MILWAUKEE – Johnson Controls has announced the expansion of its global business focused on battery technology for Start-Stop vehicles. Residing within the company’s Power Solutions Business, the Start-Stop Business will execute an integrated global strategy to maximize Johnson Controls’ position as the market leader in Start-Stop batteries.

“Our analysis indicates Start-Stop vehicles will be ubiquitous in the European market in just a few years, and they are starting to penetrate the U.S. and Asian markets as well,” said Alex Molinaroli, president for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “This new global effort will position our existing business for strategic growth while ensuring we meet our customers’ increasing needs in this quickly emerging technology.”

In support of the expanded focus on Start-Stop technology, the company has named Jorge Guillen as vice president of the Global Start-Stop Business. Guillen joined Johnson Controls in 1986 in the company’s Automotive Experience business in Mexico. In 2003, he transitioned to Power Solutions as vice president and general manager of Latin American operations before moving to the United States as vice president of Global Operations in 2008.

Start-Stop vehicle technology allows the engine to shut down while a vehicle is stopped in traffic or idling, adding up to 5 percent to 12 percent fuel economy and emissions reductions depending upon the level of Start-Stop functionality in the vehicle. The technology has taken hold in Europe as automakers respond to government requirements and consumer demand for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

“Start-Stop vehicles require a more robust battery than standard vehicle operations,” said Guillen. “When the engine is shut off, the battery must have sufficient energy to run the vehicle’s electrical devices and be able to restart the engine immediately on demand, time after time, during the course of any given trip.”

Johnson Controls is the world’s leading supplier of Start-Stop batteries through its VARTA Start-Stop brand. The company currently provides more than 2.5 million Start-Stop batteries a year with plans to invest over the next five years.

“We estimate the global market will grow to 20 million Start-Stop batteries annually by 2015. In Europe alone, the market will reach 70 percent of new vehicle applications,” said Guillen. “Furthermore, in that same time period, Start-Stop vehicles with our batteries in them will lower CO2 emissions by 6.8 million tons and save more than 650 million gallons of fuel.”

As demand for Start-Stop grows, Johnson Controls says it will continue to work closely with its customers. The company launched a replacement range of products under its VARTA Start-Stop brand in May.

For more information about VARTA Start-Stop batteries, visit www.varta-automotive.com.