BV Chassis Under Saturn SUV

DETROIT--BV Chassis Systems LLC, a joint venture between The Budd Co. and Visteon Corp., will supply Saturn’s first sport utility vehicle--called the VUE--with a fully independent rear suspension module system.

Budd and Visteon will collaboratively engineer and customize the chassis modules and systems specifically for the VUE. Budd supplies the subframe, while Visteon will supply the control arms and stabilizer bars. The two companies will collaborate to provide program management and systems integration. The components will be integrated into a single modular system that helps optimize the performance of the SUV’s chassis and rear suspension.

The components from Budd and Visteon will be shipped to the BV facility in Columbia, Tenn., about 17 miles from Saturn’s assembly plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., where BV will provide in-line vehicle sequencing. The 2002 Saturn VUE will be in dealerships near the end of this year.

“We are excited to participate in the new Saturn SUV program and to apply our chassis and structural expertise to the vehicle’s modular design,” said Siegfried Buschmann, Budd’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“We also are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Saturn as they introduce their new SUV to the market,” said Michael Johnston, president and chief operating officer for Visteon. “By leveraging our resources and chassis system expertise, we can provide our customers with revolutionary modular design solutions.”

To help Saturn create “a different kind” of SUV, BV will integrate a fully independent suspension module system engineered to enhance both the ride and handling of the vehicle.

To view more about the VUE, contact www.saturn.com.