Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions

A joint venture focusing on the EV/HEV segment

Saft has leveraged its technological expertise to set up a joint venture with the US firm Johnson Controls Inc., a Tier-1 automotive supplier, to address the fast-growing EV and HEV market, particularly capitalising on Li-ion expertise.

Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JC-S) launched in January 2006 has already made considerable progress in bringing together research and development, sales and marketing teams.

The successful penetration of hybrid and electric vehicles in the automobile market, particularly in the U.S., points to high growth potential over the coming years. What motivates customers is not only the rising price of fuel, but also soon-to-be-implemented environmental regulations.

In Europe, auto manufacturers have all stated their intention of developing these types of vehicles. JC-S aims to become a leading world player and N°1 Western supplier in this segment. The new venture will develop, produce and market high-tech Ni-MH and Li-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles, a segment with very strong growth potential.

JC-S has already secured several breakthrough contracts, including:

Johnson Controls-Saft joint-venture has been selected by Daimler to supply lithium-ion batteries for the Mercedes S Class 400 hybrid. The batteries will be produced at Saft’s site in Nersac, France, where Johnson Controls-Saft has invested in a new production line operational by 2008

A production contract announced late January 2008 for Li-ion HEV batteries for another European OEM

A production contract to provide a Ni-MH Hybrid Battery System for Newest Car from Chery

A contract with Daimler for a Dodge Sprinter plug-in hybrid test fleet

A contract to supply lithium-ion batteries for SAIC Motor Corporation

An advanced development contract by General Motors to design and test lithium-ion batteries for use in their prototype Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid SUV

A contract from the USABC consortium (DoE, Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, GM) to accelerate development of Li-ion batteries for HEVs. Priorities for JC-S here are cell performance, systems development and cost reduction

In January 2008, the official opening of its new lithium-ion automotive battery manufacturing facility. The plant, based in Nersac, France, is dedicated to the manufacture of advanced lithium-ion batteries for hybrid, plug-in, fuel cell and electric vehicles and is the first of its kind in the world

A contract to provide Ford with Li-ion batteries for a test fleet of Ford Escape plug-in hybrid vehicles