Johnson Controls Project CAMISMA Means Lighter but Just as Safe Vehicle Seats

BURSCHEID, Germany, December 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ Johnson Controls is reducing the use of metals in vehicle seat structures by replacing them with multi-material systems in its CAMISMA (Carbon-amide-metal-based interior structure using a multi-material system approach) research project. These seats are more than 40 percent lighter than conventionally manufactured seat structures and equally as safe.

For this cutting-edge work, Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company received this year's CLEPA (European Association of Automotive Suppliers) Innovation Award in the "Green" category. According to the jury, the project represents an "outstanding, future-oriented solution for sustainable carbon dioxide reduction."

"Although carbon-fiber products generally offer outstanding characteristics, such as great strength and design flexibility, they are too expensive for use in the large-scale series production of vehicles," said Andreas Eppinger, group vice president technology management, Johnson Controls Automotive Experience. "With CAMISMA our goal was to create cost-efficient, sustainable access to carbon-fiber-based materials systems."

This was achieved by an innovative industrial manufacturing process for volume production with about 200,000 units per production line, allowing for the first time the highly concentrated, efficient use of carbon fiber, while at the same time meeting all safety requirements. The results of an initial rear-impact crash test demonstrated that the CAMISMA seat prototype satisfied all of the strength requirements of current seats built with a metal structure in large-scale series production.

In addition to significant weight savings, CAMISMA offers a further advantage: The manufacturing steps required in assembly are substantially reduced through the number of attachment parts needed, which also saves cost. These seats will be available in vehicles in 2019.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company's 170,000 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. Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability dates back to its roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through its growth strategies and by increasing market share, Johnson Controls is committed to delivering value to shareholders and making its customers successful.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience

Johnson Controls Automotive Experience is a global leader in automotive seating, overhead systems, floor consoles, door panels and instrument panels. The company supports all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through its products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With more than 220 plants worldwide, Johnson Controls is where its customers need it to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of Johnson Controls products, from single components to complete interiors. With its global capability the company supplies more than 50 million cars per year.