MANN+HUMMEL Features Environmental Progress in Filtration Products at SAE
DETROIT--Feb. 28, 2003--New filtration products based on advancements in environmental technology will be shown by MANN+HUMMEL at the 2003 SAE Congress and Exposition in Detroit.MANN+HUMMEL's new products on display at the SAE Congress and Expo will enable OEMs to achieve environmental benefits in weight savings, recyclability, more efficient combustion, and emissions control. They include:
| -- | Metal-free oil and fuel filter modules lighter in weight and easier to recycle than metal filters. |
| -- | Air filter systems that can help absorb hydrocarbons enabling OEMs to pass future emissions requirements. They can also be used for fuel cell applications. |
| -- | Cam covers which are lightweight and reduce engine noise. |
| -- | Cabin air filters protect car passengers from pollen, bacteria and spores as well as hazardous exhaust gases while contributing to improved concentration, health and safety on the road. |
"These are products that represent an environmental attitude that is thoroughly integrated into our company's entire global process," says Claude Mathieu, president and chief executive officer of MANN+HUMMEL AUTOMOTIVE, the North American arm of the German-based global supplier of components and systems that clean and purify air, gas and oil for automotive systems.
Environmental consciousness is much more than an added feature to certain products for MANN+HUMMEL, Mathieu emphasizes. The company's system of environmental managers and specialists was developed in Germany, but is now applied globally. They meet regularly on a national and global basis.
The environmental management system is globally led and coordinated by Alfred Pristl, based in the company's Ludwigsburg, Germany headquarters.
"Thirteen years ago, we began to implement environmental policies systematically. Quality, environmental consciousness and work security are integrated in a clearly defined management philosophy that permeates all of our decisions and activities," Pristl says. "This makes us an industry leader in terms of sustainability."
Of MANN+HUMMEL's global facilities, 15 have already achieved the internationally renowned ISO 14001 certification.
"The pressure on the industry to comply with advanced environmental standards is particularly high in the U.S.," says Pristl. "Customers expect environmentally conscious automobiles from the OEMs. Since much of an automobile's content is manufactured outside of their facilities, we as suppliers are expected to prove and document our achievements."
"Environmental consciousness has become a precondition to operate successfully in the European and North American marketplace," he notes.
"Environmentalist management tools and certificates have become almost an industry standard for suppliers, but true commitment requires more," Pristl says. "It is possible to meet these standards on paper without achieving true benefits. We believe that actual results must include the careful treatment of resources and a positive life-cycle assessment of our products."
MANN+HUMMEL expects global environmental trends to converge. High standards are being implemented for suppliers in Latin America as well as in Europe and North America.
One area where Europe is currently leading the industry is recycling of automobiles at the end of their life. OEMs are required to take their products back, and they are testing different approaches to turn scrap into new, precious resources. MANN+HUMMEL is part of this challenge as an aftermarket supplier of filter systems and is currently discussing concepts with automotive OEMs, as well as lawmakers and regulators.
"North American OEMs are increasingly interested in similar systems, even though they are not currently required by law," says Alfred Pristl.
MANN+HUMMEL is a long-time leader in the development and production of intake manifold systems made of composite materials instead of aluminum or magnesium alloys. The company uses thermoplastics which not only reduce weight, but also allow more flexible designs and also can incorporate active systems and "air flaps" which increase the overall efficiency of diesel and gasoline direct injection engines.
MANN+HUMMEL also offers closed crankcase ventilation systems, which are currently mandated in Europe and will be required in the U.S. These systems thoroughly filter blow-by gases and return them to the engine's intake air, preventing emission to the atmosphere. The company's "parallel cyclone" systems achieve 70 to 80 percent separation efficiency, and its high-quality fleece separators can achieve up to 95 percent.
"We believe our strengths lie in light-weight, highly durable, but easily recyclable components, as demonstrated by the products and concepts shown at this year's SAE," Pristl sums up. "With MANN+HUMMEL, environmental consciousness is integrated in every product and service."
About MANN+HUMMEL
The MANN+HUMMEL Group is an international company. In 2002, the company achieved sales of approximately $1.1 billion. The MANN+HUMMEL Group currently employs around 9,500 people at 41 locations worldwide. The company develops, produces and sells technically complex automotive components such as air filter systems, intake manifold systems, liquid filter systems and cabin filters for the automotive industry, and filter elements for vehicle servicing and repair. For general engineering, process engineering and industrial manufacturing sectors the company's product range includes industrial filters, filter systems, and materials handling systems and equipment. MANN+HUMMEL's customers come from a large number of sectors, with OEM supply for the automotive industry occupying a key position. Further information about MANN+HUMMEL can be found under http://www.mann-hummel.com.