Johnson Controls supplying AGM batteries to Chery Jaguar Land Rover

Johnson Controls, the world’s leading supplier of automotive batteries, will provide its Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery technology to Chery Jaguar Land Rover for fitment in vehicles manufactured in China for the domestic market, including those with Start-Stop technology.

“Johnson Controls is providing energy storage solutions to help our automotive customers meet increasingly stringent fuel economy and emissions standards,” said Deborah Roberts, vice-president and general manager Original Equipment, Johnson Controls Power Solutions, China. “Our AGM batteries have more robust cycling capability to meet the needs of Start-Stop vehicles as well as provide outstanding performance for vehicles with the most sophisticated power demands.”

 AGM batteries are the power source of choice for Start-Stop vehicles. Initially launched in Europe, Johnson Controls has manufactured more than 18 million AGM batteries since 2001 and now produces more than 4.5 million annually in Europe.

 AGM batteries used in a Start-Stop system help reduce fuel consumption as the engine shuts off when the vehicle comes to a stop in traffic or at a red light. The battery restarts the engine when the driver’s foot releases the brake pedal or engages the clutch.

 “Our advanced battery AGM technology can help  consumers save five to eight  per cent in their vehicle fuel costs every year as well as helping them reduce their CO2 emissions,” said Roberts. Globally, over the next five years, Johnson Controls calculates that Start-Stop vehicles with its AGM batteries will reduce CO2 emissions by 11.4 million tonnes and save more than 5.5 billion litres of fuel.

 Johnson Controls estimates the global Start-Stop market for new, AGM battery-powered vehicles could reach 35 million annually by 2017. To support this growth, it is investing US$520 million globally to increase production in the US, Europe and China.