Top Score for Reactive Head Restraint in the new Opel Astra

Johnson Controls Sets New Interior Standards in the Compact Segment

BURSCHEID, Germany, February 10 - The Opel Astra is positioned to rank top in the compact
segment as indicated by a review of experts. The independent testing
authority Euro NCAP and Germany's largest automobile club, the ADAC
(Allgemeine Deutsche Automobilclub e.V.), recently gave the reactive head
restraint - which reduces the risk of whiplash in the event of a crash - the
highest rating to date. Auto testers have also given high marks to the
well-designed interior. The materials, look and feel, and design of the
interior appear to form a unified whole. Cleverly placed and designed package
trays and a newly developed drawer under the passenger seat ensure a
clutter-free interior. Johnson Controls has contributed its expertise in this
vehicle segment by supplying the reactive head restraints, seats, instrument
panel, displays, floor console, door panel, headliner, and batteries.

After receiving the "Golden Steering Wheel" award, the Opel Astra also
had to further differentiate itself in the crash test of the independent
consumer protection organization Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment
Program). The result: the highest rating with five stars. The head restraint
achieved an absolute top value of 3.74 out of a possible 4.00 points in the
simulated rear impact test, which assesses the risk of whiplash. This is the
best rating Euro NCAP has ever given in this test.

Safety devices rated best in crash test

The head restraint is effectively constructed: once activated, it
automatically returns to its initial position, making it fully functional
again - without the need for a costly trip to the dealers' garage. A major
benefit is that the actuator is integrated into the lower backrest, meaning
in the event of a rear impact collision, it is activated by the passenger's
pelvis. The advantage of integrating it here is that the body has maximum
contact with this part of the backrest. Normally, most conventional systems
integrate the actuator into the upper backrest. This can be a problem for
small or petite passengers, as they cannot always activate the head
restraint. "The head restraint shoots forward in just 25 milliseconds,"
explained Holger Jetses, vice president and general manager of GM/Opel
business unit at Johnson Controls. "This prevents rearward displacement of
the head - otherwise known as whiplash." This head restraint system is
standard in the Opel Astra in almost all countries throughout Europe.

The full press release with digital photos are located at
www.johnsoncontrols.com.

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
140,000 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
www.johnsoncontrols.com.

    Further information is available from:

    Johnson Controls GmbH
    Automotive Experience
    Industriestrasse 20-30
    51399 Burscheid
    Germany

    Ina Longwitz
    Tel.: +49-2174-65-4343
    Fax: +49-2174-65-3219
    E-mail: ina.longwitz@jci.com

    Astrid Schafmeister
    Tel.: +49-2174-65-3189
    E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com

Further information is available from: Johnson Controls GmbH, Automotive Experience, Industriestrasse 20-30, 51399 Burscheid, Germany; Ina Longwitz, Tel.: +49-2174-65-4343, Fax: +49-2174-65-3219, E-mail: ina.longwitz at jci.com; Astrid Schafmeister, Tel.: +49-2174-65-3189, E-mail: astrid.schafmeister at jci.com