Vehicle Seating promotes third-row accessibility.

Press Release Summary:



EZaxis Seating, suited for minivans, crossover, and sport-utility vehicles of all sizes, has tactile and visible seat controls ergonomically designed to accelerate ingress/egress process for third-row passengers. Entry handle, located on second row seat, is operated with single-handed sweeping motion. Second row seats can be folded flat to floor and feature storage capability for small items via lockable storage bin.



Original Press Release:



EZaxis Seating from Johnson Controls Provides Innovative Solution for Third-row Accessibility



DETROIT, Jan. 8 -- An increasing number of vehicles today are including third rows, and getting in and out of this area quickly and easily has become quite a challenge for passengers and auto manufacturers as vehicles get smaller. To address this issue, engineers at Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) have created an innovative solution -- called EZaxis Seating -- that improves and simplifies third-row accessibility for occupants.

In a human factors study conducted by Johnson Controls, EZaxis Seating was selected by a majority of people as the top choice for an ingress/egress solution over five conventional options available in current vehicles.

EZaxis Seating is unique because it meets a number of needs for owners and passengers of minivans, crossover and sport-utility vehicles of all sizes that regularly access their third-row seating areas. The easy entry handle, located on the second row seat, can be operated easily by people of all ages with one single-handed sweeping motion and minimal exertion. The highly tactile and visible seat controls are ergonomically designed to help accelerate the ingress/egress process for third-row passengers. The product has been designed with optimal handle and spring efforts for rapid seat conversions, and enables more entry space for climbing into a third row than other systems in use today.

Among the other features of the second-row EZaxis Seating product are a fold-flat seatback; a headrest that is compliant with U.S. government requirements and can be folded flat; built-in child seat attachment anchors; optional seat contour deployment and seat track mechanisms. With the front seats in the full rearward position, the second row seats can be quickly and easily folded flat to the floor.

When it is placed in the stadium cushion "up" position, EZaxis Seating also includes storage capability for small items. On the bottom side of the seat cushion is a lockable storage bin for valuables -- including personal electronics, such as a portable camera. In addition, on the rear side of the seatback is a personal amenities pouch for storage of various small items by third-row occupants. When the seat is in the stadium-up position, there is adequate space to transport tall items like plants, large packages or groceries on the floor of the second row.

"Our consumer research and human factors testing indicates that the EZaxis Seating addresses the needs of vehicle owners for simple, easy-to-operate and rapid accessibility for passengers getting into and out of their third-row seating areas," said Paul Lambert, group vice president and general manager, Seating - North America for Johnson Controls. "We believe this new technology provides a practical solution for our customers to include in a variety of minivan, crossover and sport-utility vehicles."

Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise. Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) has 136,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations serving customers in 125 countries. Founded in 1885, the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For additional information, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.

CONTACT: Debra Lacey of Johnson Controls, +1-734-254-5735

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