Trend to leather-wrapped car interiors across all vehicle segments

Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating, interiors and electronics, is increasingly using leather-wrapped surfaces for high-quality vehicle interiors.

For the new Mercedes B-Class, Johnson Controls supplies the instrument panel and door panels including a premium wrapped version as option. In 2010, Johnson Controls acquired Seton's leather wrapping business to address this trend, positioning the company as a global leader in this field.

As an interiors expert, Johnson Controls not only enhances the surfaces for the premium interior version of the B-Class but designs and manufactures structural and safety components such as instrument panels featuring a luxury wrapped surface.

“We believe leather-wrapping represents a growth market in the automotive industry. We continue to see more vehicles with leather- wrapped interior components, as a standalone solution or in combination with other surface technologies,” said Han Hendriks, vice president of global product development, interiors at Johnson Controls Automotive Experience.

The look and feel of interior components is becoming more important across all vehicle segments, especially for seats, instrument panels, door panels, floor consoles and headliners.

Leather-wrapping is increasing in popularity with automakers and consumers as a preferred surface technology. It symbolizes craftsmanship and requires precision, trained staff and strict quality controls in order to integrate the stitching of the various components seamlessly.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 162,000 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.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience

Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior electronics. We support all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With 240 locations worldwide, we are where our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of our products, from single components to complete interiors. With our global capability we supply approximately 50 million cars per year.

For more information, please contact:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Industriestraße 20-30
51399 Burscheid Germany
Oliver Herkert
Tel.: +49 2174 65-4348
Fax: +49 2174 65-3219
E-Mail: oliver.herkert@jci.com
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 162,000 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.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience
Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior electronics. We support all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With 240 locations worldwide, we are where our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of our products, from single components to complete interiors. With our global capability we supply approximately 50 million cars per year.