SAFT GROUPE : Fleet of commercial trucks to be powered by Johnson Controls-Saft and Azure Dynamics advanced hybrid technology

PR Newswire/Les Echos/

N° JCS-09-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Johnson Controls
          Rebecca Fitzgerald
          [phone]
          [e-mail]

          Azure Dynamics
          Pat Liebler
          248-229-4418
          [e-mail] 

          Saft
          Jill Ledger
          + 33 1 49 93 17 77
          [e-mail] 

Fleet of commercial trucks to be powered by Johnson Controls-Saft and Azure
Dynamics advanced hybrid technology

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jan. 13, 2009 - Johnson Controls-Saft and Azure Dynamics
Inc (AZD) today announced a new supply agreement that will provide some of the
world's most advanced lithium-ion (Li-Ion) hybrid battery technology to power
commercial vehicles in North America. The five-year supply agreement signals
progress in the development of a U.S. supply base to help build an 
infrastructure for development and manufacture of hybrid electric vehicles.

"As more and more consumers demand energy-efficient vehicles, it is also
critical that commercial fleets do their part to reduce their reliance on
foreign oil while also improving the impact they have on the environment," said
Mary Ann Wright, who leads the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture and is vice
president and general manager of Johnson Controls hybrid business. "This is
great progress for the U.S. supply base."

Most current hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology uses nickel metal hydride
batteries. Lithium-ion offers a lighter, more powerful design with a longer life
than most current technologies and is viewed as the technology of choice to
power plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the near future. Johnson Controls-Saft
is the world's leading independent supplier of Li-Ion batteries for hybrid
electric vehicles with multiple production and development contracts with global
automakers.

The battery pack supplied by Johnson Controls-Saft complements Azure's
leadership and extensive experience in the growing hybrid electric commercial
vehicle market. Azure is committed to the development and production of hybrid
electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles.
The resultant turnkey battery solution offers a lighter, more powerful design
with a longer life than most current technologies, enabling Azure to deliver
measurable performance and emission improvements to its customers.

The 345-volt battery system will utilize advanced Li-Ion cell technology
optimized for life, power, and reliability. The cell design was supported
through Johnson Controls-Saft's partnership with the United States Advanced
Battery Consortium and the Department of Energy to develop advanced energy
storage technology for electrified powertrain vehicles. The robust battery pack
is designed to mount under the vehicle body and can withstand road debris and
water spray and submersion. Azure will utilize the pack on its current 
Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric and future hybrid platforms. The company's 
vehicles are in operation for major fleet customers like AT&T, Con Edison, 
FedEx Express and Purolator Couriers.

"All indicators point to continued growth in the hybrid electric vehicle
commercial sector," said Curt Huston, Azure's Chief Operating Officer.
"Industry-wide, the requisite battery packs have been a constraint. Now, via
this agreement, Azure is assured of high-quality battery packs with predictable
deliveries and a cost structure that will appeal to both current and potential
customers."

In addition to fuel savings and environmental benefits, Azure's Balance(TM) 
Hybrid Electric technology can reduce vehicle maintenance costs by 
approximately 30 percent, further reducing overall fleet operating costs.

Increased public pressure and government attention on more efficient,
environmentally-friendly vehicles is propelling the HEV marketplace. Commercial
transportation in an urban environment accounts for only 12 percent of total
miles driven, yet is responsible for 25 percent of total greenhouse emissions.
Azure is focused on HEV commercial delivery vehicles as well as HEV shuttle
buses that run in urban settings. The new battery pack is designed to also be
compatible for service upgrades to Azure's existing vehicles.

The complete battery systems, including electronics, electrical and mechanical
components will be assembled at the Johnson Controls-Saft facility in Milwaukee,
WI.

About Azure Dynamics
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) (LSE: ADC) (OTCQX: AZDDF) is a world
leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric
components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is
strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets
and is currently working internationally with various partners and customers.
The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative,
cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly energy management solutions. For
more information, please visit www.azuredynamics.com.

About Johnson Controls-Saft
Johnson Controls-Saft is a joint venture that has brought together Johnson
Controls -- the world's leading supplier of automotive batteries and a company
deeply experienced in integrated automotive systems solutions -- with Saft, an
advanced energy storage solutions provider with extensive Li-ion battery
expertise.



About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of
high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance
applications such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation,
space and defence. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium
batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a
wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised
advanced technologies for the defence and space industries. With approximately
4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing
sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers
worldwide.
Saft is listed on the Paris Stock Market. The stock is listed in the SBF 120
index.

For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com 

About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the
places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products
and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships
between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a
more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services
for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial
buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental
stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and
the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information,
please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.
                      
The content and accuracy of news releases published on this site and/or 
distributed by PR Newswire or its partners are the sole responsibility of the 
originating company or organisation. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the 
accuracy of our services, such releases are not actively monitored or reviewed 
by PR Newswire or its partners and under no circumstances shall PR Newswire or 
its partners be liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of such 
information. All information should be checked prior to publication.