when compared to hybrid and electric vehicles.”

AGM batteries are a proven advanced energy storage solution for Start Stop vehicles in Europe, where Johnson Controls has sold more than 21 million AGM batteries since 2001 and now produces more than 4.5 million annually.

The company estimates that more than 80 percent of the new cars built in Europe are expected to include Start Stop technology by 2018. Start Stop vehicles are estimated to grow to 40 percent globally and 35 percent in the U.S.

Customer satisfaction with the technology is high. According to consumer research commissioned by Johnson Controls, 91 percent of Start Stop vehicle owners in Europe say they are likely to purchase such a vehicle again.

Chevrolet spokesman Chad Lyons said, “We offer Start Stop technology in some of our European products, but the new Malibu’s Start Stop system is the first standard in an automatic car for GM overall.”

The batteries that will power the Malibu will be manufactured in St. Joseph, Mo., and Toledo, Ohio.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 168,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; 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 2013, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the global leader in lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for Start-Stop, hybrid and electric vehicles. Our 50 manufacturing, recycling and distribution centers supply more than one-third of the world’s lead-acid batteries to major automakers and aftermarket retailers. Through our innovations we are building the advanced battery industry for hybrid and electric vehicles. We were the first company in the world to produce lithium-ion batteries for mass-production hybrid vehicles. Our commitment to sustainability is evidenced by our world-class technology, manufacturing and recycling capabilities.