Johnson Controls no longer manufactures automotive batteries. Its Power Solutions business was sold in 2019 to Brookfield and now operates as Clarios, which owns the battery brands previously produced under Johnson Controls. The most widely recognized brands in the current lineup include VARTA, Optima, Delkor, and EverStart (the Walmart private-label line) among others, with availability varying by region.
What happened to the Johnson Controls battery business?
In 2019, Johnson Controls completed the sale of its Power Solutions division, which produced automotive batteries, to Brookfield Business Partners. The successor company was rebranded as Clarios and expanded its global footprint, continuing to manufacture and distribute batteries under new and existing brand names. The change reflected a shift in corporate structure, not a disruption in battery production.
Which brands does Clarios own?
Clarios operates a diversified portfolio of automotive and consumer battery brands across different regions. The core brands commonly associated with Clarios include:
- VARTA
- Optima
- Delkor
- EverStart (Walmart’s private-label line in North America)
These brands illustrate Clarios’ global reach, spanning Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. Brand availability and specific product lines can vary by market and retailer agreements.
What this means for consumers and the market
For shoppers, the branding of automotive batteries may differ by country or retailer. The underlying manufacturing capability and supply come from Clarios, not Johnson Controls, which reflects the broader industry consolidation in the automotive-battery sector.
Summary
Johnson Controls no longer makes automotive batteries. Its former Power Solutions unit has become Clarios, a global battery manufacturer that markets several major brands, including VARTA, Optima, Delkor, and EverStart, with regional variations in availability.