Johnson Controls and Saft Advanced Power Solutions have invested $22.2 million into a new manufacturing plant dedicated exclusively to building lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery packs for cars. Johnson Controls and Saft expect most of the new batteries will be sold to GM, Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz for use in hybrid and electric cars.
The new plant will produce 5,000 batteries a year at first, although word is they could increase production if their customers start demanding more.
"This manufacturing facility demonstrates our ongoing commitment to hybrid technology," said Mary Ann Wright who leads the joint venture and is vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls' hybrid battery business. "We are the first company to produce the batteries for the automotive industry and have recently announced a number of production and development contracts. We are confident that we will continue to be a global leader in the development and manufacture of advanced energy solutions for automotive batteries that make cars more energy efficient."
The Li-Ion battery plant is located in Nersac, France.
Johnson Controls won a contract to provide Li-Ion batteries to Mercedes-Benz. They will be used in the S-class series of luxury hybrids. The company also is making batteries for Dodge Sprinters that are being tested in Los Angeles and New York, has a production contract with Chinese automaker Chery, and SAIC, has also asked Johnson Controls to supply batteries for hybrids.
Competitors include Cobasys, which makes batteries for GM. Panasonic, Sanyo and A123 Technologies are also involved in the new battery race. A123 won a battery contract last year for the Chevy Volt.
The new plant will produce 5,000 batteries a year at first, although word is they could increase production if their customers start demanding more.
"This manufacturing facility demonstrates our ongoing commitment to hybrid technology," said Mary Ann Wright who leads the joint venture and is vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls' hybrid battery business. "We are the first company to produce the batteries for the automotive industry and have recently announced a number of production and development contracts. We are confident that we will continue to be a global leader in the development and manufacture of advanced energy solutions for automotive batteries that make cars more energy efficient."
The Li-Ion battery plant is located in Nersac, France.
Johnson Controls won a contract to provide Li-Ion batteries to Mercedes-Benz. They will be used in the S-class series of luxury hybrids. The company also is making batteries for Dodge Sprinters that are being tested in Los Angeles and New York, has a production contract with Chinese automaker Chery, and SAIC, has also asked Johnson Controls to supply batteries for hybrids.
Competitors include Cobasys, which makes batteries for GM. Panasonic, Sanyo and A123 Technologies are also involved in the new battery race. A123 won a battery contract last year for the Chevy Volt.
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