Johnson Controls-Saft to Supply Advanced Batteries to the Beijing Electric Vehicle Company
By Saft Groupe, PRNETuesday, April 19, 2011
SHANGHAI, April 20, 2011 - Johnson Controls-Saft, a global leader in the development and manufacture
of advanced lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles, will
supply the complete battery system for two electric vehicle platforms, which
will be launched by the Beijing Electric Vehicle Company (BEVC), a subsidiary
of Beijing Automotive Industry Company (BAIC). BEVC and BAIC have plans to
manufacture 150,000 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric
vehicles (BEVs) by 2015.
"The electric vehicle market in China represents a tremendous growth
opportunity for the automotive industry," said Ray Shemanski, who leads the
Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture and is vice president and general manager
of Advanced Battery Systems for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "While this
electric battery system is the first China-specific product designed and
developed by our advanced battery team in China, it leverages our proven
technology currently in production in Europe and the United States, and
indicates the potential of a quickly growing China market."
The Johnson Controls-Saft electric battery system will power the C30 and
M30 electric vehicles, which are initially launching in an evaluation fleet
of 2,000 units beginning later this year. The C30 is an A0 segment subcompact
hatchback while the M30 is a small cross-over vehicle based on the same
platform. Both vehicles have been adapted with an electric powertrain by
BEVC.
"This fleet will provide critical and early customer usage and feedback
information to support full product launch to consumers in 2012," said Dr.
Dazong Wang, President of BAIC. "We look forward to working with Johnson
Controls-Saft and other key component suppliers to meet our goal of producing
150,000 HEVs and BEVs vehicles by 2015."
The C30 and M30 can travel more than 100 kilometers on a single charge.
Johnson Controls-Saft is supplying the complete battery system, which
consists of 106 prismatic lithium-ion cells, the battery management system
and integrated battery package to accommodate the existing vehicle platform.
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 Johnson Controls
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; 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
2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #1
company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional
information, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.
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 defence. Saft is the world's leading
manufacturer of nickel batteries for industrial applications and of primary
lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the
European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and
space industries and world leader in lithium-ion satellite batteries. Saft is
also delivering its lithium-ion technology to new applications in clean
vehicles and renewable energy storage. With approximately 4,000 employees
worldwide, Saft is present in 19 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
CONTACTS: Rebecca Fitzgerald, Johnson Controls +1-414-418-4450 Rebecca.K.Fitzgerald@jci.com Jill Ledger, Saft +33-1-49-93-17-77 jill.ledger@saftbatteries.com
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Tags: April 20, China, Saft Groupe, Shanghai